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

Hi Shameka, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Movies and television have been a major part of my life since I was 3. I remember the first time I watched The Wizard of Oz (my all time favorite movie). My eyes lit up when the film switched from black & white to color. I was completely mesmerized by the vibrant colors, the individual characters and their stories, and the amazing props and costumes.

Although I was captivated by the visual representation of the film, deep down I would learn two valuable lessons that would stick with me the rest of my life: “Home is a place we all must find, child. It’s not just a place where you eat or sleep. Home is knowing. Knowing your mind, knowing your heart, knowing your courage. If we know ourselves, we’re always home, anywhere.” and “You always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”-Glinda The Good Witch

I have always felt right at home when watching movies and television shows. The creativity and imagination is endless. I’ve also always been a firm believer and advocate of believing in yourself and betting on yourself. I pursued a career in entertainment because I get to be openly artistic and creative; while also being able to pay it forward by inspiring, motivating, encouraging, supporting, and empowering others to dare to dream, to believe in themselves, to turn the impossible into “I’m possible”, and to turn their dreams into their reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My entertainment & media journey began with training as a voice over artist in 2013. In 2014 I became a producer on an independent short film, and had the amazing opportunity to be an executive producer for a tv series sitcom in 2015. My passion for the arts, movies, and tv along with my passion for helping others inspired me to start my own entertainment & media brand Hey Shameka! in 2015. I am very proud of the work I’ve done through Hey Shameka!, paying forward the notion of turning the impossible into “I’m possible”; and being able to encourage, inspire, motivate, support, and empower others to achieve and pursue their own dreams.

I became a radio show host in 2018 with my show Hey Shameka! With Comedienne Alisha Coley. I had an awesome experience doing comedy and Improv in 2018 with Rodney Perry’s Never Deny Next Level class which challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and to trust my ideas and decisions. In 2019 I decided to explore my dreams of being an actor, and started taking classes at LS Studios in Atlanta. I also had my first lead role as an actress in a short film in 2019, and acted in my first play in 2020. In May 2021 I premiered my new talk show series Hey Shameka! Show.

During my entire entertainment journey I have also been a full time nurse. There have been challenges in actively pursuing acting roles due to my work schedule and work responsibilities. I used these challenges to help me learn and grow as an artist and entrepreneur. Although I have been limited acting wise; I have been able to continue working in the industry as a production assistant and producer over the last couple years. I want to encourage everyone to always believe in yourself and your dreams; to turn your dreams into your reality; remember it’s never too late; to never give up; to be proud of yourself and the work you are doing; to make sure you enjoy what you do and walk in your purpose; and to always pay it forward.

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.
Some of the must sees in Atlanta are The Trap Music Museum, Centennial Park, The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, CNN Center, Mercedes Benz Stadium, Braves Stadium, and Tyler Perry Studios. Food wise it would be Pappadeaux’s, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, Slutty Vegan, Juicy Crab, and The Varsity just to name a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would like to thank God, my family, and friends who have all encouraged, supported, and loved me along my journey. I would like to shoutout two people that have been very important on my journey.

Melvin Jackson, Jr for seeing my potential and believing in me from the very beginning; for inspiring, encouraging, and supporting me to start my own entertainment and media brand Hey Shameka!; for pushing me to trust myself as an actress & writer; and for giving me the opportunity and entrusting me to be a producer on his projects.

J. Jesses Smith for being my mentor for directing, producing, and writing; for always pushing me to excel; and for welcoming me into your tribe with open arms.

Both of you are my brothers, and I love you to infinity and beyond! Here’s to many more years of us growing and elevating together, and souring to new heights!

Instagram: @shamekalove, @heyshameka, @heyshamekashow

Facebook: Shameka Love, Hey Shameka, Hey Shameka Show

Youtube: Hey Shameka!

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