Today we’d like to introduce you to Sha-Lai Williams.
Hi Sha-Lai, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
From a professional standpoint, my interest in social work began right before my senior year in high school. I was trying to figure out what career to select on my SAT form and medical social work seemed like a good choice.
Once in college, I realized that the field of Social Work resonated with me because, at my core, I want people to have an opportunity to express their feelings in a safe environment, I want them to know that they weren’t alone, and I want to help provide them with avenues for healing from whatever is causing them harm. I decided accomplishing those goals would be best fulfilled by also getting a Master’s degree in Social Work and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I thought my ultimate ending point would be to be in private practice serving youth and families.
However, after working in the field and being in private practice twice over the course of nearly eleven years, I decided I wanted to do something different, something still in the field but not necessarily direct practice. Almost accidentally, as I reflected back over my love for teaching and educating others, I realized that pursuing my Ph.D. should be my next step.
Upon researching universities, I applied to and was accepted into The Brown School of Social Work (Washington University). My acceptance into the program facilitated my move from my home state of NC to St. Louis. I fully intended to return to NC after four years there, but, as we know, life seldom goes as planned!!! Thirteen years after moving here, I’m still here, working as a full-time Associate Professor of Social Work.
From an entrepreneurial standpoint, I have dabbled in book and t-shirt ideas for nearly 20 years. I’ve always felt it was important for Christians to have an outlet for healing beyond the church. I often felt like therapy and Christianity were concerned diametrically opposed like you couldn’t seek professional help and be Christian or vice versa. So, it was my heart’s desire to find ways to assist people to deal with their hurt and pain that also included a Christian perspective if that’s what they needed. With that in mind, about three years ago, I finally self-published my first devotional journal entitled ARISE Devotional Journal and started a Christian-themed t-shirt business named @CShirts_Apparel.
While these initially began as a couple of side hustles (for lack of a better term), after having to deal with some serious changes in my personal life in 2019, I decided to become more intentional about these businesses. That’s how About FACE Collaborative LLC was birthed. About FACE is the overarching umbrella that includes all my business ventures (ARISE Devotional Journals, CShirts_Apparel, A Selah Event, SISTAH, and most recently, Roar like a Lioness Women’s Conference).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I suppose smooth and struggles are subjective right? For the most part, it has been smooth… establishing the business, finding vendors, creating a website, navigating social media, making connections with other entrepreneurs, all of those things have come together in time. I guess what has been most challenging for me is realizing that everyone isn’t going to support you the way that you thought or would have appreciated.
Initially, that really bothered me, and I really got in my head about it. I’d second guess myself. For example, if I hosted a conference or published a book, I thought people I knew intimately would have my back… but they didn’t. It took some time (and learning from other entrepreneurs), but I’ve since realized that it’s not personal (or maybe it is) but either way, it no longer impacts my mood or my next move.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I selected “other” because I feel like I do a bit of everything! I think what I’d like to highlight in this interview is the work I do with my business, about FACE Collaborative LLC. While I’ve written a few devotional journals and have a Christian t-shirt line, I am most passionate about the conferences I host.
A Selah Event is a prayer conference that provides attendees with the opportunity to learn about God’s Word, then spend time in prayer applying what they’ve just learned. I’ve attended a lot of Christian conferences and that is the one thing that I’ve always felt was missing. I might take tons of notes but I never had the chance to apply all of the helpful information at the moment. So far, I’ve hosted three of these conferences and hope to start them back in the new year.
The Roar like a Lioness Women’s Conference is an opportunity for women to participate in small intimate breakout sessions to address relevant issues that may be hindering them from walking in their purpose and destiny. This half-day conference explores topics related to relationship status, unresolved trauma, abandonment, addiction, and low self-esteem to name a few. This conference is definitely an extension of my professional background with its aim for providing women with a safe space to share their challenges, understanding that they are not alone, and helping them learn new tangible techniques that will benefit them going forward.
I also conduct weekly lives on Facebook and Instagram about various topics related to mental health, mental wellness and well-being, Christianity, and prayer. My tagline is “dropping nuggets that you didn’t know you needed” because it’s my hope that I am sharing something with people that makes them think and challenges them to delve a little deeper into whatever is going on in their lives.
It’s hard for me to determine what I’m most proud of since I’m proud of all of the items and services I produce. If I had to pick something, I’m most proud of the fact that everything I put out centers on providing tools to help people become their best selves.
I believe what sets me apart from others is the intersection between my social work/counseling background, my teaching skills, and my strong Christian faith.
Any big plans?
I’m planning to expand the services that About FACE Collaborative LLC offers. My future plans include adding one-night mini-retreats for women, longer intensive retreats, and men’s conferences to my portfolio.
I’m also strongly considering offering one-on-one and small cohort (3-4 people) seminars that focus on achieving specific life goals.
Contact Info:
- Email: drshalaiwilliams@gmail.com
- Website: aboutfacecollaborative.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dr_shalai
- Other: linktr.ee/drshalai
