We were lucky to catch up with Shanny Slay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shanny, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve always knew I had a purpose but I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to accomplish it. With everything that I’m doing, the ultimate goal is to be a blessing to others. Life is already hard as it is, anything I can do to make it just a little easier is a plus for me. Going through my own life experiences, it taught me that everything is temporary, tomorrow isn’t promised so you have to live for today. I would ask myself, how do I want to be remembered when my time comes?! That question will make you rethink your WHY? And develop your purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a Los Angeles Film School alumni. I graduated in February of this year with a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business as a Summa Cum Laude which is the highest distinction in my class. It was the happiest moment for me. The past 3 years have been nothing but short of amazing. I experienced being a director, creative director, producer, and visual artist for my own projects. I absolutely love creating visuals especially with music that I can resonate with. I became a mommy of 2 under 2. My first born was a preemie and going through that entire ordeal with that really made me realize how important it is to have faith and a good foundation of support. My life has been forever changed by that, which is something I will later discuss in my book I’m writing. So, to be able to complete school with straight A’s was a complete miracle. My goal is to eventually have my own talent management agency and production company. I’m currently working on right now. I want to create a space for the independent artist to showcase their talent by building up their portfolio, help polish their craft and teach them the dos and don’ts of the industry so their career can flourish and thrive. I want to nourish and develop.I know so many amazing people that if they were just giving the chance to just be seen I feel so many things could happen for them. The industry is definitely changing and I see a shift so I want to get in front of it. I’m my own brand and want to expand my portfolio and become more active in the acting world along with doing commercials and modeling. I want to take it to the next level rather it by someone else who is interested or me by creating my own opportunities in which will have others come to me. I just want to show what I can do. I have many gifts and if I can show a quarter of it, I’ll be content. I have a heart for people trying to make it. I can relate all to well.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
There were many life lessons I’ve learned but out of all of them the most impactful is to have faith. Having faith and believing in yourself. If you don’t, who will?! You have to believe you can no matter how hard it may seem. You have to remember nothing last for ever and this too shall past. I could have giving up so many times especially with my baby being in the nicu for 5 months and everyday was uncertain but I didn’t. Next, trust the process. Everything takes time. Don’t fret if things don’t work out the way want. Give it time. Time will either reveal or heal. It will either teach you a lesson or bring you blessings. And lastly, give yourself grace and mercy. We tend to be our on worse critic. We can be to hard on ourselves and you have to realize that it’s ok to make mistakes, it ok to cry, it’s to be sad but don’t stay there. Don’t stay there in sadness, don’t stay there in frustration or stress or worry because nothing gets accomplished. Time is one that no matter who you are, how much money you have, you cannot get it back. You can’t buy it back. So why waste it on something that can’t add to your life. Just live!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m looking to collaborate with potential sponsors or local vendors for some of the events I’m working on. I would to work with upcoming artists rather in music, acting, modeling, dancing etc. I would like to host events that are geared towards helping indie artist. I’m just looking for anyone who can see a need and fill a need. I can be reached on IG Shannyslay, shannyslay100@gmail.com for collaborations or s.slayagency@gmail.com for business inquiries (sponsors & local vendors)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Shannyslay
- Facebook: Shannyslay
Image Credits
Photographer Mayco C & Corey & Anthony Evergreen
