We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sharia Philadelphia. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Sharia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I am most proud of which often goes unseen is my entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing and AI engineering. Starting as an aesthetic social media marketing personality, I mastered corporate marketing techniques used within the industry. After graduating as a Mass Communications major in 2023, I launched my career as a social media marketing entrepreneur and have since achieved over 1M+ organic views for my clients on Instagram. I have earned nine certifications, including credentials from TikTok, Meta, and Google AI, as well as specialized training in Generative and Agentic AI from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. I realized that as I shared these accomplishments, I became a representation for others, inspiring them to explore AI engineering. Because AI is the next frontier in a high-demand industry, I take pride in my strides to merge creative vision with technical execution. In this space, you are meant to be seen; I have learned to stay consistent and authentic because, eventually, the rest of the world will catch on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sharia Philadelphia, and I specialize in digital marketing, social media marketing, and AI engineering. My career began in 2022 as a social media personality within plastic surgery marketing and sales, and I later transitioned into MedSpa aesthetic marketing. I am passionate about the aesthetic beauty industry and am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. Currently, I serve as a social media manager for three locations in Atlanta, Georgia. By overseeing strategy, digital campaigns, and branding, I have evolved into more than just a content creator; I implement data-driven strategies that improve sales, booking conversions, and ad creatives while maintaining consistent organic growth.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest moment of feeling powerful was at nine years old during my first performing arts showcase. It taught me how art, dialogue, and creativity have the unique ability to emotionally move an audience; dancing on that stage was the first time I realized I loved entertainment. In my teen years, I began creative directing for my own brand as a dancer. Developing video concepts, photography, and performances became outlets for me to build confidence and discipline. For a long time, I feared that being a “performer” was the only identity the world would allow me to have. However, I eventually realized I didn’t have to be just one thing. At 14, I launched “Carmen Desire,” inspired by the poise and femininity of Dorothy Dandridge. In 2022, I rebranded as Carmen Xotica an entertainer and marketing expert. I truly believe my background as a performer allows me to be a free thinker when I create and edit digital content today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
My journey has taught me that suffering is a state of mind that offers no room for growth. Shame, guilt, and the ‘should’ve, would’ve, could’ves’ are simply distractions from our true purpose. I’ve realized that the only person in control of my destiny is me. One of the hardest lessons I learned is that if you devalue your own worth, the world will quickly follow suit. That is why I prioritize my mindset every single day; I have built a level of confidence that is unshakable. To me, overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t just a career goal it’s a way to end a form of internal suffering. I also believe there is a profound beauty in the struggle. It strengthened my faith and my walk with God. The journey of an entrepreneur can be a lonely one, but I see now that God had to break me gracefully to rebuild me into the leader I am today. Suffering didn’t define me; it refined me, teaching me that I am truly deserving of the success I am building.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie in the marketing industry is that it is a “one-size-fits-all” skill set, but it is not. Many companies take advantage of marketing professionals by requiring them to manage projects that fall outside of their specific job descriptions. This lack of focus leads to high burnout rates. For example, a social media manager should not necessarily be responsible for launching email marketing campaigns; they should focus on their core duties unless they are properly compensated and have the bandwidth to manage the extra workload. This is especially true for marketing entrepreneurs who have not yet scaled their businesses. In the past, trying to do everything caused me to feel burnt out and jaded. However, that experience helped me narrow down my niche. Through trial and error, I discovered that my true expertise lies in social media marketing.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I used to believe that to be successful, I had to be transformed and fully knowledgeable by “tomorrow.” Now, I practice the “1% Rule.” This means making small, intentional adjustments every day to move closer to my goals a form of quiet but consistent progress. We often mistake burnout for the only validation of hard work, but that is a misconception. I used to exhaust myself with endless hours of campaign building and editing, but implementing this rule helped me create sustainable momentum. According to The Client Stampede Marketing School, “The 1% Rule is simply this: focus on growing your business by 1% every day. Compounded, this means your business becomes 3,800% better each year.” Starting with small changes in my routine is what truly took my career to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumierestudios__/?igsh=NGNtZHUzamlrN25k&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharia-philadelphia-979963351/
Image Credits
Image Credit: Sharia Philadelphia
Ai Engineered Models/Mock Up: Sharia Philadelphia
