The Beauty in You: Podcast

Faith and Fashion: Sha-Abria Williams on Modeling, Healing, and Inspiration

• Chi Quita Mack, MSW • Season 1 • Episode 17

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of "The Beauty in You". Today, we’re joined by Sha-Abria Williams, a distinguished model and a beacon of resilience from Macon, Georgia. Hosts Chi Quita Mack and Sha-Abria Williams engage in a profound discussion with her about overcoming personal loss and rediscovering oneself through faith and self-care.

In this episode, Sha-Abria shares her journey from childhood dreams shaped by Barbie dolls to international modeling platforms, and now, to her future in writing and skincare. We delve into the themes of perseverance, the pressures of appearing perpetually strong, and the critical importance of mental health for women, especially in the black community.

Tune in as we explore how embracing vulnerability, seeking therapy, and supporting each other can lead to healing and growth.

To connect with Sha-Abria Williams: 

Link to watch the show

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Fashion-Global-Victoria-Henley/dp/B0CV9WPLL4

Social media platforms:
Instagram: @shaabria_the_modelofficial
YouTube: Sha-AbriaWilliams@covergirl7
Tik Tok: Sha-Abria Williams@covergirl247

To connect with Chi Quita Mack: 

To work with Chi Quita Mack: https://www.thechiquitamack.com/thehealingsocial

To Purchase The Beauty in You Workbook:

 https://www.thechiquitamack.com/shop-tcm/p/the-beauty-in-you-a-guide-created-to-help-you-discover-the-best-version-of-you

Chi Quita Mack's Website: https://www.thechiquitamack.com 

Chi Quita Mack Shop/ Merchandise: https://www.thechiquitamack.com/shop-tcm 

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechiquitamack 

For Emotional Support: CALL 988 is here to help | 988 Helpline

Support the show

Jacqueline G. [00:00:01]:
Welcome to the Beauty in you podcast, a safe place created for all women to come relax, get inspired, and be constantly reminded that they have not lost the ability to be who they once were. Join us as we dive into the true meaning of rediscovery through inspiring guests and topics such as healing, self love, and creating a positive mindset. So sit back, relax, and get comfortable as we dive into this week's episode. Here is your host, Chiquita Mack.

Chi Quita Mack [00:00:31]:
Hey, y'all. Welcome back to another episode of the Beauty in you podcast. I am so excited because we are heading to my home state, y'all. We going all the way to Georgia, so get ready for this one. Our guest is the center stage of the fashion world. Her mantra is faith over fear. And our guest isn't just any model. She's been featured seven times in magazines, three of those internationally.

Chi Quita Mack [00:00:58]:
And if you're tuned into Miss fashions global plus for the crown, you've probably seen her shine as one of the top three spotlight models. You can catch this thrilling series on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. In her own words, she sums up her approach to life. Every day. I wake up in great expectation of being confidently, fabulously, fiercely me. Y'all get ready for the one and only Shahabria Williams, the model. Welcome to the Be a new podcast, mama.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:01:31]:
Hi. Hello, everyone. Thank you so much for having me, Chiquita.

Chi Quita Mack [00:01:37]:
Listen, I am so excited and so honored that you're even willing to share your story and your journey with me. So thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to even be here.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:01:49]:
Oh, absolutely. My pleasure. And thank you again for having me. Yes.

Chi Quita Mack [00:01:54]:
So you already know, girl, the beauty in you. We're talking about all that beauty we already have. But I really love to dive deep into your rediscovery journey, mama. So please take us on your journey.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:02:08]:
Oh, absolutely. Again, my name is Shaabria Williams. I'm a model. I'm 42 years old, and I'm from beautiful Macon, Georgia. So me and Chiquita are both Georgia girl, Georgia peaches. And I'm so happy to be here. I start off by saying my started the passing of my mother. So about five years, really six years.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:02:33]:
I say five, but it's really six because the first year, we went without a diagnosis. But I lost my mom in November of 2017 to stage four colon cancer. And that devastated me really bad. Really bad. I had to really dig deep into my faith. My mother was a minister, and her name was Miss Cynthia Faye Murphy. She always taught me the word of God and her motto was always faith over fear. That's what helped her to get through her battle with colon cancer.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:03:02]:
And I took that same thing, applied it to my life, and I just start recording myself on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, you, name, wherever I can share that story. I'm inspiring, I'm motivating to let others know that they are not alone. And so it's grown over the years.

