Meet Shelby Smith | Editorial Writer and Social Media Manager

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

Hi Shelby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Simply put– more creative control. I’ve worked in social media management for going on five years. Though I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities, I realized how quickly those environments suffocate creative individuals. I also realized that there’s only so much one can do for one brand with corporate restrictions. Therefore, I decided to start my own social media management and writing company. Because, why limit myself? I was way too young to feel so disconnected, grumpy and unhappy about going to work. For me, there was no better time to take the risk. Now, I contribute to different brands in various capacities and feel much more fulfilled with my work.

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?
I am a Freelance Editorial Writer and Social Media Manager under my company SDSMEDIA. I work with news and lifestyle publications and brands to either contribute as a writer or enhance their social media presence with management or content creation.

As every journalist-want-to-be, as soon as I graduated college I thought I was going to receive a full-time job as an on-air talent, interviewing my favorite celebrities and publishing articles that shift the culture. The industry quickly humbled me. I took on a few production jobs in news while I wrote stories/interviewed people on the side while creating my own content. My schedule was grueling yet my pay didn’t reflect the effort I was putting in so I thought about how to consolidate my life. Therefore, I went the social media manager route. Through this career path I knew there would be opportunities to interview people for social content and I would still have the opportunity to be in the newsroom without the demand of writing under a strict deadline like the reporters. My writings were more lifestyle and culture focused anyways, so I decided to keep pitching on the side. I consolidated like five gigs into two. I set my focus on becoming a really good social media manager and writer with the hopes to freelance full-time for more flexibility and opportunity to travel.

It was and still isn’t easy. As I started contributing to more publications, I ended up working 16-18 hour days because I was still at a full-time job in the newsroom. Things never got easier, I just learned to adjust. I knew working like that was not the end all be all, so I had to put up with the discomfort for the long-term goal of being a freelancer full-time. Overtime, I incorporated better habits like finding a hobby, not endlessly scrolling through my personal social media channels during free time, praying, etc., to make the days more productive, but it never got easier.

Fast forward five years, I work full-time as a freelancer! Will I ever return to corporate? Most likely (It takes A LOT to make your full-time income and beyond as a freelancer and I have not reached that point). But if I do, I know its on my own terms, and that I have established a credible business and brand that will still evolve and grow on the side and be there if I ever need to freelance full-time again.

There’s a lot I could be proud of, but I’m most appreciative that I never gave up. I’m a journalist though I don’t have a journalism degree. I was not admitted into the major or even the school of communications. I had to lean on mentors throughout the duration of my time at university to show me the ropes. Therefore, fast forward five years, for my grit and the grace of God to have open the doors it has in this industry — I am forever grateful. I’m most proud of how I never gave up. This is a cut throat industry, I see so many peers forfeit their journalism dreams but I’m thankful I decided to follow the voice of God, and stay. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, is that the voice of God will never fail you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question because I make TikToks about what to do in visiting cities all of the time! I’m based in NJ and live about 45 minutes out away from NYC so my itinerary will include spots in both states ( mainly Jersey because I’m a Jersey girl).

First, I would stay in North or Central Jersey (yes, that exists). I would find a hotel in West New York (which is a town in Jersey), Jersey City or Harrison so that you can see the NYC skyline without having to deal with the headache of NYC traffic. If you’re coming in the evening, I would grab dinner and a drink from Tops Diner in Newark, NJ then settle down for the night.

In the morning I would grab a strawberry matcha latte and a pastry from Coperaco Café in Harrison. I would then take a 20 – 30 minute train ride to 5th Avenue in NYC and shop, shop, shop! Visit Rockefeller while you’re in the area to see if you run into any celebrities. I would then grab lunch at L’avenue at Saks. Enjoy french cuisine on top of the infamous Saks Fifth Avenue department store. Magnolia Bakery is down the street so grab their banana pudding for dessert.

I’m sure you’ll be slightly exhausted at this point, but you’re in NYC so keep pushing! For the evening you’ll want to book some form of entertainment in Times Square. There’s Fork N Film (where they feed you meals based on what’s playing on screen) a broadway show (The Wiz is currently showing) or a Knicks game at MSG. Afterwards, stands on the steps in Times Square and sing “IN NEW YOOOORK” like Alicia Keys. Take the train back to your hotel.

The next day will be more chill because you’re headed to SoHo! First, I’d grab a quick yogurt bowl at the Chobani Café. Next, I’d go to Lip Lab NYC to make your own lipstick, then thrifting afterwards. Lastly, grab dinner at any rooftop!

The next day, I’d stay in Jersey. Head to Jersey City for coffee, take a jog in West New York, then head south to New Brunswick for dinner at Delta’s. A Black owned soul food spot with great vibes.

There’s so much more I can mention but I’ll leave it there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have three people that I MUST and will ALWAYS thank when it comes to starting my media career.

First, D’Shonda Brown and Brooklyn White. They kickstarted my writing career and I’m not even sure they know it. When I first contributed to Essence Girls United in 2022 under their editorial leadership, it unlocked a new world for me. I was able to challenge my skillset, explore interests and passions to discover my niche, garner connections, and increase my bandwidth of demand. My breakthrough as a writer is a byproduct of their yes to onboard me as a contributor.

Secondly, Tasha McCaskiel, founder of Black Girls in Media. She onboarded me as one of three hosts for the BGIM podcast. I was really young when I started that gig in 2020/2021 as a recent graduate. Tasha definitely took a risk with me and it benefited my life in so many ways. I met my co-hosts, Danteé Ramos and Kelly Ray which are my media sisters I didn’t know I needed. I also interviewed so many amazing trailblazers that I still keep in contact with. I learned how much I love being a personality too. I didn’t recognize until years later how scarce that opportunity is and what a privilege it was to be a co-host. In my youth, I definitely didn’t know how to act as professionally as needed yet Tasha was really patience as I cultivated myself and career. I’m not sure if she knows it either but I accredit her as well to kickstarting my media journey!

Website: https://www.shelbydenisesmith.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbydsmith/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shelbssdsmith

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelbsdsmithh

Image Credits
The first two headshots with the Boho Knotless – Shot By Potts

Product Photography Pic- Caylia Wallace Media

Business Casual Headshots – Joshxstudios