Meet Shi Howell

We were lucky to catch up with Shi Howell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shi, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Everyone has an amazing story and I thought mine was not as important as the ones I have heard from some of some many amazing motivational speakers. They have spoken about their challenges, their almost had moments and what they did to make changes to their life.

I would have never guessed that one day I would be someone who has a story to share. So let’s get to it! I would first love to introduce myself my name is LaShila “Shi” Howell, I was born and raised in Akron, OH I am a Solo-Parent and the Owner and Operator of Fly High Productions LTD, where I specialize in Photography, Videography, Audio Production, and Social Media Marketing.

I started Fly High Productions Ltd in 2018, I was a recent graduate from Ohio Media School, where I studied Radio & Broadcasting and Audio production. My 1st career based job I was an independent contractor for NPFTv (National Pro Fast-pitch Softball) . I enjoyed it so much but with it being a Women’s sport the seasons are not that long. At that time working as a Camera Operator, and I was challenged on a daily basis, I feel it was because I am a Black female working in a male driven Industry and was outperforming all the men but that’s my opinion. Being questioned on how to do something every single day when I have shown and told them in many ways that I am more qualified to perform and the level I was asked. For Example: I caught a great shot of the center fielder catching an almost home-run while falling over the fence, that shot made it all the way ESPNtop 10. What an accomplishment right? I thought so as well but when I expressed it to others I got nothing back but negativity and that hurts, my Big win went right down the drain.

Lets fast forward to 2019, the contract as a camera operator was over and I knew I didn’t want to go back in to that world not because it was hard I just grew tired of now being appreciated for my talents, and at that moment I knew it was time for me to go solo and make my dreams happen by myself.
I started going to networking events, small business classes and I grew more in my faith because I knew I couldn’t do this journey alone, and I’m so happy I made that great decision. I had nothing but success! I was growing so fast I was working with the City of Akron as a Photographer/Videographer, I started working in the fashion industry as a Photographer/Videographer the money was coming in I was getting recognized and the boom 2020!

In 2020 I had to make some changes due to Covid-19 but I didn’t want to quit. I started working with local artists, radio personalities, actors, models, politicians, because at that time being a content creator was not as common as it is today and many people wanted to stay relevant. Even though we had to be 6 feet apart, wearing a mask in public it worked in my favor. We all know the lock down began in March of 2020 and by time June came around people were wanting to get back outside. so I took advantage of that opportunity, we met in metro parks, or an open area. We were 6 feet apart and we were outside so NO Mask wasn’t breaking the rules and was still working a win win for me!

In 2021, I became an international videographer all because I refused to sit down during Covid-19. In 2019 I worked with a talented International model who has down-syndrome and her Mom loved me so much she reached out to me with an opportunity and I worked with a Designer from Milan, Italy. and in 2022 I became a Line Producer for an international film called ” RubberCity”. The writer and director is from Nepal, and I met him in the right place at the right time.

I was working so hard to build my portfolio hoping for that 1 shot that will give me everything I’ve been working so hard for or at least get at least a shout out but it definitely didn’t go that way, and I grew tired of it. I didn’t want to stop but I took a break. For 4 years I was working and working to get my business off the ground and I was draining me because I realized I was putting more time into my more work and my clients that I forgot about ME!
The person who was creating, and giving sooo much of me to others had nothing left to give herself not even a GOOD JOB! That’s when I knew I had to start focusing 100% on myself and my life.

Here I was thinking that I was not following my dreams and that I was wasting my time and come to find out GOD had a plan for me all along. I am thankful that I didn’t quit and keep going. I love to share in my interviews, to “Keep going you never know what God has planned for you”.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I want to see everyone be successful. There are so many people in this world and 1 person or 1 business is unable to fulfill every job need for people. I don’t look at anyone as compensation because why compete when we can work together and really make dreams a reality.

More about me is I have learned to become Self-Motivated, Self- Confident, Self-Discipled because I learned once you stop doing for others they will try to do what they can to sabotage you, but if you believe in yourself, LOVE yourself, and put GOD first, nothing I Mean NOTHING can stop you!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back the 3 most Important qualities and skills that impacted me the most is 1. (Let Go of not yet)! 2. (Let go of what people think of you,) 3. (Let go of the need to be perfect,) and I have 1 more (Don’t take it personal!)

One have the hardest parts about growing and becoming who you are is learning how to let go. Let Go of bad friendships, bad or toxic relationships, bad behaviers and some times family.
Learning to let go gives you more room in your mind, but what you fill it with can either help you heal or keep you where you are. I chose to full up myself up with knowledge of Self!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate! Throughout my journey so far most of my most successful opportunity’s happened because I was collaborating. I believe if one person can make a difference imagine what 100 people can do if we are all working together with the same goal in mind!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All Images I took Myself Fly High Productions

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