Chi Quita Mack [00:03:19]:
And I'm very happy about, yes, it definitely has grown. And just your willingness to even share that and to take, you know, a part of your mom, to keep her living, you know, every day you're right. Every post you put, everything that you record, you have that motto there. And so I know she's smiling at you and she's so super proud of you, but you are definitely leading the way for others who may have gone through something like that, and they just don't really know how to deal, cope, or even go on because everyone's grieving process is completely different. Yes, completely different. I wanted to ask you, you know, what advice would you give to someone that may have gone through something similar to your story and what motivation you would give them to continue to go on and make your dreams come true?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:04:10]:
Oh, that's an awesome question. My advice would be, don't be so hard on yourself. I went through my mind and I began to think. I said, if I feel this way, then someone else has to. And so that's what started me to start encouraging people who need to hear that voice, to know that they're not alone. Don't be so hard on yourself. Trust the process one day at a time, because grief is a very strong adversary. Try to take care of yourself through self care.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:04:38]:
Yes. Get your nails done, your hair done. That's all awesome, but take it further by. For me, prayer is really good because that's my upbringing, my belief in Jesus Christ. So prayer, just meditating, writing things down, your emotions, and go back and see your progress. Also talk to someone, whether it be your loved ones, someone that grows really closely professional. That's my advice.

Chi Quita Mack [00:05:05]:
I agree with all of that, especially writing down. Like, I find so much power in journaling. I'm really big on that because not only is it a way for you to get your feelings out, because sometimes we don't always have the words right away, and so we need to just write it down freely without worrying about any grammar, anything, just getting it out there, but it's also good to go back and see how far you've come.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:05:35]:
Yes, it's a reminder.

Chi Quita Mack [00:05:37]:
Yeah, absolutely. And I know for my rediscovery journey, I really focused on the adrenaline aspect of it because I just needed to know, like, what were my trigger words? You know, what. What was I feeling when I even when I smelt certain things and then just to go back and look and be like, girl, you was going through it, but you.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:05:55]:
All right now look at you now, though. You are awesome. Yes. Thank you. Thank you.

Chi Quita Mack [00:06:02]:
So I do think that is extremely important. I know that, you know, you are the model and you're doing great things as a model, but I want to know, what was your inspiration to wanting to become a model?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:06:16]:
Oh, wow. So that's. You are so good. That's a good question. Coming up. As a kid, as far back as I remember, I always used to get Barbie dolls for Christmas and on my birthday, and I would look at one year I got, like, this case, and it had so many clothes to it for Barbie. And I would just play with it and, you know, change out what different look I would want the to have on. And even in my clothes as a little kid, I would do that.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:06:46]:
And so I really didn't get the full scope until I got older. But that's what inspired me, and that was always kind of like an escape for me as well. And so at the age of 14, I was walking through my mall, my local mall, and this guy came up, and I've always been kind of shy, but time went on and opened up a little bit. But he gave me his car and he said, have you ever thought about modeling? I love your look. And I was like, no, I never really thought about it. I went home and told my mom, and I really didn't take it as serious then because so young. But when I went to my first audition at my local mall, again, 18 and rest is history. Like, it just everything.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:07:27]:
I love the passion for the industry. I love the lights, the camera, the action, the stage. I love being one on one with the camera, with the photographer. The whole thing is what inspired me.

Chi Quita Mack [00:07:39]:
And you do it so well. You are Barbie.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:07:42]:
You're so beautiful. Thank you. You are too.

