Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonny Sanders.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the mother of a teenage daughter, advocate against domestic violence, an executive producer, writer, and director. I am a partner in an entertainment company “Mahogany Entertainment & Publishing.” I am originally from Detroit, MI and raised part of my childhood life in Decatur, GA.
I started my journey in the entertainment industry shortly after the death of my younger sister, Valecia R. Chiles. I am the author of “Letters of Forgiveness” based on a true story of the life of the woman that murdered my sister 14 years ago. I am the writer and producer of the hit stage play “Faceless Shadows in the Dark”, which is based on the social issues that plagues our communities such as bullying, domestic violence & sexual abuse.
I have a talk show on Status Networks “Global Vision TV” every 2nd and 4th Sunday called “Livin Ya Best Life with Shonny Dee” which airs on Amazon Firestick, Roku, YouTube, Instagram, Periscope, FB Live & Status Network App just to name a few. I also produce & direct a talk show “Beautiful Me” with two beautiful young girls, Ella & Hannah ages 9 & 11 that is focused on youth authors, entrepreneurs & entertainers.
In December 2018, I was awarded the “Women of Strength” award by the Women of Strength of South Carolina. In June 2019, my talk show “Livin Ya Best Life” won show of the month on Status Network Global Vision TV in Atlanta, GA.
Faceless Shadows play hit the stage on August 10, 2018, and ran a second successful night after rave reviews on August 11th at the Coretta Scott King young women’s leadership academy theatre. Less than six months later, I wrote, produced & directed the screenplay for Faceless Shadows the movie and it was independently filmed in six days in March 2019. Faceless Shadows the movie will premiere on August 29th at the historical Landmark Midtown Theatre in Atlanta.
I have been involved with community service and being an advocate against domestic violence for 14 years. I am the founder of “Why I care 20” a non-profit organization which was formed to provide emergency shelter for families and victims of domestic violence. I am always encouraging others and has been known to be the “go-to” person when someone is in need.
When asked who are you? I often would say, I’m a unique, weird, outgoing person and happy God made only one Shonny Sanders. The things I love most in life is serving my daughter and my community.
My favorite part of being involved with the community is the youth because it allows me to catch them while they are young and help them avoid making the same mistakes I did as a teen. Having a teenage daughter gives me an insight into what’s happening in the young folk’s world. Also, hanging out with them can be tons of fun!
My idea of a perfect day starts with prayer, clocking in to serve the people, then finish off by telling God thank you for choosing me. The kinds of people I like to meet are ones who are compassionate and understanding. That’s important to me because I was once the kind of people that I am trying to help.”
I love to collect old school video games for my collection such as Pac Man on my original Atari 2600 and an original Sega Genesis.
You can order a copy of “Letters of Forgiveness” from Amazon or email me at my contact info below.
You can follow me on FB @ShonnyDee and IG @ShonnySanders.
Email: whyicare20@gmail.com
Email: faceless.shadowsproduction@gmail.com
Follow the Faceless Shadows the Movie FB page to stay informed on my upcoming film “Faceless Shadows” or email the production team.
Great, 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?
It has not been an easy journey. Beginning with the death of my sister I was confused, angry & uncertain of my own life. I often thought there must be something better than the depression I went through trying to overcome her death. I just couldn’t figure it out.
Once I received a message that the young lady who is responsible for her death wanted to reach out to me, I begin to come out of my depression. I took this as an opportunity to ask “why.”
After allowing this woman to write to me, this is where my self published book “Letters of Forgiveness” was birthed. After it was published and I received many reviews of how it helped someone else with their forgiveness, I then realized the purpose of the book. I realized there was a need to provide the public with thought-provoking content.
Other struggles were counting on others to understand why I forgave this young woman. Still to this day, people ask me “how could you”? I fall back on my beliefs and keep it moving. I realize that all won’t support my journey but the most important is that remembering it’s my journey, not theirs.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Why I Care 20 – what should we know?
Mahogany Entertainment & Publishing company is a newly birthed company that provides consulting, ghost-writing, writers workshops, production crews, artist development, acting coaches, film making classes and publishing for authors.
Why I Care 20 is a non-profit organization that was developed to provide emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. When there are no beds available at the local shelters for victims, we provide 24-72 hour hotel stays. We do this in the hope that they will not be left with the only option of going back to their abuser. In just a short period of time, a split-second decision has to be made to get them to safety. Being an officer in this non-profit organization is most rewarding because I believe that if I can help reach one there’s a possibility of saving someone’s life.
What I am most proud of for what I do with either company is that I am helping others to get to the next level in life. A better way of life. An opportunity to tell their stories in hopes that it will help the next person. In either business, I consider paying it forward.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Resilient, creative, socially conscious, thoughtful, honest, optimistic and professional.
Pricing:
- Letters of Forgiveness Available on Amazon or Paypal: whyicare20 $15
- Faceless Shadows the movie $25 available on Event Brite
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678-252-8313
- Email: whyicare20@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonnydee_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shonny.dee.9
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/FacelessShadowsProductions/
Image Credit:
DGS Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
