We were lucky to catch up with Shala Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shala , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career. My passion for music, dancing, and film was inspired by my parents’ love of the arts. I would often sing around the house with my dad and join the community dance club, as my mom and her side of the family were also enthusiastic about dancing. Throughout my childhood and high school years, I constantly dreamed of singing and dancing.

However, I couldn’t dedicate as much time to my hobbies after starting a job at a grocery store when I was 15. My parents had separated when I was nine, so as a teenager, I felt the need to contribute by buying my own food, gas, clothes, and other essentials.

When I attended Hampton University, my curiosity led me to photography, videography, and film. I would walk around campus with my camera, taking pictures of classmates, and I even created an online series with friends. College provided me with the opportunity to explore my creativity more freely, as I was working less and had the time to figure out my true passions.

Upon graduating from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, I spent the past five years working as a producer for local news. Recently, I shifted my career path into marketing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My creative inspiration is centered around happiness. I find motivation in the things that bring me joy, whether it’s a documentary, fashion, love, or support from my community. Another drive for my creativity stems from my experiences as an underdog. I have often been counted out, with people telling me how my life should go instead of allowing me the opportunity to prove them wrong. I take great pride in my ability to persevere. There have been moments when I felt like giving up as a producer, writer, and creative, but my family and support system did not let me quit. I am also proud of myself for not allowing fear to get in my way of my dreams.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In December 2020, I was working for a local news station in Columbia, SC. It was the most challenging and intense job I have ever had. I worked overnight shifts, and there were times when I worked for 7 to 14 consecutive days. During this period, the executive producer and the director’s assistant would hold meetings with me where they would belittle me, encourage me to give up, and blame me for every mistake that occurred.

Every day, I worked hard to prove them wrong by improving my skills and becoming a faster, more creative producer. There were many nights when I cried myself to sleep after work, yet I kept showing up each day and giving it my all.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish that I would have asked for help sooner. I have met a lot of creative people and they have been amazing teachers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shaladthomas.wixsite.com/shasha
• Instagram: shasha_22
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shala-thomas-00487811b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@extraordinarysha4153

Image Credits

Shala Thomas