We had the good fortune of connecting with Schantel “Shay OmyGod” McCrary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Schantel “Shay OmyGod”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I am Shay Omygod, I pursued this artistic and creative career because it chose me! God gifted me with a strong voice that could reach people and a great personality to make me relatable. When I was younger I hated my voice because it was raspy but as I gotten older opportunities came to me where I could use this voice to make money and to be a great role model for young girls. Before I was embarrassed of it, now I love it and embrace it!

What should our readers know about your business?
With all the talents that I possess I am most proud of being able to make people laugh. Helping them to come to one of my events where I can entertain them and make them forget about their bills, problems and frustrations during that time and have fun! I love creating an experience for the guest, so they will want to come back. Even on the red carpet, I have people who are sometimes nervous about the interview. Afterwards, they say I made it fun. I love creating those vibes!

I got where I am today business wiseWith the right people by your side supporting you, you can do anything. I appreciate the networking opportunities that I’ve had over the years as well, from Detroit to Atlanta, it has been very rewarding. My best-friend in high school was Ebony Mason, well Ebony brother, Bernard invited me onto his radio show, everyone heard my voice and personality, I was told immediately that I had a voice for radio and every loved me, it took off from there!

No, it was not & still easy but it takes consistency, passion, staying focused and dedication. I got where I am today with a lot of prayer, frustration, losses, tears and most definitely hard work. I’m still overcoming the death of my parents. As an only child, I am devastated to have lost them both in such a short period of time. My mom passed Nov. 19, 2019 and my dad passed Nov. 5, 2020. I’m still work in progress! After losing them, everything else like a cake walk. Taking my time, day by day, asking God to keep me as I walk it out. Taking my moments to cry when I need to and be strong as much as I can for my kids . Plus, I know that’s what my parents would want. The lesson I’ve learned no matter what is to keep going! Keep pushing!
I overcame my challenges by believing in myself without any doubt and blocking the haters!
I want people to know that I am a domestic violence survivor, survivor of mental abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse and I still rise above it all! I love giving back too women and children. I’ve been a single mother for most of my children lives and I commend my women for doing what needs to be done. I am you and I am living proof that you can do it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to Atlanta from Detroit in late 2019, Covid was just rearing its ugly head so I had not had a chance to enjoy the city like I wanted to. And since it’s slowed down and the world has opened back up I’ve been working so I had not had a chance to experience a lot. However, I would refer her to the Aquarium, to The Yard Milkshake Bar, then to the Mall of Georgia, I gotta take her to The Bando also, it’s a wing spot here and the owners are originally from Detroit. They have old Jet magazines, cassette tape players, the rotary phone and all the old late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s memorabilia on the wall and throughout the restaurant. The Museum of Illusions is one that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet but I plan on it. For the night life, I would suggest the Sling Shot Social which is an interactive spot with drinks and games or even Pins and Strikes where you can go bowling, have drinks or even play video games for a fun night out. There are so many things to do here in Atlanta and I’m still on my Dora the Explorer faze of it all. So let’s go exploring together!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, R.I.P. to both of them. Otis Jones & Linda Young. My children Brandon, Myren, Kyra & Jada. My best friend Kris Walker, RJ Blazer who taught me the hosting game, My stylist/designer/my assistant Kim Williams and of course all of my supporters! Each of these people has played a significant role in my life and that’s why I am here today! I love them all…

Website: www.shayomygod.com

Instagram: shayomygod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-mccrary-20207bb0/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shayomygod

Youtube: The Shay OmyGod Experience

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