Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivory Shields.
Ivory, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey is ever-evolving! Lol. Born and raised in Atlanta, I moved to Birmingham, AL in 2004 to attend graduate school at UAB where I earned a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. I have been practicing as a licensed occupational therapist for the past 12 years. I caught the acting bug about seven years ago after my supervisor working in the hospital at the time, convinced me that I should “be on tv”… lol. Reluctantly, because I was terrified, I took an acting class. Well, that was all she wrote because I fell in love! I have to give credit also to KK Christi for giving me the courage to step foot into an acting class! I was used to being in front of the camera, having done some modeling after high school, but never speaking on camera.
My first acting class was at YourAct studios in Decatur. From there, I trained with several other instructors in town, including Julie Still, Dave Pileggi, Nan Dutton, Erin Burns, Thom Scott who I’ve learned so much from along this acting journey. The past seven years have been filled with self-discoveries, finding my tribe, and an unfolding love affair with the entertainment industry. I have co-written and starred in 2 short films, made multiple co-star appearances in tv shows, including Dynasty and If Loving You is Wrong, appeared multiple SAG and non-union commercials and my most recent project is an executive producer for an independent series entitled “Pretty For a Big Gurl.” The series is created and written by, the super talented Courtney Lockett, based on the life of an unapologetically sexy and beautiful plus-sized African-American woman.
As I stated earlier, my journey is ever-evolving! Currently, I’m in the process of merging both my therapist and actress brands into a health and wellness coaching brand. I am extremely passionate about supporting and encouraging people to tap into their personal power and being the best version of themselves. My message is one that encourages exploration of a need to heal from any past traumas, especially within the African American community. Being an African American woman, we are taught from a very young age to be resilient and relentless, but what isn’t revealed, is the trauma it can have on us. I am also a huge advocate of meditation and mindfulness and love educating people on the power of self-awareness. Acting and the industry is a platform for me to reach as many people as possible and inspire them to identify what’s holding them back from living the life they envision for themselves. Goodness, I could go on, but I’ll stop here… lol.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh heavens, no! Nonetheless, there isn’t anything I’d change. I was in a toxic marriage, got divorced in 2013 and that was an experience I had to heal from. Getting a divorce was actually the catalyst for me discovering my passions. There are many highs and lows in this industry. This is an industry where you actually have to hustle constantly. You have to force yourself to have downtime. You also have to remind yourself not to attach your self worth to the constant rejection. Actors and creatives are rejected on a regular basis, so it’s important to ground yourself, know your worth and surround yourself with people who love and support you know matter what. I have been fortunate to be working as an occupational therapist while pursuing an acting career, but with this life, there are no “off days.” If I’m not in the hospital working, I’m working on an audition, I’m working on the health and wellness coaching business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the I am Ivory Shields and Shining on Purpose story. Tell us more about it.
I am a successful working actor. Acting has a special place in my heart. I’m currently fulfilling my acting indulgences as an executive producer for the independent series “Pretty for a Big Gurl.” Also, I’m returning to my passion and first love, coaching, and counseling. I’m launching a health and wellness coaching firm, Shining on Purpose, LLC. In this space, I encourage clients to feel better, even if it’s just a little bit! There are four pillars that my coaching anchors its approach upon… 1) self-awareness 2) emotional maturation 3) personal power and 4) purpose. In addition, I’m very intuitive, psychic, and empathic and I often operate from that space when clients and I are working together. I believe that, in addition to being very solution-based, sets me apart from others. I am proud to be building Shining on Purpose, LLC from the ground up with the help of friends who support me unconditionally!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see Shining on Purpose, LLC being a boutique-style health and wellness coaching firm, with 5-8 coaches under the Shining on Purpose umbrella, serving women and men all over the globe who want to be the best version of themselves and live a life that is present and intentional. I believe that everyone will need a life or health and wellness coach in the near future! We are constantly consumed with many distractions and technology, there will be a need for people to learn how to process actual human interaction and experiences in a healthy manner.
Pricing:
- One Month packages: Three 60 min sessions with limited contact $300; Four 60 min sessions with limited contact $350; Four 60-90 min sessions with unlimited contact between sessions $400
- Six Month packages: One session/month for six months $630; One session every other week for six months $1,110; One session every week for six months $1,750
Contact Info:
- Website: ShiningonPurpose.com
- Phone: 404-397-9565
- Email: IvoryShieldsScheduling@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Iamivoryshields
- Facebook: Ivory Shields
- Twitter: @IvoryShields6
Image Credit:
Atlanta Creative Photography, Christian Webb Photography, Amber Nekum Photography
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