Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shelly Shell Williams
Hi Dr. Shelly Shell, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Bank Robbery That Pushed Me Into Purpose
You never know when life is going to shake you up, wake you up, and push you straight into your purpose. Some people get a calling in a dream, others through an unexpected opportunity. Me? I got mine, staring down the barrel of a gun.
I am Dr. Shelly Shell Williams, affectionately known as Philly’s O.P.R.A.H., and I received my Doctorate in Christian Leadership and Business from Good Life Christian University in Atlanta. But before I ever knew my destiny was in media, before I ever graced a stage, produced television, or mentored entrepreneurs—I was a bank teller who thought I had my life all figured out.
I loved my job. I loved my coworkers. I had no plans of leaving. Until the day armed gunmen stormed into the bank.
They didn’t just come in yelling. They jumped the counters. One gun aimed at me and my fellow tellers, another pressed against my manager’s head.
It’s been said, you never know what you’ll do when a gun is pointed at you. But let me tell you—I found out real quick.
Fear gripped me, but instinct took over. My only thought? Keep everyone safe. In that moment, something clicked. As much as I thought this job was my forever, I knew I had to get out. That bank robbery wasn’t just a terrifying experience—it was divine redirection.
Fast forward.
I got a call to be the Executive Assistant to Dorothy Brunson, the first African-American woman in the nation to own a TV and radio station (WGTW TV 48.). And let me tell you, when God moves, He moves fast—because I didn’t hesitate. I stepped into the media world with no experience, just a willingness to learn and a fire to succeed.
That fire led me to Urban X-pressions, a multi-Billboard award-winning video show, where I started as an intern and worked my way up to Executive Producer of Philadelphia’s longest-running video show in broadcast history.
I didn’t stop there.
I went on to create Single on a Saturday Night, a television show dedicated to empowering singles and fostering healthy relationships. I broke barriers when I secured the first and only English-speaking program on Telemundo. And through my nonprofit X-pressions, Inc., I continue to mentor and train the next generation of media professionals.
So, what’s the lesson?
Sometimes, the very thing that shakes you to your core is God’s way of shifting you into your calling.
That bank robbery? It was never about fear. It was about faith. And today, I stand before you as living proof that when you let go of what you thought was the plan, God will elevate you into your true purpose.
I am Dr. Shelly Shell Williams, best-selling author of Interview Your Way to Instagram Growth, certified coach, and a Monetization & Social Media Mindset Coach who helps 9-to-5 professionals and entrepreneurs turn social media into a revenue-generating platform, grow their brand, and build their authority.
I also run the Be a Rich Best Seller Program, where I coach aspiring authors on how to write, publish, and monetize their books for maximum impact and profitability. Whether you’re looking to establish your authority, build your personal brand, or create additional income streams, I teach proven strategies to turn your book into a business.
These resources help me stay sharp, inspired, and continuously evolving—and they’re a big part of what fuels my passion for coaching, media, and helping others succeed.
Now tell me, what’s pushing YOU into yours?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pivoting Through the Storm: The Road to Reinvention
If you’ve ever been in business, you know one thing for sure—it’s never a smooth road. It’s a journey of ebbs and flows, wins and lessons, pivots and prayers.
When I started in media, Urban X-pressions was at the height of its success. We were everywhere—TV screens, red carpets, and in the hearts of millions of viewers. But then came the industry shifts.
First, bootlegging took over. CD sales dried up, and with that, so did advertising budgets. The money that once flowed through the music industry disappeared overnight. We had to get creative, fast.
Then came the digital age. Streaming platforms changed how music was consumed, and then—social media arrived. We were used to dominating on television, but the world was shifting, and we had to adjust, adapt, and ascend.
And here’s the hard truth—we didn’t move fast enough.
Keith from Up Da Block, our host and creative director, told us early—“We need to focus on YouTube.” But we were locked into traditional TV. He moved. We didn’t. Keith blew up on YouTube, and we missed our chance to capitalize on the millions of TV viewers we had.
We didn’t collect emails.
We didn’t direct people to digital platforms.
We didn’t build an online community when we had their attention.
