We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shumuriel Ratliff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shumuriel below.
Alright, Shumuriel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is switch careers. I spent 11 years in TV news working both in front of and behind the camera. After years of telling sad stories and meeting people on their worst days, I decided it was time to change. I pivoted into Public Relations and I haven’t looked back. I get asked all the time if I miss the industry. The short answer is no. The long answer can be found in my memoir, Standby | My Time in TV News.
Shumuriel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a former TV News reporter that turned my creativity and love of storytelling and makeup into YouTube videos. That’s where I vlog and talk about all things beauty. I sometimes share some knowledge about my past career to help those who are considering the business.
I’m most proud of my ability to leave what no longer serves me, starting over, and putting myself out there.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn that there’s only one path for you. That it’s never too late to pivot. When reporting took a toll on my mental health, I felt like I had no choice but to tough it out. It was something I’d worked so hard for, and the thought of leaving and starting over made me sick to my stomach. I had to do what was right for me. I bet on myself and the same perseverance and focus that got me into the business I used to leave it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
A goal for my creative journey is to be monetized on my side hustle, aka YouTube. There are tiers that YouTube says you have to complete before you’re paid for your content. I’ve done all but one. My watch time needs to be higher. I’ve committed to uploading one video a week in hopes of getting more eyes on my videos. I’m going to record the videos that I’d thought of doing but was ashamed or scared of. The internet can be a mean place and I am sensitive about my ish.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shumuriel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShumurielR
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shumuriel_TV
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MurielRatliff