Chi Quita Mack [00:07:46]:
Thank you.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:07:47]:
I appreciate that.

Chi Quita Mack [00:07:49]:
I love to see us, like, just representing. And my daughter saw her picture me.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:07:53]:
She's like, she's, you know, she's awesome. You know, she's a model. You can do this, too.

Chi Quita Mack [00:08:02]:
So I love that you are just being such that of a role model for our young girls, for the girls that look like us. You know, you're showing us that we can do it. You know, no matter what, we can definitely make our dreams come true, no matter how young they start and as we continue to get older. So I just want to say thank you for continuously being an inspiration with that.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:08:26]:
You're welcome. You are.

Chi Quita Mack [00:08:27]:
So, in your journey as a model, is there any challenges that you may have faced, and if so, what were they, and how did you overcome that?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:08:37]:
Yes. So, getting back to we are represented, I feel enough. But there are changes in the industry, even just subtle changes, like, you know, from just us to height to weight. All that is changing. It's slowly but surely. It's evolving. So one of the challenges I had was I wasn't light enough as a model. I'm not the darkest girl, but I'm brightest on the spectrum.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:09:07]:
Yeah, they were looking for a light girl that looks like us with the soft, curly hair. And I have, of course, I have on a wig right now, but I have a afro, so it depends. Don't let that get to you. I want to encourage our young ladies and our young gentlemen. Don't let that get to you. Keep persevering, because you aren't the right fit for that company for what they're looking for. There is an audience for you, and I want to speak briefly again. You mentioned age.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:09:38]:
I'm 42 years old, and I've been doing this since I was 18. So even that is changing because there's models older than me, and they're still modeling. So it's all about mindset, about what you believe. Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do.

Chi Quita Mack [00:09:53]:
Yes, I absolutely agree. I was hoping you would touch on that part of our skin tone, because I remember, you know, growing up in the south and hearing things like, oh, you. Cute for a dark skinned girl.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:10:07]:
Yes.

Chi Quita Mack [00:10:08]:
You know, I'm like, what does that even mean? Like, and it took me a minute to even be like, what are they even talking about? But as you go older, you start to see the difference. Like, oh, okay, I get what you mean. No, I'm cute, period.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:10:19]:
Exactly like me. That's a backhand compliment. Can I just be cute without all the extra stuff?

Chi Quita Mack [00:10:26]:
Right, right. So, like, hearing that all the time, you know, you're cute for a dark skinned girl, or even, like, you know, your hair, like, you know, I have my twist in, you know, but here not being as straight as others, that's one of the things that I do remember growing up and just constantly, like, fighting with myself because we talk about, you know, rediscovery and being confident in who you are, like, as a young girl, I was not who I am now because I had those struggles of, like, being pretty enough and trying to fit into the crowd and trying to blend instead of. Now, I'm just like, nah, this is who I am. Either like it or you don't. I don't.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:11:01]:
You know, like, you don't. And I want to touch on the hair. I've had that issue, too. I've to, uh, calls or assignments where they didn't know what to do with my hair or they didn't know how to make makeup, because in Marlin, there's no way you're getting around not having your makeup or your hair done. That's part of, you know, the industry. And so I wear wigs not because I don't like my own hair, but for protection, for not being damaged. And also, it's a look like if they want curly, if they want straight, if they want, you know, a bob, if they long. So that's why, you know, I wear as well.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:11:38]:
But again, I say, embrace your natural.

Chi Quita Mack [00:11:43]:
Embrace it and love who you are. But, yeah, that is important to think about. Like, yeah, I'm going to these go sees, and I'm doing all this running around, but y'all don't even have nobody.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:11:50]:
To cater to me. Yeah. So now get where I take all little makeup. Case your model. Stay ready, girl, if you ain't got my match, I got it for you. Here it is.

