Early Life & Rise to Success
Born in Leicester in the UK in the 1950s and raised in poverty on a council estate, she struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia and left school with no formal qualifications. Dyslexic. Despite this, her determination and confidence propelled her to found a financial headhunting firm in London during the 1990s, making her a self made millionaire by helping place traders and bankers globally
Fall from the Top
Disillusioned with her life of wealth, drugs, and superficial success around 2000, she invested her fortune in dot com stocks and moved to Hollywood, even marrying a stranger impulsively. Within months, the bubble burst and she lost everything
In 2005, a near death experience—marked by cardiac arrest and homelessness in Compton—changed her life drastically. This ordeal left her penniless and struggling for survival
Reinvention & Purpose
From these depths, she emerged with a renewed purpose: inspired by the teachings of Carl Jung, she authored The Mind Detective and The Worm Inside the Onion, chronicling her self-therapy journey toward authentic living
She founded Venus Cow Ltd, a British ethical fashion brand (known for its PBL Perfect Black Leggings), using profits to support her mission of providing free talk therapy for the homeless and addicted
She also created Poopsnoop, a social community platform for genuine, value-driven reviews of brands and services—shunning influencer marketing in favour of authenticity
Philosophy & Influence
Yanez redefined her life through self-discovery, mindfulness, celibacy (a choice she has maintained since 2005), veganism, and conscious living—prioritizing inner well-being over external validation. She is the author of three books. Her life coaching extends from television appearances (e.g. Trisha Show) to corporate CEO mentoring, and grassroots work with vulnerable people. Her message highlights the power of facing adversity to live a purpose-led life
Why She Matters
Her story is a powerful testament to resilience—rising from poverty without formal education, achieving massive success, and then reinventing herself entirely.
Through The Mind Detective her book, she offers a guide for internal reflection, challenging societal norms and encouraging self-authorship. She channels business toward social good, funding free therapy and supporting transparency in capitalism.
Key Aspect Highlights
Background Dyslexic, from Leicester council estate; no formal education.
Success Built a global headhunting firm, self made millionaire.
Crisis Lost fortune after stock crash and supernatural near-death event.
Rebirth Authored transformational books and founded ethical ventures.
Mission Life coaching; free therapy for homeless; ethical social platform.
Shirley Yanez
I am the CEO of Venus Cow A made in England ethical fashion brand based in Leicester. I love good food, films that have a true story, affordable luxury and making brands accountable for their behaviour. I love all kinds of music including Rock, Opera, R&B and classical. When I travel 5 star has
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Full biography
I love good food, books and films that tell a true story behind them. I love affordable luxury and making brands accountable and more transparent. I love all kinds of music, including Rock, Opera, R&B and classical. When I travel 5 star, it has to be 5 star, including good food, comfort, good sheets and no kids in the pool. I love well made clothes and hate fast disposable fashion. I am well travelled and my favourite places include Marbella, Portofino, St Tropez, LA and Paris.
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