And that was a costly lesson.
Now? We’re reintroducing ourselves.
We’re rebuilding, rebranding, and embracing the full power of digital media. We’ve diversified our income streams, learned from our mistakes, and are making sure we never get left behind again.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every bump, every pivot, and every lesson has shaped the powerhouse we are today.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s never too late to evolve.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Urban X-pressions: A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Innovation
What We Do & What We’re Known For
Urban X-pressions isn’t just a media brand—it’s a movement. We are Philadelphia’s longest-running video show, a multi-Billboard award-winning platform that has given artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives their first major media spotlight. From our legendary celebrity interviews with icons like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kevin Hart, Chris Brown, and 50 Cent to showcasing up-and-coming talent, we’ve been at the forefront of urban culture for decades.
But beyond entertainment, Urban X-pressions is a mentorship-driven organization that provides hands-on media training, equipping the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs with the skills to thrive in the industry.
What Sets Us Apart
We didn’t just report on culture—we built it.
We were there before social media changed the game. We saw hip-hop evolve, media transform, and technology disrupt entire industries. We didn’t just sit on the sidelines—we adapted, grew, and paved new paths forward.
Now, we’re expanding beyond TV and into the digital space, ensuring that our legacy lives on and thrives for generations to come.
What We’re Most Proud Of
We’ve had countless iconic moments—but the love from our city? That’s what means the most.
Recently, Motivate You 215 shared a powerful post celebrating Urban X-pressions’ third anniversary. Thousands of people liked, commented, and shared their appreciation for what we’ve built. To still be loved, relevant, and respected after all these years—that’s a level of impact you can’t buy. That’s legacy.
Our Future: UrbanXpressions.com & Membership Community
We’re not stopping. We’ve launched UrbanXpressions.com, a membership-based platform where each member of the Urban X-pressions family is now operating in their zone of genius.
And now, as Dr. Shelly Shell Williams, the Executive Producer of Urban X-pressions, I am sharing the knowledge—coaching others, helping them write their Best-Selling Books, and training people to love social media.
We’re adding even more value to our platforms by teaching, mentoring, and empowering creatives, entrepreneurs, and aspiring media professionals.
This isn’t just about media anymore—it’s about ownership, collaboration, and elevation.
Now, we celebrate each other, uplift new voices, and create even greater opportunities for those looking to break into the media and entertainment space.
So, whether you’ve been rocking with us since day one or you’re just getting to know us—Urban X-pressions is here, evolving, and ready for the next chapter.
Welcome to the future of Urban X-pressions.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Resources That Keep Me Inspired, Focused, and Thriving
Success doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s built through learning, growth, and staying connected to the right resources. Whether it’s faith, business, social media, or personal development, I tap into powerful tools, apps, and thought leaders that keep me at my best.
📲 Apps That Keep Me Grounded & Growing
YouVersion Bible App – My go-to for daily devotionals and staying spiritually fed.
Instagram – A platform I love and teach others how to use to build their brand, connect, and monetize.
CapCut – A must-have for video editing and creating engaging content for social media.
ChatGPT – My secret weapon for content creation, book writing, brainstorming ideas, and business strategy.
YouTube – The ultimate learning and inspiration hub, packed with valuable content from experts across industries.
🎧 Podcasts & Thought Leaders Who Inspire Me
Myron Golden – Business, mindset, and generational wealth-building.
Omar El-Takori – Mastering YouTube and growing digital influence.
Mike Todd – Transformation Church—faith-based motivation and leadership.
Sarah Jakes Roberts – Empowering women to step into purpose with boldness.
Elevation Church – Pastor Steven Furtick’s dynamic and life-changing teachings.
Gary Vee – Social media strategy, entrepreneurship, and no-excuses execution.
Dr. Delatorro McNeal – Author of Shift, helping people transform their mindset and level up.
These resources help me stay sharp, inspired, and continuously evolving—and they’re a big part of what fuels my passion for coaching, media, and helping others succeed.
What’s on your list?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbanxpressions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyshellwilliams
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyShellWilliams/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shellyshellwilliams