Chi Quita Mack [00:12:02]:
I've heard that before with one of my previous guests on here is, like, as a model, you have got to stay ready. Like, you've got to have your bag with you, with everything in there. Like, just in case you go somewhere and they don't have to be like, it's okay. No, no, you're not putting that on me.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:12:17]:
I got it. Like, yep, sis, I got.

Chi Quita Mack [00:12:20]:
I got it. Don't. Don't worry about it. I got you.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:12:23]:
That's interesting.

Chi Quita Mack [00:12:24]:
That is so interesting. I think that it's important to talk about confidence and to talk about self love. What are some ways you've used to really focus on keeping your confidence in pouring into yourself, even through all of the challenges you may have had in your career and even in your life on your rediscovery journey?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:12:49]:
My thing is all about clearing my mind, because that's where everything starts and ends, your mindset. So I like to get quiet. Everyone is different. Someone might like, you know, noise or whatever, but at a certain part of the day, I like to get quiet, and I like to refocus on my day, how it went. What did I contribute to anyone today? Because for me, beauty is more than just the this, the outside. It's on the inside. That's what's most important. Are you helping someone? It doesn't always have to be just about giving money or something, but of your time, of your service, did you do anything? Did you speak to someone today and give them a hello? And you just never know how far that takes someone.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:13:33]:
They could be going through something and you not even know it because you smiled. It made them. It gave them a little hope for that day. So I like to clear my mind, like you say. I like to journal, I like to write things down. I do love to listen to music. Something that's gonna pour into me, though, something that's inspirational. And I love motivational speaking.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:13:53]:
I listen to this guy, his name is Doctor Billy Alsbrooks. I love him. So I'll put that on and listen to that. Just different things like that. Just keeping my energy intact and my focus. Because focus kills out distractions.

Chi Quita Mack [00:14:09]:
Yes, yes. I think it's so important. And the one thing that you said being that of the mindset, like, our mind is so powerful, and I didn't learn that until my older years. How much, like, the thought process, like, whatever you're pouring into your brain and whatever you're feeding your brain really makes a difference and it's going to determine how far you go. And the second that you are determined enough to realize, like, hey, I'm not feeding my brain any negativity. I'm going to use positive affirmations and I'm going to make sure I clean out my closet. Not necessarily talking about clothes, but that can be include people too. You know how different your life can be.

Chi Quita Mack [00:14:49]:
Like, the mind can carry you so many places and everything that you tell yourself to do, tell it and do the action. Like, don't just say it and don't do the action. You got to do the action too.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:15:00]:
But everything that you tell, you have.

Chi Quita Mack [00:15:05]:
To do the action. Everything you tell yourself and put in the work is definitely going to come true. So the mindset definitely plays a role no matter where we are, I think, in our rediscovery journey.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:15:17]:
I do, too. I agree. Yes.

Chi Quita Mack [00:15:20]:
Yeah. So it just. It just. It just amazes me. Like, I just always get so blown away when I hear everyone's story. I'm like, I'm so proud of you guys, and I just want you to understand how strong you are. And it's not in the essence of always hearing a black woman strong. Because you know how much we be called you strong girl.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:15:37]:
You strong girl. You'd be like, I want to hear that. But.

Chi Quita Mack [00:15:43]:
Right. It's. It's frustrating.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:15:45]:
Yes, it is.

Chi Quita Mack [00:15:46]:
It is.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:15:46]:
Because that's the thing. You don't always have to be strong because we are human. Yes. Like, you know, it's a compliment. But at the same time, I want to be relatable to people for them to know. You're not perfect. I'm not perfectly. Hey, we're trying.

