Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Shaw.
Hi Kia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I’ve always been attracted to the spotlight. I was always enraptured with the entertainment industry, whether it was acting, modeling, dancing, or singing. I remember waiting in the airport, and to pass time, I would dance for everyone and felt pure excitement and joy as they applauded my performance.
As I grew older, I wanted to experience different aspects of life and grow my understanding of myself. Which is why I participated in pageantry and volunteer work. My passion for helping others, and my community, led me to creating my own community service non-profit where I unearthed a passion for fame, a fame where I would be able to use my platform and reach to help better the world around me.
I discovered the path to building this platform through my pageantry. When I won the Miss Florida and Miss USA titles, I felt an intense desire to do more than just be in the spotlight by myself, I wanted to use the artistry and performance skills I acquired to help shine the spotlight on others.
After a brief time in California, I felt I needed a break from the entertainment industry. I knew in my heart that Florida was where I needed to be to find myself again. During that time, I needed to grow through boy problems and my fair share of heartbreaks, which I’m sure many readers can relate to. But all of that was absolutely necessary for my growth and development that led to the artist that I am today.
I’m a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason and that good or bad, I will always be grateful for those experiences and the lessons they taught me. The best experience of my life has to be my beautiful baby girl, Kealani Naomi, my inspiration for all of my goals and my drive in life. Even though her blessing to me was unexpected, her very presence lit a fire in me that pushed me to go beyond my limits (shoutout Marc the Prophet) and challenge myself to grow.
Though it took a while to finally bear fruit, all of my efforts and patience led me to what is known as LCD Entertainment. Through my time at LCD, I was tested both emotionally and artistically in ways I never expected. The environment fostered by my team members led me to grow beyond anything I could ever envisioned. With their support, I’ve healed in ways I never knew were possible while also growing my artistry and skills beyond what I ever thought capable. With them, I’m always encouraged to find my limits, grow beyond them and to never doubt what I can accomplish.
Within the last year, I walked in several fashion shows including one at the Raymond James Stadium, released my first song and its music video, appeared in multiple videos with other Tampa artists, performed unreleased songs at several shows, became a published model, and I’m currently booked to perform at the Doorway to Summer Festival May 28th!
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?
Everything was super easy. Just kidding! It was very much not a smooth road; I practically went off-roading down a rocky cliffside! The biggest struggles I encountered involved myself, time with my family, and balancing everything. In the beginning and for a while, I struggled with comparing my artistry to others and feeling like I wasn’t good enough to pursue this career path. It took a lot of work to show myself that I’m more than capable and that I’m the only one standing in my way. Another struggle was balancing my 9-5 job with my 5-late career and doing both of those while still being a full-time mom to my mini-me. It was a struggle balancing the guilt of pursuing my artistry knowing that it took time away from my daughter and my family. The many late nights and early mornings are a sacrifice I willingly make to establish my career for myself and my daughter. They come at the cost of less time with my loved ones, so it’s something I wrestle with often. Like I always say, a good movie involves a happy ending following a period of struggle, and I’m working towards my happy ending.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I AM A JACK OF ALL TRADES! I sing, model, act, and dance. When I come on the stage, everyone can expect a full-scale production. I don’t go on stage to sing; I go on to perform. I serve looks and blow people away with a combination of singing, dancing, on-stage posing, and pure fun. I’m known for drawing people in because they never know what to expect, only that they can expect it to be good.
What I am most proud of as well as what sets me apart from other performers is that I am a light that draws attention in the darkness and that is all I ever really want to be. I feel like my charisma and charm can be seen from miles away and that my heart speaks volumes in how I help everyone out and not just myself. It goes hand in hand with that selflessness and loving energy that I radiate. I am a powerhouse that gets things done incredibly well and efficiently. I hope that I always glow with that selfless energy and that when I am on stage, that it radiates clearly to others as someone that everyone wants to cheer on because of who I am and how I present myself on and off the stage.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My most important characteristic to my success is genuine kindness. In everything that I do, I do it with the intent of having everyone around me succeeding and growing along with me. I refuse to have a feast at a table where I’m the only eating. I find that life and success are better enjoyed when I’m surrounded by those I love.
Contact Info:
- Email: kia.shaw97@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kiashaw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekiashaw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kia.shaw.10
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/thekiashaw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3M2FQC1ZvBxTlnwe1Pvlsw
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/high-tide/1562574895?i=1562574899
Image Credits
Antavio T.O. Johnson
Bernard Alexander
Ariana Saucedo
Jack Cymbryla
Eswin Chan
Cyan
