Black Business and Beyond: Shelah Marie

This is a new segment of my blog called "Black Business and Beyond". It serves as an outlet to showcase fresh, young black people and the talents they possess, their business orient and the proof that black youth have people like them working towards feasible goals!

SHELAH MARIE

So I came across Shelah on Instagram; she posted a photo of her beautiful body and I checked out the post to be refreshed to find she was actually opening up about her issues with self esteem, body image and depression. Black woman are stigmatized for being tough and shelled off from emotions; it was contrary to see her being so transparent about these issues that are taboo to speak about in many black communities. As and actress, writer and educator, Shelah creates spaces for black women to heal, which is a critical place for true growth and self identity. Interviewing her was fun and I appreciate her authenticity, charm and sweet personality. In the entertainment industry it can be very cold cut and hearted, but Shelah opposes those ways and sticks to trying to further understand herself and helping others by being honest in her expressive journey.

This was her interview (paraphrased):

Q: You speak a lot on depression, body image and self esteem. Would you consider yourself an advocate/activist on these topics?
A: I appreciate that thought, but those are things I personally go through. It is a selfish thing but I allow for me to slip into myself and that opens up avenues for healing for others. It helps me with the journey I'm going through. By doing so I empower others along the way.

Q: What are your talents/occupations?
A: I'm a writer/playwright, actress (of my own work and auditions), and an educator. I teach kids about various themes in theatre and drama.

Q: What are your long term goals?
A: To keep empowering women through feminism and personal power with acting with the different roles I play. I want to create a space for healing; everything I do is intended for healing.

Q: How are you actively working towards your goals?
A: Definitely through Instagram. I am developing myself as a public figure and I can talk about certain things; I can spark things. I'm also reaching them by everything I'm doing now. I have international workshops and a podcast that'll be launching in two weeks. I just want to take everything to the next level.

Q: Do you believe you have fans? If so how do they inspire you/influence what you do?
A: If I didn't have fans, I wouldn't be a public figure. They inspire me because I appreciate them all and the love they give me. I admit it can be overwhelming at times, with all the emails and direct messages, but I try to show love to them all.

Q: Who are your career role models?
A: A marriage of Iyanla Vanzant, Oprah, Angela Bassett [she doesn't play just any role] and Kate Winslit [she doesn't want her images Photo shopped].

Q: What message do you want to tell the world?
A: Love yourself, be kind to yourself and learn to dance with your fear.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Dance in my room to music, watch documentaries and eat food.

Q: What mystical creature would you become?
A: Whatever Octavia Butler was in "Wild Seed"! She had the ability to transform herself; it is like Mystique but with more intuition.

Q: If you had to choose one food and drink to eat for a year, which would they be?
A: White rice and coffee. I love white rice and I already drink coffee everyday.

Q: How does it feel to be my first "Black Business and Beyond" interview?
A: Great! I'm excited to read the article.

That was basically the great conversation I got to have with Shelah. I am honored to have her as my first interview in this segment of my blog. She epitomizes what it is to truly be a black woman and I know she will go far in her life and career if she keeps true to herself and shares it with the world.

Connect with her more through Instagram @theshelahmarie and her site www.shelahmarie.com. Look out for her podcast launching in a couple weeks as well : The Curvy and Curly Chronicles!