We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shekia Murray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shekia , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Great question!
It resonates with my current situations I’ve encountered these past few years. I firmly believe that you should stand firm in your convictions. Whether you stand alone or stand with a million; if something strongly relates to you it’s your duty to bring it alive.
I also understand that there will be many that will disagree with you or have opposing views. The mindset should be that those individuals are important & necessary! Yes, I said important & necessary! The doubters, the imposters & the opposers are NECESSARY without them how can you be challenged to be the best version of yourself? However, I created a self strategy to put myself in others shoes before reacting & responding to their message towards me. To understand where they may be coming from & use that to relate to my beliefs because after all everyone’s point of view matters & may be valid & can contribute to a bigger picture.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m so excited to share that I have been selected to be in the state level “Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. Texas Delegate Pageant.” This has been one of my dreams to stand frontline and be the image & voice for all little girls and women across the map that ever felt less than enough because society said they didn’t have “the look”, I am you & you are me.
I’ve been a plus-size model/ influencer for 5 years and counting. Turning a piece of clothe or art into a favorable piece is satisfying for me. To show the world you can wear something every which way no matter your color, shape or size is inspiring to me. I strive to make my mark in this industry & bring awareness of my work to the world. Im excited about this journey because I have a story to tell & its ordained for me to share it with the world!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1.) Resilience- Bounce back from any & everything because nothing is written in stone except your tombstone so make what’s written on there worth it.
2.) Forgiveness- Forgiving isnt for the other person. It’s for YOU… let me explain… see the thing is when you hold on to the anger & grudge of what that person or persons did to you.. you’re only hurting yourself. They literally cannot feel or even begin to understand what you may be going through because for one they may not even be around to experience it & 2 they did what they did in the 1st place so they honestly do not care… the grudge you hold is only hurting you. You’re replaying the failed scenes in your head & repeating the hurt while they’ve probably moved on to their next victim….. it was never you, it was always them & remember hurt people, hurt people. So take that move on & elevate. It will hurt but it’ll hurt worse staying where it hurts longer than you need to. You will stop your growth & healing the longer you stay where hurts. This will stunt your success. So feel what you feel, accept what it is & move on to greatness. There’s so many beautiful things that awaits you.
3.) Patience- Good things definitely do come to those who wait. Never rush anything… Trust me you do NOT want anything prematurely. Everything is about timing… timing is so important. Believe me..
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I am available to whom ever needs encouragement, support & would like to collaborate with me. Come join me on bringing the crown home!
I can be reached at :
www.Medley737.net
Email: info.med737@gmail.com
Ig: Kia32_23
Fb: Jelicia srj
I can’t wait to hear from you all!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Medley737.net
- Instagram: Kia32_23
- Facebook: Jelicia srj
- Other: Email: info.med737@gmail.com
