Shelby Haas Lawsuit, Business Partner Sues for $50K+ Over She Sells Academy Split
A Miami entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar sales training empire is now fighting a lawsuit from her former business partner who claims she secretly launched a competing company and cut him out of their original venture.
Gueorgui Stoitzev filed a complaint against Shelby Haas-Sapp and She Sells Academy LLC, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation of trade secrets in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. The case, filed in September 2024, centers on what Stoitzev describes as a partnership betrayal that cost him his share of a thriving online education business.
What the Shelby Haas Lawsuit Is About
Here’s what you need to know right now:
The Players: Gueorgui Stoitzev (plaintiff) claims he partnered with Shelby Haas-Sapp to create Girl Sales Boss LLC, an online academy teaching women remote sales skills. The business grew to generate millions in revenue before the partnership allegedly fell apart.
The Allegations: Stoitzev alleges multiple causes of action including breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of oral contract, unjust enrichment, and promissory estoppel. He claims Haas-Sapp secretly started She Sells Academy while still operating Girl Sales Boss, then abruptly left the original company.
The Money: The case seeks damages exceeding $50,000, though social media discussions have speculated about higher amounts. A settlement agreement mentioning $6,500 appeared in court documents, though the full case remains active.
Current Status: As of January 2025, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The case is presiding under Judge Robert Watson in Miami-Dade County.
Timeline: How the Partnership Allegedly Unraveled
According to allegations circulating on legal discussion platforms, here’s how events reportedly unfolded:
2023-Early 2024: Stoitzev and Haas-Sapp allegedly agreed to a 50/50 partnership creating Girl Sales Boss LLC, focused on training women for remote sales positions.
Spring 2024: The business scaled to multiple millions in revenue, per online discussions of the case.
Mid-2024: Blake Rocha allegedly approached Haas-Sapp with an offer for 65% ownership in a new venture—She Sells Academy—plus no profit share until the business hit $150,000 monthly revenue.
August-September 2024: Haas-Sapp allegedly formed She Sells Academy LLC while continuing to operate Girl Sales Boss, according to the plaintiff’s version of events.
September 12, 2024: Stoitzev filed the lawsuit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
October 2024: Settlement discussions appear in court filings, though the case continues.
January 2025: Defense files motion to dismiss.
Legal Claims Explained in Plain English
The lawsuit includes six counts. Here’s what each one means:
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: When business partners owe each other a duty of loyalty and trust, secretly competing or diverting opportunities can violate that duty. Stoitzev alleges Haas-Sapp breached this obligation by starting a competing business.
Misappropriation of Trade Secrets: This involves wrongfully taking confidential business information—like customer lists, training materials, or business strategies—and using them elsewhere. The complaint references Florida’s trade secret laws.
Breach of Oral Contract: Even without written agreements, verbal promises can be legally binding. Stoitzev claims an oral partnership agreement was violated.
Unjust Enrichment: This legal theory says one party shouldn’t profit unfairly at another’s expense. The claim suggests Haas-Sapp benefited from Stoitzev’s work without fair compensation.
Promissory Estoppel: If someone relies on a promise to their detriment, they may have legal recourse even without a formal contract.
These claims often appear together in business litigation cases involving partnership disputes.
What Is She Sells Academy?
She Sells Academy (now branded as She Sells Remote) is an online training program teaching women high-ticket remote sales skills. The program costs approximately $5,000 and includes:
- Three-month certification course
- Remote sales techniques training
- Job placement assistance through a portal
- Coaching from successful graduates
The academy has generated significant social media attention, with Shelby Haas-Sapp building a following through TikTok and Instagram content about sales careers and financial independence for women.
The Settlement Attempt That Didn’t Stick
Court documents show defendants agreed to pay plaintiff $6,500 by certified funds on or before October 7, 2024. However, the case remained open, suggesting either the settlement fell through or only resolved part of the dispute.
Settlement agreements in business cases often face complications when parties disagree about breach terms or when new claims emerge during negotiations.
What Former Students and Critics Are Saying
Online discussions about the lawsuit have sparked broader conversations about She Sells Academy’s effectiveness:
Skeptical Reviews: Some Reddit users and review sites claim success rates are low, with critics suggesting less than 1% of students achieve significant income.
Positive Testimonials: The academy’s Trustpilot page shows 4.5 stars with supporters praising the training and community.
Industry Debate: The case has intensified scrutiny of online coaching businesses, particularly those teaching “high-ticket sales” skills.
Similar controversies have affected other online education businesses, as seen in class action settlements over misleading marketing claims.
