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

Hi Shaleah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Deciding to start a podcast specifically for Black, introverted women or mothers was based off my own personal experiences. I felt alone in some of my experiences and wondered if other Black women were experiencing similar issues or thoughts. I wondered if there were moms who felt guilty for feeling overwhelmed at the thought of possible pop up visits after having a child. It was mental tug-of-war, wanting family and friends to be able to support but also needing enough alone time. I realized that creating a podcast would be therapeutic for me while also connecting with others who could understand me. Being Black and Introverted is an intersectionality identity I believed was worth exploring since the experience of Black Introverts can be vastly different from our Non-Black counterparts at times.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of making meaningful connections with my supporters. Whenever I get a DM or comment on a video that speaks about how much someone relates to my content, I am filled with joy. Hearing that others feel seen when they consume my content is so important to me because I know how it feels to be introverted and misunderstood or not be seen altogether.
Being where I am today has not been easy but it has been rewarding. Attempting to balance other commitments as well as creating content can also prove difficult at times. In addition, intentionally putting myself center stage so that people can consume my content is still new to me. Lots of times I get in my own way and become overwhelmed with imposter syndrome and I don’t perform at my best. However, I keep showing up because of the passion I have for creating engaging and entertaining content for those I relate to. My supporters are a part of what keeps me showing up.

Some lessons I’ve learned along my journey is to do it scared and done is better than perfect. There have been many times I’ve been scared, whether it was deciding to keep something personal on the podcast, record content videos, or even pitch myself to a guest, I do it scared. I’ve also been a bit of a perfectionist, which caused me to procrastinate. While I put forth effort, I’m am less afraid of something not being “perfect” before I release it to the world. I’ve learned to not be afraid to “suck” or make mistakes publicly and allow my supporters to see my growth.

What I want the world to know about me is I aim to educate, entertain, and inspire with any content I create. If my audience feels at least one of these things, I feel that I have done my job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m born and raised in Philly and my favorite time of year in Philly in summer. If a friend was visiting for a weekend, I definitely take them to a street festival. It would be filled with lots of food trucks, vendors, live music and performers. We’d also go on a Philly food tour. to try all the Philly staples like the Philly cheesesteak, TasktyKakes dessert pies, Peanut Chew candies, and of course soft pretzels and water ice, which is a summer staple in Philly. For some nightlife fun, we’d visit center city, Olde city, Northern Liberties, Brewerytown, and South Street. With Philly being the birth place of America, we’d visit some historical sites like the liberty bell. Philadelphia also has America’s first zoo so that would be another place to visit. Seeing a live event is always a possibility here, so we’d go to a concert or comedy show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter, Makayla. I am forever grateful for her choosing me to be her mother. I would also like to shoutout my husband, Mark, my sister, Natasha, my friend, Lisa you know how special you are to me. Shoutout to my brother, Yasir. I also need to recognize all my cousins, uncles, aunts, my parents who were some of my first podcast guests, gave me ideas, and encouraging words to keep going and keep building. To the creators, I’ve met along the way who collaborate with me and inspire me….Thank you ! I love you all.

Website: www.blackintrovertedmom.com

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

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackintrovertmom The Introverted Black Mom Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-introverted-black-mom-podcast/id1581886079

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