Meet #PrettiBeast Shanice Parker, Founder of Billz Production
Outside of filming and editing, Ms. Parker continues to share her knowledge with others through various speaking engagements ranging from young students to emerging professionals. In June of 2018, Ms.Parker was awarded a proclamation from New York State Senator Kevin Parker during his Educational Leadership Award Breakfast in partnership with Health First, for her community work educating aspiring youth in film about the arts. The work Shanice produced with the students appeared in the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
Shanice continues to go above and beyond for clients to ensure their videos and photos properly showcase the brands highest potential and providing services that compliments popular culture trends.
Pretti Talk: When did you know that you wanted a career in visual production?
Shanice Parker: Your career choice is a relationship you develop between yourself and your dream. As we all know relationships takes patience, strength and a constant reminder that it is something you want. In 2013 when I devoted my life to creating a production company I wasn’t aware of all of the obstacles I would face. Some obstacles I have faced would have pushed me away from continuing my dream if it wasn’t something I wanted. As those obstacles came along I continued to push through over the years. I dreamed to be a young innovative entrepreneur from the very beginning but it wasn’t until I faced true deterrents that I knew I wanted a career in the field of production. I guess I have redefined my way of viewing what I want now through my ability to see through the barriers, and the devotion to invest in my relationship between myself and my dream.
PT: What is the biggest misconception people have about working with a production company?
SP: One of the biggest misconceptions people have about working with a production company is that a photographer or videographer is supposed to capture an image exactly like another photographer or videographer. Each photographer or videographer has their own style and captures images differently. Styles are art forms and each person has different approaches to their art. If you know of a photographer or videographer whose work portrays the image you would like to project to your audience work with that artist, oppose to working with another production company who may not specialize in that. Granted a production company should be able to specialize in the ability to produce visual content but also keep in mind that a wedding photographer and senate photographer focuses on two different styles.
PT: How did you come up with the name for your company?
SP: The name of my company came from a nickname I was given in college. They use to call me Sha Billz. That was the first time I had heard the name and I felt like it perfectfully matched my aura. I was young fly and flashy and well hey I still am! (chuckling) Nonetheless my company is a reflection of who I am so I believe that it would only make sense to name it after the aura I wanted the company to embody. I wanted those who were interested in my services to feel the same way I felt when the name was given to me.
PT: What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur?
SP: My favorite part of being an entrepreneur is the ability to march to my own rhythm and recognizing the growth of my company goes hand and hand with the growth of who I am becoming. I enjoy growth, it’s like a two for one deal, I grow, my company grows. I like to think my growth has been developing in a positive way, I focus on positive vibes only and I like maintaining that same vibe with new and previous clients. Anyone who has worked with me can speak on that rapport.
PT: What has been your favorite project to work on?
SP: My favorite project I have worked on is my first movie. I got the chance to actually develop a story and see others believe in my vision and participate in the production. It felt good to get the story out of my head and onto the screen.
PT: How do you prepare to take on a new project?
SP: As I have grown I realize that taking on new projects does not have to focus primarily on getting paid. Once learning that I had a new approach on how I would take on a new project. For starters I recognize whether or not the project presented to me best fits with the work style I produce in. If I do not connect with the project I will refer the person looking for the service to someone I feel will best fit their needs. If I do connect with the project it makes it easier to develop new ideas and be more creative in the process.
PT: How do you unwind after working on a project?
SP: It all depends on what part of the project I am working on. See there’s 2 major parts of the projects I pick up. It’s the filming part and there is an editing part. If I’m working on the filming part of the project the first thing I may do after working is surround myself around a supportive person and tell them about my day, just get all of the excitement out. I love recapping my day because that gives me a chance to reflect on all the things I did great and the things I can work on for the future. If I’m working on the editing part I may need a glass of wine and a nap (chuckling). Editing is tedious and you want to be in the most relaxed state after taking a break from it.
PT: How important is work life balance to you?
SP: I dedicate a lot of my time to working. Even if I’m out on my down time I find a way to squeeze some kind of work in. I'm not too sure if I’m balancing my work life and social life equally but I make sure to keep my mind going in a positive direction and that’s what’s most important to me.
PT: Do you have a self care routine?
SP: I take baths like Rev. Run (laughing)! I soak my body everyday now. Not only does it help my skin feel soft I am also at a peace of mind. Taking a bath for me helps a lot with my skin care and mental health. If you’re going to have a self care routine make sure you include your mind too, you can’t excel in life if your mind not right.
PT: What advice would you give a little girl looking to pursue a career in visual production?
SP: Never give up. Always have a supportive circle, and always support yourself. Only you as a person know how far you want to take your dream. How grand your dream will develop into will depend on your persistence to flourish. Those who you surround yourself by will keep you on track whenever you get caught up in your own thoughts whether good or bad.
Photos are the work of Chris Fox Kelly
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