Chi Quita Mack [00:16:03]:
Mm hmm. That part. And I try to use the word. That word strong and strength in different ways. Like, if my daughter cries, I'm like, you're so strong for crying. Right? Like, I don't want her to ever grow up feeling like the strong black woman, which is carrying everything on your back, and you just keep everything all in, and you don't even cry, and you don't put on the face, and you don't go to therapy. It's like, no, we breaking all of them things, all of those curses, because we are human. And I don't know why they think the black woman can just take it.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:16:36]:
And just be safe. And guess what? I had. I'm so glad you said that. I had to learn that, because when my mom passed, I became the young matriarch of my family. I lost my mom at 35, three weeks prior to my birthday. My birthday is also in November, and I have one brother, no sisters. And I felt like I had to be there for my brother and my kids. And it was just.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:17:04]:
Not just her passing, but so many other events that happened from 2017, even up until 2022. I lost my nephew. He was only 14 years old. To suicide. And, Chiquita. It is one thing to lose my mom, but I knew she was, you know, sick from the cancer, but this came out of left field. Like, we didn't even see this coming. So I want to stress the importance of mental illness and not to say he didn't have, you know, a good mind, but just, you never know what a person is keeping bottled up in them, because he was really sweet, very reserved, and he was a quiet, humble young man, very loving.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:17:46]:
And so maybe he didn't always know how to explain how he felt on the inside. And so I want to encourage anyone, not just with your children, but anyone that's close to you, just sit down and have a conversation and just listen. So, yeah, it was. It was really tough. But like I said, I dug deep within my faith, and I stuck to that model. Faith over fear. Yes, fear may be present, but using my faith and using the tools that I've been given in my life that I got through, and I'm still getting through it. I'm still learning and growing and evolving every day.

Chi Quita Mack [00:18:21]:
Yes, absolutely. Each and every day, we're learning. And that's why the rediscovery journey is beautiful, because it's a circle. It's like, you know, we're always learning different parts of ourselves. And I call it a tool bag. Like, when I talk to my clients, I'm like, hey, we're building your tool bag that you have around with you each and every day. And every time something happens, you're going to go on your tool bag and pull it out, because this is how we're going to. Because you're not going to get over it.

Chi Quita Mack [00:18:45]:
And it's never going to go away. It's going to always be there. But we just want to learn the tools to be able to deal with certain things. And one thing. So I have a story. It's not a suicide, but my nephew passed away at 22, and he was coming home from work and he crashed into a tree. And that instantly on the spot. And so there's a couple parts in that.

Chi Quita Mack [00:19:13]:
One with that being my baby, and that was just really difficult to deal with. And then to the pressure that I felt that my family put on my shoulders when we talk about being strong, because we went home, like, soon as I found out that morning, I got on a plane that day, I was like, we gotta go. We gotta go home. We gotta go to Grandma house. And my grandmother would not do anything because she took. She takes care of the boys because his mom actually passed away at 33.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:19:41]:
Oh, wow.

Chi Quita Mack [00:19:41]:
When I tell you my family has gone through. And that was like my auntie sister.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:19:47]:
That was like my sister.

Chi Quita Mack [00:19:48]:
And she used to think I was, like, the smartest person in the world. Like anything I did, she'd be like, I knew. You're just so smart.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:19:54]:
Like, what?

Chi Quita Mack [00:19:56]:
But that was my baby, so that was hard. But my grandmother wouldn't do anything until I got there, which was baffling because I didn't know until I got there. Okay, kita, here you go. You gotta fill this out for the fear, homo.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:20:09]:
And I'm like, huh? Oh.

Chi Quita Mack [00:20:12]:
And they was like, grandma.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:20:13]:
Grandma knows that. You do have that strength, chiquita.

Chi Quita Mack [00:20:17]:
I was like, lord, okay, this what we doing. I kind of did it, you know? And at that time, though, I didn't show as much emotion as I probably could have, because I felt that I needed to be that for my grandma.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:20:30]:
Yes. So you totally understand. And, yes, like you, my nephew was my baby because. And I had a sister, my niece, of course, and I'm there for her. And my brother, he's my. All of them are my babies. They're grown, and my niece is a teenager, but they're all my babies. But I don't have any children of my own at the moment.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:20:51]:
I am married. I've been married for 22 years. Congratulations. Thank you, Nathan Williams. But, no, we don't have any children as of yet. So my nieces and nephews are my babies. So I really. That one, it really took a lot out of me, and I had to get quiet in that one.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:21:10]:
And that was the first time that I went and sought therapy. So it goes back to what you're saying. We don't seek therapy. I tell anyone, please go and get help if you need it. Because with my mom, I didn't seek therapy, but with my nephew, I did. I had to. It was just too much of a load on my mind.

Chi Quita Mack [00:21:28]:
Therapy is so important. I'm a big therapy pusher, even though I wasn't at first. Because of the black girl stigma.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:21:38]:
Yes.

Chi Quita Mack [00:21:39]:
I just can't get away from it. Like, you know, you try to talk to your family members who don't really understand, and then they're like, don't go talk to them people and counterfeit your business. Girl, you not crazy, right?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:21:52]:
Girl, how do you know? How do you.

Chi Quita Mack [00:21:55]:
We know that?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:21:57]:
Yes. You know what? I can say that I do have one aunt that I want to mention. Her name is Deborah. And although, like I said that, I felt like I became the young matriarch of my family, my immediate family. God always has a plan. He always knows just what you're going to need. And he knew I needed that old school wisdom. And I didn't have my mom in the physical anymore, but he left my aunt.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:22:25]:
She has been a pillar, and me and my brother's life and in my mom's grandchildren's life, no matter what, she's there. She gives us that comfort, that physical comfort of, like, having our mom. And she's done an awesome job of it. And if she gets a chance to listen to this, which I'm quite sure she will. I love you, auntie. Thank you so much. Hi, auntie.

Chi Quita Mack [00:22:53]:
I love that. I love that so much. And we do need that old school voice like that, that wisdom to pull us through. I'm just so proud of you.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:23:04]:
I really am so glad that I met you.

Chi Quita Mack [00:23:09]:
Yes, girl, listen, when I'm in Georgia, we're going to have to make it work.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:23:12]:
Yes.

Chi Quita Mack [00:23:12]:
You have to come see. Girl, you already know I'm coming to Macon.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:23:16]:
Watch out. Yeah, we can check out the new amphitheater. We just got one here this year. Yes, girl. I went and heard Anthony Hamilton. Ah. How was it? Oh, he is so awesome. Leela James and Johnny Gill, they all did a great job.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:23:34]:
I think I went about two weekends ago. That was earlier in March. I want to say march, early April.

Chi Quita Mack [00:23:41]:
Yep, I'm coming. So let me know now. Clear your calendar.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:23:47]:
It's the date shake off.

Chi Quita Mack [00:23:51]:
I do want to talk about just the importance of building, and you already kind of touched a little bit on it. But for others who may not have any pillars to necessarily lean on as they go through major things in their life, such as dealing with, you know, grief or even dealing with depression, what advice would you give them as far as finding those pillars or those support groups?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:24:19]:
Oh, wow. That's a good question. See, that's why I say you're good. I would like to say for the person that's like that because there are people out there that doesn't maybe necessarily have a lot of family or even a lot of friends. There are resources out there to help. Guys. I know when I first lost my mom, they signed a pamphlet, and even when I lost my nephew, the services were there. Those people, they may not be family by bloodline, but they are there standing in the gap to help you.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:24:52]:
All you have to do is just reach out. And this is the year where I've chosen to do more in charity myself because of people that are like that. We need people who will stand on the front line and say, hey, I'll be your family. I'm here to support, to inspire, to motivate. So there are services out there. You just have to check around in your local area or even nationally. There's hotlines that you can speak to people with and you'll be amazed of the friendships that comes from that.

Chi Quita Mack [00:25:22]:
Yes.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:25:23]:
The people that you'll meet that actually will help you and stay the longevity with you.

