Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mack.
Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from The Bronx of New York City and have over 18 years of experience working in the entertainment industry. It all began in the field of radio while attending Villanova University. Back in 2003, while pursuing my undergrad degree, I interned as the night show producer for the Hot Boyz on Philly’s Power 99. Once I graduated, I landed a gig as the afternoon on-air talent at former Hip-Hop and R&B station, Delaware’s Kiss 101.7. After my radio career on the East coast came to a halt, I relocated to L.A. Since relocating, I’ve starred in several commercials for companies like Anna’s Linens, Just Fab Shoes, and Hallmark. In addition, I was featured on BET’s “The Boot” and TLC’s “What Not To Wear.” While pursuing an acting career was fun, it was not my passion. So I decided to get back into radio.
In April 2015, I launched my very own radio station, “Smack Urban Radio.” SUR has four channels: Hip-Hop and R&B, Dancehall, Soca and Podcasts. “The Miss Mack Show: Spirituality, Sex & Serendipity” dominated afternoons on SUR Monday through Friday. The show was centered around elevating the conscious minds of every listener. I motivated my listeners to be better individuals and also gave a small scoop of celebrity gossip on each show. In July 2018, I launched my own YouTube celebrity interview series called “Pedis & Mimosas.” This show is centered around meaningful conversation with a well-known celebrity. Both myself and my guest gets pampered with a pedicure while sipping on mimosas. I am the creator and producer of this show. My most viewed episode is with Amina Buddafly of “Love & Hip-Hop New York” and it has over 91,000 views on YouTube to date. I’ve since created the quarantine edition of the show called “Quarantini & Mimosas,” which carries the same theme virtually via IG Live. I hold a BA in Communications with a Minor in Theatre as well as an MBA from University of Phoenix.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth at all. As much as I’d like to believe that that’s what I wanted, I have come to understand that the hardships were needed. The hardships created who I am today! One of the biggest struggles for me was not having enough money to fund my dream. I got very little help from outside resources so I had to make some big sacrifices. One of those sacrifices included sleeping in my car for 43 days so I could kick off season 2 of my show, “Pedis & Mimosas.” I was an Uber driver at the time, which paid pennies! I got tired of driving just to pay my bills. My show had been put on hold for six months. I figured something had to give and enough was enough. The plan was to stay with a “friend” who never got back to me. Asked another “friend,” she never got back to me. And it didn’t quite work out with the 3rd. After that, I couldn’t find the courage to ask anyone else so I camped out in my car…. for 43 days! No one knew… not even my mother. I was able to save up my money for season 2 and the rest was history! This struggle was necessary….that’s when I discovered my power.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a host/entrepreneur! I launched my own show called “Pedis & Mimosas,” which was built off of an Uber income. I’m getting ready to launch my own lip line called “Pretty Smack,” which will be here early 2021. I am most proud of my resilience! I’ve had a hard time for a long time but have always found a way to push through and make something happen regardless! I don’t know any other woman (and I know they are out there) that hustles as hard as me! I’ve created a lot of amazing businesses in my time. Some include a speed dating service for Black singles called “Match in a Minute,” a four channel internet radio station “Smack Urban Radio” that averages 13,000 listeners monthly, a popular YouTube show “Pedis & Mimosas” with a spin off show called “Macktails & Mimosas,” and an upcoming cosmetic lip line “Pretty Smack.” There are a few more but those are my pride and joys!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
That no matter what, I can create & survive under any circumstance.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.prettysmack.online
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/iamshannonmack
- Youtube: www.YouTube.com/ShannonMackTV
- Other: www.Instagram.com/pedisandmimosas
Image Credits:
Leo Lifestyle Photography
