Meet Shia Marie | Content Creator & Paralegal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shia Marie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Without a doubt, I first give all gratitude to God. My journey in this life has not been an easy one. I must say an important factor behind where I am today all started with the decision my now deceased mother made. I grew up in a household filled with domestic violence. At a young age, 6, I lived in survival mode. The most important factor behind my “success” or where I am today, all stims from the decision my mother made to have my 4 siblings and I go live with my aunt and uncle, across the country, permanently. If it weren’t for my relatives accepting this huge task, while having their own 3 children, we would’ve been put into the child care system. When the court granted guardianship to my relatives, not only did my siblings and I escape the idea of 5 separate foster care homes, but we were given the opportunity at a better life. I did not take this opportunity for granted, and made sure to make something my mother would be proud of. This motivated me to maintain a 4.0 gpa throughout my entire education, go to college, and eventually take the risk of making a name for myself. I believe you are not your upbringing and can turn your life around and make something beautiful. It’s often easy to feel sorry for yourself and be your own worst enemy. If you can see past the damage, you can pick up all the broken pieces and create something incredible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In fourth grade, I got a D in social studies class. Learning such things as economics, history, and government did not seem “fun.” However, in high school, little did I know, that that very class would become my favorite. I understand the importance of studying the past and how it shapes the future. Growing up, my uncle would always say: “Those who fail to study history, are doomed to repeat it.” I saw the critical impact of those who study these topics in order to help their own communities and societies grow better. I found my passion in government and legal systems, and knew I wanted to go in that direction. After graduating high school, with a 4.3 GPA, I knew what path I wanted to strive for. However, it took a couple of years to get back on track. My mother passed away in 2017 and that for sure stunned me beyond measure. Deep down, I know she would want me to get back on my feet and become the best version of myself. Knowing this, I searched in my local area law firms that were hiring students. I found an amazing firm that is providing me with hands on training and knowledge of the legal world. This full time paralegal job has solidified my passion for law and I aim to attend law school. I plan to use my education to make a further impact and help those who can’t defend and protect themselves. At the same time, I never want to put myself in a box or limit myself, so in 2020 I decided to lean more into my creative side. I have always had a passion for content creation. I’ve started to make a name for myself on social media platforms like TikTok and Youtube through posting beauty, fashion and lifestyle content. This decision was hard because of the fear of being judged. In this society, it is so easy to shy away from opportunities due to perception. However, once I realized my self worth and learned to stay focused on my own lane and journey, I began to flourish. I learned that the only person holding you back from starting and achieving your goals, is yourself. I want anyone who reads my story to know, it’s never too late to start something new and chase a dream. You do not have to box yourself in. Shoot, I’m currently a paralegal and a social media content creator, very different fields! Go after everything and anything!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a content creator, I love me a good aesthetically pleasing itinerary! If you were to come to Arizona, specifically the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, here’s what I recommend cuisine wise. Brunch must haves: Cala, Provision Coffee, and The Henry. Lunch must haves: Mon Cheri, Tia Carmen, and The Canal Club. Dinner must haves: Maple and Ash, Etta, Wren & Wolf, and Dominick’s Steakhouse. I don’t drink alcohol, however, one place I have been for the ambience was “Platform 18 at Century Grand.” You’ll feel like you are on a train! Another bar that has a cool plane concept is called “Carry On.” Book a “ticket” and enjoy a cocktail, or two! In terms of hanging out in Arizona, you MUST play it safe when it comes to the weather. As I always say, AZ is a furnace on earth! Key places to visit: The Museum, OdySea Aquarium, Desert Botantical Garden and if you have time the Grand Canyon! Of course, for fun interactive installations and photography, I enjoyed the experience at Wonderspaces Arizona, inside of Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. If you are a plant person, I highly recommend building your own terrarium at Jade & Clove! If you check any of these places out, thank me later!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The very reason I had clothes on my back and food in my stomach, no longer in survival mode, was because my aunt and uncle, Raina and JJ Birden, took the risk of raising a total of 8 children under one roof (their own 3 plus us 5 extra kids). So I give a HUGE shoutout to them! However, another major player in my story, who deserves recognition, is my grandmother, Evyonne Harris. She threw everything away in her personal life, to come help and support this huge change back in 2007. My grandmother, who I call “grams,” is a pillar in my life. Her, being the mother of my mother, helped me deal with many struggles growing up, like when my mom passed away in 2017. I have learned so many life lessons from my grams and she deserves a million thanks. I love you grams! I want to also thank my sisters and brothers who were along side me, dealing with the same internal battles as I. We encouraged one another to keep moving forward, and when I hit low points, they really brought me back up. One final, but certainly not least, thanks I want to give is to my partner, my love, Crest Awanis. I met him in 2020 and ever since then my world has made a 360. His is love and encouragement has been immensely impactful and is a key reason I found the confidence to start my own brand and make a name for myself. Crest, you are my diamond in the rough, and I appreciate your support and companionship immensely.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shia_marieee/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shia_Marie

Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@shia.marieee?_t=ZT-8tHgFjq7nY6&_r=1

Image Credits
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