Chi Quita Mack [00:25:28]:
Absolutely. I want to add on to that and just talk about the importance of just reaching out and making that one phone call. So we talked a lot today about some major things that happen in our lives, like, you know, death of a loved one, even dealing with that, of, you know, suicide and going through just a lot those big grief things when you think of a loss. And I know it's hard to reach out to one of, you know, to talk to anybody about your problems. But I just want to really stress the importance of just reaching out and making that one phone call and getting support that you need, because it's so important. And our mental health, it's so serious. And I know we all feel like we can take on the world, but sometimes we can't. And when we can't, it's okay to lean.

Chi Quita Mack [00:26:13]:
It's okay to lean. It's okay to find support. It's okay to call someone. It's okay to join a local support group. It is okay to just have someone to just listen to you. So I really want to push the importance of, you know, utilizing our community resources and just reaching out and just talk to someone. And again, like us, you know, reach out and check on your homie. Check on your strong friend quotation mark.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:26:35]:
Your strong friend quotation mark. That. Absolutely, I agree. That one phone call, it all starts with that. Absolutely. They have support groups and discussion groups that I need to explore more myself. Make time to explore. So, yes, absolutely.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:26:53]:
I 100% agree. Yes.

Chi Quita Mack [00:26:55]:
Get out there, y'all. Make them phone calls. I'm gonna add some more hotline things as well to the show notes, because I just feel a big push for mental health. So I just wanna let y'all know. You listening to this? You don't know where to go. I'm gonna put some resources down there for you guys to definitely reach out and do. So I'm gonna switch a little bit because. Getting a little heavy.

Chi Quita Mack [00:27:17]:
Getting a little heavy.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:27:18]:
Yes. Yes. Hi, girl.

Chi Quita Mack [00:27:20]:
Let's talk about this show.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:27:22]:
Talk to me about your show.

Chi Quita Mack [00:27:24]:
What we got going on on Amazon Prime Video? I need to hear some more about it. Come on, now. Hype you up. What you got going on?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:27:34]:
Oh, man. Chiquita, where do I begin? It's like I went and let me tell you, I want to start by saying this pushed me out my comfort zone. This show this year, even though we're only about halfway through this year, really pushed me out my comfort zone, because even though I model, I'm kind of, like, reserved and a little bit more laid back when I'm not doing it. So it's pushing me to be more online, more in the face of people online. So it's a new experience for me, but all good things. But the show is called Miss Fashion Global Quest for the crown. So in November of 2022, I went and participated in their competition in Destin, Florida, held every year. And I auditioned to be, you know, part of the cast, not knowing that I would be one of the leading ladies chosen.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:28:28]:
Like, my mind was blown. You see the smile on my face? It is huge because I just can't even believe it. But, yeah, it's sold exclusively on Walmart. But many other websites is streaming now worldwide on Amazon Prime Video. You can also find it on tubi crackle, plex tv. You name it, it's out there. Yes, it is really good. And they are now casting for season two.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:28:59]:
I believe I'll get to be a part of that. So you guys stay tuned. There's many other things that I'm working on that I'm excited about, but that's my baby there. That's, like, one of the biggest things that I've done. Yes, that is. Cause once you make it to tv, it's like, wow, that's me on tv. Yes, that's you, girl. I am humbled.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:29:24]:
I always tell myself, stay humble and just stay focused.

Chi Quita Mack [00:29:28]:
I think that's important, too. And you are very humble. I can just feel your spirit. It's so sweet.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:29:34]:
Thank you.

Chi Quita Mack [00:29:35]:
I'm very, very sweet. But I think that's such a big deal. Like, yes, you are on tv. You are definitely making your dreams come true. And like I said before, you're being an inspiration to someone else out there. Give yourself that big pat on the back.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:29:49]:
That's who I do it for. For that little girl, for that little boy that someone told, hey, you can't do it. You're too this or you to that, you know? Don't let anyone speak over your life. Only God has that kind of power to say what's final in your life. So keep pushing, keep persevering. Try to do what's right, and I promise you, everything else will make its way together to work for you. And you're good.

Chi Quita Mack [00:30:15]:
Absolutely. And keep having that conversation with fear. Okay.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:30:21]:
Yeah.

