Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shae Perry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shae, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I believe in taking risks, because you won’t know until you try! My current career path was not always what I had in mind. The young me wanted to be a WNBA basketball player, becoming a Professional Radio Personality wasn’t on my mind until I attended UMKC (2015 -2019). The very first day I stepped on UMKC’s campus, I met the president of the student radio station CJ Pulluaim) and he invited me to come to his show. That day on, I became involved in the organization and started hosting college events. My time at UMKC I spent emceeing D1’s men and women’s sports, curating campus life events, becoming president of the student station and even starting my own multimedia business (SFTL Entertainment). I’ve participated in and hosted over 100 events and recorded visuals for organizations, artists, and more. The love I found behind the camera, I also had behind the mic. I knew by my sophomore year; radio was a career made for me and I took the necessary measures to get there. I’ve always believed in learning more, so I attended the Missouri Broadcast Association (MBA) radio camp and had an internship at OneKC Radio, which both enhanced my all-around skills in radio. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis on Film & Media. Before I graduated, I had my eye on KPRS Hot 103 Jamz and I stayed consistent with my outreach to KPRS until I could get someone to give me a chance. Back then I thought to myself, all I need to do is get their attention and I could show them I could be a valuable team member. Now, I’m here today with almost 3 years at KPRS, 100+ commercials, 10+ live remote opportunities and emceeing national non-profit events. None of this would be possible if I never took a risk!
Whether it was on the court in high school, emceeing sports in college or even being on air, I pride myself on going for it!!
Shae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and came to KC to attend college. I’m a proud UMKC Alumna, with a degree in Film & Media Arts. In 2017, I launched my own multimedia business titled, “SFTL Entertainment.” SFTL stands for ShaeFromTheLou, which is one of my nicknames. In 2019, I was honored to receive UMKC’s Outstanding Senior Award, UMKC’s Leadership Award, and became certified in Radio Marketing. For nearly 2 years, I worked as Brand Ambassador for Top Non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters KC; where I produced Spotify Ads, Voice Over Projects, and presented to over 300 + people in the Kansas City area.
I’m currently an “On Air Radio Personality” on KPRS Hot 103 Jamz and my entertainment name is Deona HuSTLe. Deona is my middle name, and HuSTLe can’t be spelled without the STL; paying homage to my hometown. KPRS Hot 103 Jamz is the oldest continually Black family-owned radio station in the United States. During the day, I’m a Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Crux KC. Crux KC is a Kansas City marketing firm that combines executive-level marketing and business strategy to provide a simple, smart and affordable outsourced marketing solution for clients.
Outside of those roles, I enjoy being involved in community events and sit as a Board Member for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Board. My many hats as CEO of my multimedia business, Radio Personality at KPRS and Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Crux KC, have all helped elevate my brand and skillset. I enjoy every aspect of what I do, and I know I’m living in my purpose!
My services include: Emcee/Hosting, Professional Development/Workshops, Voice-Over Production and Promotional Advertising. For booking learn more at perryshae.wixsite.com/
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My 4 years in college, I worked hard to build a name for myself as ShaeFromTheLou. It wasn’t planned, but people started calling me that and it stuck! After I graduated, I was entering a new chapter and starting at KPRS – Hot 103 Jamz. I didn’t realize a new name was also going to be apart of that chapter. Many people from my high school and college days know me as ShaeFromTheLou (SFTL).
I had to create a different name because of name conflicts. It was a long few months where I leaned on my friends, family and even coworkers on their ideas. There were some really good ideas and definitely some bad ones but after several months, I created Deona HuSTLe. My friends and family loved the name and I felt it still had a piece of me because I used my middle name. Here I am now with almost 3 years under my belt and more people now know their favorite cousin, Deona HuSTLe.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Consistency, networking and first impressions. If I had to pick a magic three, those would be it! I believe in putting your best foot forward especially for the first impressions. It sets the standard for not only others but for yourself to keep elevating. I’ve been blessed to meet some amazing people who were willing to help me or be a sounding board. It’s a priority of mine to stay in contact with those I’ve met throughout my journey!
Along with consistency, I have a few tag lines I enjoy to say on air. I always mention being ” your favorite cousin” and I add “duhh” after I say Hot 103 Jamz occasionally. I came up with these fun sayings just by being myself and they became consistent! There are times, people may not know the name but they know the sayings. Those are the moments; I truly feel honored!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perryshae.wixsite.com/hustle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaefromthelou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeonaHuSTLe/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaeperry/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaeFromTheLou_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShaeMcCool29
Image Credits
CREDIT NATALEA BONJOUR ON PERSONAL PICTURE. ALL OTHER PICS CREDIT SFTL ENTERTAINMENT