Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shonda Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Shonda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
When the Keil Auditorium was for sale and I purchased it, I was skeptical, but I purchased it. Living up history of St.Louis,Mo I knew I was the person for the job. A lot of people knew me or and knew me,but most definitely didn’t know,my history and ties in the entertainment industry. I was asked questions, about how I was going to bring entertainment and people was, throwing names and groups towards me,that they wanted to see. No imposters. I amazed them every time. When I bought Pattie LaBelle,they knew I was real about the acts,that I booked
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I grew up,in a family of entertainment. My great grandma is Ethel Water ,she was known for movies, theatrical and music. Then my grandma and her friends,had their own group, nothing to big,then there is my mother Betty Wright the blues singer. I had inherited the famous music label Motown and I appreciated those people whom had been with Motown all those years. Diana Ross, Pattie LaBelle ,Smokey Robinson, Jackson5 ,Gladys Knight didn’t have a problem with my age and me running my company, because I looked out for their interest and better pay,times was changing. Currently the Keil Auditorium is known as the Stifel Theatre and holds numerous types of acts,such music concerts, theatrical plays, dancing shows,and comedy acts. The Stifel Theatre can also be used to hold speaking events.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
In life I found myself caring so much,about my employees and I had to learn to step back from that, because I was the one being taken, people got to know me and what I care about,to get my attention, for their skimming.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Life had,started to hit me hard,I couldn’t trust babysitter’s with my children while I worked. Then my 2 of my children got kidnapped and it broke up,inside. I started saying forget everything and I was noticing everything as a attack against me and my children. One day,I showed up at the Stifel Theatre to let Pattie LaBelle and my employees in and a small situation escalated, because I fed up and felt alone. Pattie LaBelle held me and I cried so bad. I later apologized with cards to everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: theinfamousshondawilliams.com
- Instagram: Brands By Shonda
- Facebook: Shonda Williams
- Linkedin: Shonda Williams
- Twitter: @I_amShonda
- Youtube: Shonda Williams
- Other: TikTok : shondawilliams2020
Image Credits
Shonda Williams