Chi Quita Mack [00:30:21]:
And win every time. Because there's so many things, like, I go through the whole conversation, and I've said this many times before, like, I have a conversation with fear every day. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm so scared. What am I doing? And then I do it anyway.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:30:38]:
You do it. See? Powering through.

Chi Quita Mack [00:30:40]:
And, like, I have to because I already know where I'm trying to go and where I'm going. And if I stop just cause I'm scared, then, I mean, we just. It's not gonna work like that, so we just gotta push through it. But I do have the conversation. You're trying to talk yourself out. Like, do I really want to do this? Am I feeling sick today? Do I have to go? Is this something I forgot to do? Okay, let me stop playing and get out here and do what I thought.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:31:01]:
I was gonna do. So true. Because there's. There's two other things that I'm working on, and they're there. Something that I've had in mind a long time. I've been speaking about writing a book. I've never known to just where to start. I'm like, how would I start? And it's beginning to unfold for me.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:31:22]:
And also, I'm really big into skincare, so I've been taking classes off and on for it, so I'm looking forward to working more on that and getting that in stores.

Chi Quita Mack [00:31:33]:
Let me know. Please be posted.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:31:37]:
Yes. Number one, all good things, and I'm just believing and having faith for it to just all unfold. And like I say, my main thing is it working for my good and the good of others? Anything I step into, I'm like, how can this help someone? Because it's not just about me. Yes, it's my dream, but it's. It can be so much more than just being selfish with it. How can it give back and pay it forward to someone else?

Chi Quita Mack [00:32:06]:
Yep, and you are definitely paying it forward. Your mission is shining through, so don't stop. Like, everything that you're saying that you want to do, you're doing that, and you are accomplishing that. So just keep pushing through. Keep that mantra, girl, and just keep going.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:32:22]:
Thank you. And same to you, because you're awesome. Thank you.

Chi Quita Mack [00:32:26]:
I appreciate that so, so much. Is there anything else you would like to share with the audience? Do you have anything going on right now you want?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:32:36]:
Look, those three things, they're so big. I'm like, I'm focusing on that. I can hear my mom's voice now. Like, don't bite off. Morning. You can chew. Just pace yourself. But, yeah, I feel like it's so much going on.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:32:49]:
I'm feeling in circles, but in a good way. Like, and I've been just saying, you know, okay, you do this, you do that, and everything is in just steps, and it'll all come together, you know, at one time. But, yeah, there's more I want to do. I want to use my voice more to, like, I say, inspire young people especially, but anyone who falls on the sound of my voice, just inspire them to know whatever it is you want to do in your life. It may not be modeling or the beauty industry, fashion industry like me, but it may be starting a restaurant, writing a book, playing an instrument, whatever it is you feel that makes you tick, that makes the fire in you at night go for it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. You can. It's going to take some work.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:33:36]:
I didn't say it was going to be easy, but it's well worth it.

Chi Quita Mack [00:33:40]:
Absolutely. All right, mama, can you tell my audience where they can find you on your social media?

Sha-Abria Williams [00:33:46]:
Oh, yes, girl. I am Shah Bria Williams, the model. And I'm on Instagram at Shaabria. That's s h a a b r I a. Underscore the score. Model official. Yay.

Chi Quita Mack [00:34:03]:
And I will have all that linked to the show notes. Mama, I want to thank you so much for being a part of the BD and you podcast, for being a part of my journey. And I know this is not our last time connecting. I feel it in my soul, like, so, yeah, I am so happy that we got to connect.

Sha-Abria Williams [00:34:23]:
Me, too. Absolutely. My pleasure. You are a joy.

Chi Quita Mack [00:34:27]:
Thank you so much. All right, you guys, I will talk to you soon. Until next time.

Jacqueline G. [00:34:36]:
Thank you for joining us on this week's episode of the Beauty in you podcast. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe. Visit us@thechiquitamack.com or join us on Instagram at the Chiquita Mack for your daily motivation and inspiration. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Until next time.