Today we’d like to introduce you to Shilah Phillips.
Shilah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been singing my entire life and have always had a dream to make an album. At age 3 I began singing in the church choir after a soloist became ill. My mother being the children’s choir director had no other choice than to let me sing with the choir and take the solo although I had only watched the kids from the pews. I impressed my mother with my strong singing voice and sense of pitch and rhythm. From that moment on I was an official member. My family relocated to Denver Colorado to make a better life when I was just six years old. Coming from humble beginnings, my parents felt it best for me to take every learning opportunity and audition I could get to develop my voice. At age 9 I won a car for my parents singing The National Anthem. In middle school, they enrolled me at The Denver School of the Performing Arts where I studied all of the arts until 12th grade. In High School, I was fortunate enough to work with “RockN N’ Roll Hall of Fame Drummer Danny Seraphine (of Chicago) and be groomed for a singing career in Los Angeles where I had the opportunity make it as a semi-finalist on American Idol and work alongside Jennifer Hudson.
After coming back to Texas, I was entered into the Miss Texas Pageant by my friend Veronica Sanders and became the First Black Miss Texas, the first runner-up to Miss America the overall talent winner and a feature on the MTV show Pageant School. I was able to complete my degree in Jazz Studies from the prestigious University of North Texas Jazz Studies Program on a full scholarship. After establishing myself financially, I was determined to reboot my solo career. Well, life got in the way, and I experienced some health issues. My focus for a long time was just to get well. My health and life had many ups and downs, but I decided not to let it get me down or make me give up! I am just a normal girl with hopes and dreams determined to succeed. The door was not opened, so I decided to paint my own door and open it.
I have a story to tell.
I have been working on original music for the last six months, and I have recently begun writing a 20 min short film with my good friend Shade DuBois. I need your help and support now more than ever. I have been painting the time away. If you are in the Dallas area, please stop by my Music, Art, and Chocolate fundraiser Sunday, November 11th 1:00-3:00 pm
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a tough road. I come from humble beginnings. I am very blessed that I was able to have a great manager like Danny Seraphine (a founding member of Chicago Transit Authority) to help guide my music career early on. As women, we sometimes look outside of ourselves for the answers but time has taught me that I am strong and capable. I can trust my instincts and stand tall and strong. My voice deserves to be heard, and I have the right to be my own kind of beautiful. Things are harder than they seem in this photoshopped world, but success is possible if you work hard and never give up. I am the first black Miss Texas; I now have a place in history. After the pageant, I made sure to attend the best college for Jazz music in the world (University of North Texas Jazz Studies Program).
Please tell us about your work.
I am a local musician in the Dallas area with a house gig at Truluck’s Uptown Dallas every Thursday and Saturday night (Thursday’s in Southlake Texas). I am currently working on an EP album and a short film written by myself and my friend Shade DuBois. The film will be in place of the music videos. I have put my heart and soul in this project, and I am ready to share my story. I have been painting up a storm lately to help raise money for my musical project. I love being an artist. When I can’t find the words to say, I like to paint. It helps the creativity to flow through me. I paint emotions.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
It is very important to find a mentor. My mentor is Shade DuBois, visual Artist, Makeup Artist, and Bombshell Factory vintage clothing store owner. She inspires me and encourages me to put my art out there for the world to see. She believes in me, and that gives me the strength I need to keep pushing. I think women love to be mentors. I have enjoyed helping young ladies competing in the pageants over the years. I say, find someone you want to be like that is successful in your field. Pattern yourself after the masters.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shilahphillips
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shilahphillipsmusic/
Image Credit:
Rich Raymond Photography
Benizo Photography
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