Today we’d like to introduce you to Marti Sherell.
Hi Marti, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Before I was three years old, someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. And without hesitation, I said:
“A piano bar singer.”
At that age, I wasn’t thinking about technique or career paths. I was mesmerized by the glamour — the long dresses, the gloves, the elegance, the way a woman could hold a room with a microphone in one hand and a long smoking cigarette holder in the other. I didn’t understand the music yet, but I understood the magic. And then, like many childhood dreams, I tucked it away and never thought about it again.
Life took me in a different direction.
I spent most of my adult life in corporate America, working in the legal and government contracting fields. I built a career rooted in discipline, professionalism, and precision — skills that would later become part of my artistry. Even while working full-time, I stayed active musically: singing lead in churches, performing at private events, and taking on casual bookings whenever they came. Music was always there, always calling, even when my career was somewhere else.
My journey included live performances with Soul Nation, where I was first called in as a last-minute fill-in. That first appearance was unpaid, but the impression wasn’t. I was invited back in subsequent years — this time as a paid performer — an early affirmation that my voice carried weight and my presence resonated.
Today, I’m stepping into a new chapter as a recording and performing artist. I’m bringing decades of vocal experience into the jazz and entertainment space while building a brand that reflects my artistry and my story. My recent performances have shown my ability to move naturally between genres, command a room, and use dynamics, phrasing, and storytelling to make familiar songs feel personal and new.
My philosophy is simple:
I don’t just sing a song — I tell its story.
That belief shapes the experiences I’m creating now. I envision intimate rooms where jazz, soul, storytelling, and genuine human connection come together — spaces that feel warm, intentional, and alive. Instead of waiting for someone else to create the atmosphere I imagined as a child, I’m building it myself.
And now, in pre-retirement — in the season where most people slow down — that childhood dream has come full circle.
The little girl who was enthralled by the glamour of a piano bar singer is still singing. But now she’s designing the room, setting the tone, and building the stage herself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. My journey has been full of detours, discipline, and self‑discovery. I grew up singing constantly — even teaching my sisters to harmonize — but life took me into corporate America, where I spent decades in legal and government contracting. Music lived in the background while I built a career. Married life and raising three children also needed priority, so if I hadn’t done it before them, it wasn’t happening.
Even then, I worked on my voice. I had vocal coaches, mentors, tutorials, and daily vocal exercises. I kept practice CDs in my car and trained whenever I could. My formal start was in high school, where I was the lead singer for two years. I sang operatic and controlled because that’s what was required, but it wasn’t my true voice. I didn’t find freedom until I stopped mimicking other artists and started interpreting songs my own way.
I also carried insecurities — including being self‑conscious about a crooked tooth — which made me hesitant to pursue singing more publicly. Those small fears can feel big when you’re young.
So no, the road wasn’t smooth. But every challenge, every delay, and every moment of growth shaped the artist I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Marti Sherell and a vocalist, creative director, and storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of music, atmosphere, and narrative. I specialize in intimate, emotionally connected performance experiences rooted in jazz, soul, and expressive interpretation. I’m known for taking familiar songs and making them feel personal and new through phrasing, dynamics, and storytelling.
My creative world extends beyond the stage into two core brands:
Bojiis Business Affairs focuses on intimate event décor and creative direction. Even in large spaces, we design environments that feel elegant, warm, and close — “intimate elegance” is our signature. Our work has touched venues like the Gaylord, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Preserve, Holiday Inn, and others, always with an eye toward atmosphere and experience.
J💜MA House is my literary and storytelling vein—children’s books and future adult literature rooted in life lessons and emotional truth. J💜MA stands for Journeyed “Love” Manifested Achievements, and it reflects my belief that learning should be lived, not drilled. It’s fun, stimulating, and woven into everyday routines so that you don’t even realize you’re learning; you’re just experiencing life more deeply.
What I’m most proud of is that my artistry is holistic. I don’t just sing; I build worlds. Through music, décor, and literature, I create spaces—physical and emotional—where people can feel, learn, connect, and be moved. I don’t compare myself to other artists; everyone has their own lane. What makes my work distinct is the intentional storytelling woven through every part of the experience. In my set for “Lock My Heart,” I use a raffle moment where one person is chosen to ‘find’ the key and return it so I can unlock my heart again — and they’re rewarded. It creates suspense, participation, and a shared narrative. It’s not about being different from others; it’s about crafting experiences that stay with people long after the moment is over.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that confidence changes everything. I spent years developing my voice, and once I truly found it — and once my smile was fixed — my confidence shifted. I don’t entertain worrying about critics or who vibed with me. I’m not trying to have a permanent seat anyone’s table, but I’ll eat there. I build my own table, and you can reciprocate if you choose. I’ve learned to embrace being Marti Sherell, fully and unapologetically, and to trust that what’s for me is already mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bojiis.com/contact-us-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marti_sherell_sings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartiSherellLive
