Today we’d like to introduce you to Shai’Vonne Webster.
Hi Shai’Vonne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a child, I was infatuated by watching my mother, Linda Roper Richardson, get dressed for one of the biggest fashion shows that Birmingham, Alabama offered, “The Southern Women’s Show” under the Brooks International Modeling Agency. Watching her, showed me what and who I wanted to become one day. Hi, My name is Shai’Vonne Webster aka Cocoa J’Pan, I’m a native of Bessemer, Alabama and I am a 40 years old single parent of three, published model, radio show host and cohost, brand ambassador, actress, runway model coach, and a Zumba instructor. I started my journey as an actress in 2005 under Wolfshield Entertainment, founded by owner Randall McFarland. Let me tell you the funny thing about this audition. I started off as a cosmetologist in which I worked in a salon from 2010-2012. The movie had different roles that each individual were able to freely audition for, so once I sifted through all of the roles and realized that they had a part for a salon worker so of course, I went in the audition room and proceeded to read the monologue.
Afterward, I was told that I would get a call back if I got the part. Two days later my phone rang, and I was told by the crew that I had been selected to be a part of the movie, so as normal, I started kind of screaming with excitement, but then I heard silence on the other end…….. So, the owner said, “well, you got cast for the movie, but not the role of the salon worker”, so I calmed down and quietly asked, “sir, what do you mean”? He then said, “Now, before I tell you what part we’ve decided for you to take, you don’t have to accept if you don’t want too”, so I took a deep breath, and he then blurted out, “your look is too exotic, you’re more of a video vixen, so we’re personally casting you for the part of, Candy Cane, oh and by the way, you’re gonna have a pimp in your scenes!” My face literally hit the entire floor, and you know what, I accepted the role and that’s the role that birthed Cocoa J’Pan The model! In the process of doing the movie, I met some amazing people on set. They say you never know who’s watching, well I got discovered by one of the biggest agencies in Alabama and was signed under a contract with Southmodels LLC. from 2008-2012. Being a part of Southmodels LLC opened up so many amazing doors for me. I was featured on an episode of BET’s sitcom, “Let’s Stay Together”.
I was also a promotional model for several events; ones that included Boris Kodjoe, Pastor Troy, Ruben Studdard, Crime Mob, Mike Jones, Pleasure P, Charlie Wilson, Reverend Jessie Jackson, an extra for one of Bill Bellamy’s comedy shows, a model for Schaffer eyewear, Citi Gear clothing store, and numerous other runway shows for designers all over the U.S. After my contract was over with Southmodels LLC. I met the Owners of G-Entertainment Magazine and became one of their models. During this time, the Creative Director of the magazine Ms. La’Toya Nicole Fletcher booked me some amazing jobs. I had the opportunity to be on the billboard and website for Simply fashions clothing stores. I was blessed to be a runway model for Macy’s, New York and Company, Pink Icing Boutique, Sweettarts gifts and More, Runway Style Bar and Boutique, and the Eyes on Fashion Runway Show. During this time, I became a victim of domestic violence where me and my kids had to be placed in a shelter for three months! La’Toya Nicole and her ex-husband helped me and my kids move out and during that time, I realized that I had lost myself. It was days that I didn’t want to be here anymore. During my time in the shelter, Eugenia Laster Tartt, owner of one of the boutiques that I modeled for, would text me scriptures every day.
At that time, I ignored every text but she wouldn’t give up and just tried to remind me of how special I was, and that I couldn’t give up. My sister, Jerrika Cox reminded me that she and my kids loved and needed me here so I pushed as hard as I could for them. I sat down for a while after that drastic change in my life because I accumulated PTSD from it all and needed a break. I’m 2018, I was offered a position to just fill in on a radio show at Smash Bros Radio. I never even thought about doing radio, but it came so naturally. after being on the show for six months, I then picked back up with acting. In 2018, I was blessed to be cast in the hit stage play, “Church Hurts”, in which I played the role of a 19-year-old at the age of 36. They literally thought that I was much younger in appearance which was definitely a blessing. I then played in a short film called “Betrayed”, written and filmed by Jshon Holifield. I also was cast on another short film called “Partnas”, filmed and written by Shyflyy productions. I have been published as a model 15 times and in magazines worldwide. I am a Radio show host and cohost on two separate shows at Smash Bros Radio and I am also the new Zumba instructor at Riviera fitness Center in Centerpoint, Alabama.
I also recently ripped the runway for the Black Beauty Expo held in Atlanta, GA. I was also blessed with the opportunity of becoming an ambassador for Re’volution water company and MTM modeling magazine. I’ve recently been nominated at the Alabama Music Awards under the “Alabama’s Model of the year category”, and I will also be doing media footage and I am also a Presenter model for this amazing event! I thank God every second of each day for keeping me and bringing me this far. I definitely still have my days, but I will never give up because my daughters are watching.
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?
The road hasn’t always been smooth however, being a survivor of domestic violence has been my biggest challenge.
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 specialize in dance, cooking, acting, cosmetology, radio personality, and modeling. I am most proud of being a mother. And adopting cats and dogs. What sets me apart from others is my unique ability to communicate with people of all walks of life.
What does success mean to you?
Having a personal relationship with God, and always remember to never stop trying.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cocoa_jpan
- Youtube: Smash Bros Radio
Image Credits:
Photographer: D Jerome Smedley. IG: Mieleglamour. Photographer: José Pagan. Headshot Photographer: Primafacie777. Makeup: La’Toya Nicole
