The Power of Visual Storytelling

Shenelle Rodrigo is making an impact in the world of content creation by bringing the untold stories of Sri Lanka to a global audience, blending purpose with commercial sense to build a sustainable venture.

Shenelle founded Sheneller.com to address a crucial gap: the lack of independent, authentic voices from Sri Lanka representing the country’s rich culture and history, especially in times of crisis. 

The catalyst for Shenelle’s work came during the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic when international media often portrayed Sri Lanka in a negative light. Shenelle and her husband and business partner, Shehaan Thaahir, recognized the need for a local perspective to counteract this narrative.

Monetizing their content was a daunting task. Shenelle and Shehaan, who lacked formal training in photography or videography, had to teach themselves these skills while also working on growing their platform. They began by creating brand videos for hotels, which helped fund their travels and content creation efforts. Over time, their persistence paid off, and their YouTube channel started to gain traction.

As their platform grew, so did their business. Today, they have not only monetized on YouTube but also collaborated with major brands, integrating these partnerships into their authentic storytelling. They have built a community of over half a million followers across social media platforms, with an audience that extends beyond Sri Lanka to the global diaspora.

One of the most rewarding moments for Shenelle came when a Sri Lankan woman, who had left the country during the 1983 riots, reached out to say that Shenelle’s videos had reignited her desire to return home with her children and reconnect with their heritage. This is the kind of impact that drives Shenelle and Shehaan to keep telling Sri Lanka’s story—showing the world what makes the island unique, beyond the headlines and stereotypes.