We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaquilla Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shaquilla , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a Black woman, I’ve gone through much of my career as the only one in the room or one of a few—recognizing early on that the rules of success are somewhat different than they are for my counterparts. Drawing from my personal experience, mentors, and women in the room at the Women’s Leadership Conference, I want to share five strategies for success when navigating being the “only one” in the room..
Embrace being an only
Being the “only one in the room” can feel like something that is a disadvantage, but that’s not necessarily the case. “Sometimes you have to be okay with being the only one,. You have been recognized for your talents, and a door has opened for you. Embrace it.”
Tackle self-doubt and build confidence
Ever experienced that feeling that you’re not as good as other people think you are at work? You’re not alone.
if you were invited in the room, you belong in the room.” If you have a seat at the table, place yourself firmly at the table. Make it your responsibility to be an integral part of the conversation..
Dare to be yourself
Often when we are the only one in the room, we feel the need to suppress many of the qualities that make us unique. However, the more we look for ways to bring our true selves into our work, the more opportunities we have to build valuable relationships. “Bring your authentic self to work—it’s your greatest competitive advantage,.
Know your purpose
You have to ask yourself:
Who do I want to impact?
What are my values?
Can others identify my values through my life and work?
Who will impact me?
I deeply believe that you can’t be your best self by yourself.”
Build a community and share your experience
Being the only doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Ask yourself, “who’s my tribe, personally and professionally?” “How do they impact my purpose?” Seek out individuals who would have gone through similar experiences and could prepare or advise you on the best ways to handle certain situations and thrive in the workplace.
Also look for opportunities to mentor. “Reach out to someone a little bit younger in your organization. If you can, find someone you can spend time with, co-sign, or champion.
And for anyone who’s found themselves being an only, I encourage you to recognize your own power, live with purpose, and leverage your strengths to enable you to make a real impact.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Meet Shaquilla Shaquilla Williams-Murray currently runs two summer camps in the summer that teaches young kids business, entreprenuership. She is the owner of a Wellness Spa , Wedding& Designing Business / Venue a Post Op Recovery Home and a Real Estate Management Investment Company
Mrs Williams-Murray teaches Body Contouring, Wedding , Workshops that are held around the world! Shaquilla is a Mother of 3, a Wife, she’s also is an International Event & Floral Designer, an Educator, Mentor & Event Business Coach, a Sought After We’ll Known Speaker for over 7 years . She has spoken at Women Retreats, Women Empowerment , All different types of Events . She has been called An Innovator in her field.
Currently she is Business Woman of The Year Canidate , currently Event Designer/Planner of the year 3 years in a row for Polk County and tons of Articles to be seen in Voyager , Rollingout, Ledger, Spectrum 9 News , Channel 10 News
Shaquilla Williams-Murray has the vision, expertise, and Connections to lead her team to create events that are memorable and exceed expectations. Her students in both industries are ready to lead & succeed when they leave her workshops.
Successful entrepreneurs take pride and love what they do, and without doubt Shaquilla’s craftsmanship speaks volume in action from start to finish. In 2015 she started her business from scratch continues to build patients confidence making them feel beautiful known as the “the Magic Touch, Shaquilla listens and digests information, then her creative ideas are always brewing, giving new energy .
Through the years, Shaquilla has established connections with an extensive network of trusted professionals to customize the best team for each event. Her experience includes managing events of all sizes from corporate meetings to fundraising galas and celebrations. Shaquilla enjoys supporting local businesses and charities.
While events are a fast -paced business, Shaquilla takes time to pause and focus on what’s most important.
Mrs. Williams-Murray educates hundreds of event planners who are mastering their crafts at business workshops around the US teaching over 17 certifications in the Spa Wellness Industry . She also has a mentorship program that caters to people all over the world.
As an Educator & Mentor she is constantly challenging her skills, her way of thinking, and her mindset to create an experience her patients and mentees will never forget. She teaches in-house secrets, resulting in reaching a goal to help business owners create success beyond limits. Shaquilla loves to give 500% in all areas of her expertise. One of her favorite quotes inspires her to always take it to the next level.
‘There’s always another level up. There’s always another ascension. More grace, more light, more generosity, more compassion, more to shed, more to grow.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Bring a people person is very important!
Loving what I do has afforded me the ability to have the best of both worlds you definitely need to find your niche & love doing it .
Being dependable & r reliable.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes we are always looking for collaborations right now we are looking for collaborators who wants to be a part of the wedding and event workshop for 2024 from any part of the industry so whether you are a baker , treatmaker, balloon designer,or specialized in branding, marketing, advertising. Or an influential in this industry we are looking for you .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://largerthanlifeevents.wixsite.com/llep-2
- Instagram: Largerthsnlifeeventplanningfl
- Facebook: SHAQUILLA Williams Murray
- Linkedin: SHAQUILLA Williams Murray
Image Credits