How Business Partnership Disputes Usually Play Out
Based on similar cases, here’s what typically happens:
Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange documents, emails, contracts, and financial records. This process often reveals the full story behind partnership breakups.
Mediation Attempts: Courts frequently require alternative dispute resolution before trial. Many cases settle during this phase.
Motion Practice: Defendants often file motions to dismiss, arguing claims lack legal merit. The defense filed such a motion in January 2025.
Settlement or Trial: Most business disputes settle. If not, a judge or jury decides damages.
For business owners facing similar situations, understanding breach of fiduciary duty in partnerships is crucial.
The Broader Impact on Online Education Businesses
This case highlights common risks in digital education partnerships:
Intellectual Property Issues: Who owns course content, customer lists, and training materials when partners split?
Non-Compete Considerations: Can former partners start competing businesses? Florida law has specific rules about non-compete agreements.
Oral vs. Written Agreements: The lawsuit reportedly involves an oral partnership agreement, which can be difficult to prove or enforce.
Social Media Reputation: High-profile lawsuits can damage brand credibility, affecting student enrollment and revenue.
What Happens Next?
The case faces several potential outcomes:
Motion to Dismiss Ruling: Judge Watson must decide whether the plaintiff’s claims have legal merit to proceed.
Amended Settlement: Parties may negotiate a higher settlement to resolve all claims.
Trial: If settlement fails, the case could go to trial in 2025, with a jury determining damages.
Appeals: Either side could appeal unfavorable rulings, potentially extending litigation for years.
Court records show the case remains open with active filings, meaning resolution could take months or longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shelby Haas being sued for fraud?
The lawsuit includes claims for breach of fiduciary duty, trade secret misappropriation, and contract violations—not criminal fraud. These are civil business disputes.
How much is the Shelby Haas lawsuit worth?
Court documents indicate damages exceeding $50,000, though the exact amount sought isn’t publicly specified. Social media speculation about higher amounts isn’t confirmed by official filings.
Did Shelby Haas settle the lawsuit?
A settlement agreement mentioning $6,500 appeared in October 2024 court filings, but the case remains active, suggesting the settlement either fell through or was only partial.
Can you still join She Sells Academy during the lawsuit?
Yes, She Sells Academy continues operating. The lawsuit is a business dispute between former partners and doesn’t affect current students or enrollment.
What is Girl Sales Boss LLC?
Girl Sales Boss LLC was the original company allegedly co-founded by Stoitzev and Haas-Sapp before She Sells Academy was created. The lawsuit centers on claims about how that partnership ended.
Who is Blake Rocha in this lawsuit?
Blake Rocha is named as a co-defendant and allegedly offered Haas-Sapp a deal to start She Sells Academy with 65% ownership, according to court filings.
Where can I read the court documents?
The case (2024-017537-CA-01) is publicly available through Miami-Dade County Circuit Court records and legal databases like Trellis.Law and Unicourt.
Does this affect other online course creators?
The case serves as a cautionary tale about partnership agreements, intellectual property protection, and non-compete clauses in the online education industry.
Key Takeaways for Business Partners
Whether you’re launching an online course, coaching program, or any joint venture, this case offers important lessons:
✓ Put agreements in writing: Oral partnerships are harder to enforce and interpret during disputes
✓ Define ownership clearly: Specify who owns intellectual property, customer relationships, and revenue streams
✓ Include exit provisions: Plan for partnership dissolution before conflicts arise
✓ Understand fiduciary duties: Partners owe each other loyalty—competing secretly can trigger lawsuits
✓ Document everything: Emails, texts, and financial records become crucial evidence in disputes
For more on protecting yourself in business partnerships, review guides on breach of contract claims and business litigation strategies.
The Bottom Line
The Shelby Haas lawsuit represents a growing trend: successful online entrepreneurs facing legal battles with former partners over business splits. While She Sells Academy continues operating and Haas-Sapp maintains her social media presence, the legal dispute underscores how quickly seven-figure businesses can become embroiled in costly litigation.
For anyone considering joining She Sells Academy or similar programs, this lawsuit doesn’t necessarily indicate fraud or illegal activity—it’s a business dispute between former partners with different versions of what happened. The courts will ultimately decide who’s right.
As the case progresses through Miami-Dade Circuit Court, expect more filings, possible settlement negotiations, and potentially a trial that could reveal more details about what really happened when Girl Sales Boss became She Sells Academy.
Last Updated: November 2025 | Case Number: 2024-017537-CA-01 | Court: Miami-Dade County Circuit Court
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court proceedings are ongoing and allegations have not been proven in court.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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