Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Shell Williams

Hi Shelly Shell , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I love this question because it actually took me back down memory lane.
When I think of how I got to where I am today, I would have to say God played a pivotal role. As a child growing up plus-sized, I often found myself saying “no” to things I longed to do out of fear of being teased. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be considered a “legend” in Philadelphia, but God had other plans.

My mom had a clear path for me: go to school and get a job—a safe path. However, destiny led me to 3900 Main Street in Manayunk at WGTW TV 48. This happened by chance, traveling with my sister, Monica, and through my friendship with Ed Brunson, founder of Urban X-pressions and son of Dorothy E. Brunson, the first African American woman in the nation to own a TV station.

I owe a great deal to Ed Brunson, affectionately known as “ED Box,” for believing in me. He gave me a chance and allowed me to carry on his vision. I began my journey in TV as an intern, working tirelessly, learning, and evolving at what I fondly call “Urban X-pressions University,” eventually becoming the Executive Producer.

Urban X-pressions may not be a household name globally, but to Philadelphia and the tri-state area, it is legendary. As rapper Meek Mill put it, “You can’t front on Urban X-pressions; they held you down when you ain’t have cable.” Founded in 1992 by Ed Brunson, it is a music video show that aired every Saturday from 11 pm to 1 am, the only live show on Philly TV at the time. Since we were live, legends like LL Cool J stopped by, and I’ve had unforgettable moments, like standing on stage with Jay Z during the Philly stop of the Hanger Tour.

I’m known as Shelly Shell Williams, Philly’s O.P.R.A.H.—an acronym for Online Media Monetization Coach, Publisher @urbanxpressions Resource Agency 4 Influencers, Author, Host/Speaker. Why Philly’s O.P.R.A.H.? Long story short, when I was launching into my new role as a coach and course creator after being laid off from my corporate job as a creative, social media, and community relations manager, I was searching for a moniker to describe me. I admire Melinda Emerson, known as the Small Biz Lady, and within one week, two or three people said I was like Oprah or Philly’s Oprah. That was the confirmation I needed. I put my marketing skills to work, started branding, and declared that the first time I was introduced as Philly’s Oprah without prompting, it would solidify my status as a true social media marketer. I recall the first time it happened, and it’s been happening ever since.

My journey from media to my current roles—Monetization Coach, best-selling author, publisher of Urban X-pressions NewsMag, keynote speaker, actress in KingFish 2, Stick Up Boy, Shattered Reflections and host —has been nothing short of an adventure. It’s ironic that I once failed at Temple because I spent more time talking and socializing than studying, yet I’ve been able to guest lecture there. Depending on when you read this, I will be Dr. Shelly Shell Williams. I am also a candidate for my doctorate from Good Life Christian University in Christian Leadership in Business; the ceremony will be held in August 2024.

Above all, I am a child of the Most High God, with daily prayers on Instagram. My journey, which continues, is nothing short of miraculous. Reflecting on it, I realize how every step was divinely orchestrated.

And if you’re wondering about my age, don’t count the years—I’m Forever 21! That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

Smooth road? lol, Not at all. From car repossession to having my house up for foreclosure, my journey has been full of ebbs and flows, which is a part of business. We’ve survived through floods, fires, mishaps, and station sales.

One of the biggest struggles was in 2004 when Dorothy Brunson, owner of WGTW TV 48—the station that aired our show Urban X-pressions—decided to sell the station. This meant I would lose my income source. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. It happened during a tumultuous time in my life when I fell down my stairs, broke my ankle, had to have surgery, and couldn’t walk. Adding to the chaos, my fiancé left our home, leaving me with no income, no show, a mortgage, a car note, and bills.

But I wasn’t ready to give up on the show. With a few suggestions from a friend named Covington, I put together a demo with my sister driving me and Bruce Davis editing. We presented it to WYBE TV Channel 35, and we were back on the air. However, rebuilding took time. During this period, my minivan was repossessed, and I had to file for bankruptcy to keep my home. But through it all, my faith in God brought us through.

Once back on TV, we remained on WYBE until 2008 or 2009, when they changed formats, and we had to find another station. Our next stop was Telemundo, where we became the only English-speaking show on the network.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have invested more in tech and listened to our creative director and host of Urban X-pressions, who suggested getting online and going to YouTube. Well, now I know, and I teach it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?

I am Shelly Shell Williams, and I am passionate about empowering others through media and education. My journey began with a simple question I used to get frequently: “How can I get on TV?” To answer that, I founded X-pressions, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and mentoring youth and adults from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

What do you do, and what do you specialize in?

Our mission at X-pressions, Inc. encapsulates our motto: “Educate, Illuminate, and Motivate.” We provide programs that promote an understanding of broadcasting, communications, and entertainment. Our programs are designed to offer hands-on work experience for college students and to empower youth and adults by exposing them to exciting career opportunities in media, music, and entertainment. We keep our participants entertained while they learn, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

What sets you apart from others?

What sets us apart is our long-standing commitment to mentorship and practical learning. Since 1998, we have trained countless individuals through our Urban X-pressions program. We offer teachings of hope and career enrichment to people from diverse backgrounds. We have a unique blend of educational programs and real-world experience that not only equips our participants with skills but also inspires them to believe in their potential.

What are you most proud of brand-wise?

Brand-wise, I am incredibly proud of the diverse platforms and programs we have developed under the Urban X-pressions umbrella, including:

Urban X-pressions NewsMag
Urban X-pressions Radio
Urban X-pressions Membership
Single On a Saturday Night (a relationship talk show)
Move 2 Lose
Motivation Monday Network
Loving My Health Expo

These platforms have allowed us to reach a broad audience and make a significant impact in our community.

What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, and services?

I want readers to know that I am a one-stop shop for media exposure and media coaching. Through my Relationships to Revenue coaching program, I teach people how to monetize their social media, helping them transition from a poverty mindset to one of abundance and possibility. This program has been extremely successful, leveraging my extensive experience in media to free people from limiting beliefs and empower them to achieve financial independence. I have a best-selling book, Interview Your Way to Instagram Growth, available on Amazon.

My journey from traditional media to social media monetization has been driven by a passion to teach and uplift others. Before social media made TV accessible to everyone, I was already helping people break into the industry. Now, I continue that mission with my coaching program, offering a proven path to success in today’s digital landscape.

By combining my deep understanding of media with a commitment to mentorship and practical experience, I have created a unique and impactful platform that transforms lives. I invite you to join us and discover the possibilities for yourself. Urbanxpressions.com

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Dorothy Brunson, the first African American to own a TV and radio station, once said, “The reason I made it is because I never quit.” She went from picking cotton to paving the way for Oprah, Cathy Hughes, and myself. Dorothy was my former boss, my mentor, and one tough cookie. Her perseverance and tenacity have been a guiding light in my journey.

My advice to those just starting out is to find your “Why.” Make it so big and compelling that you will never quit on it. My number one strategy in business is putting God first, operating with good character, and serving from my heart.

Remember the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Serve with excellence, from the seemingly lowest to the perceived highest. Serve people with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Say “yes” even when you’re afraid. Say “yes” to God and trust in His plan for you. Embrace every opportunity with courage and a willing heart. With faith, determination, and a commitment to serving others, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams.

Pricing:

• $48 Yearly

Contact Info:

• Website: https://urbanxpressions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyshellwilliams/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyShellWilliams
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shellyshellwilliams