Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaka Smith.
Hi Shaka, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Miami, Florida, and after graduating high school attended Princeton University for my undergraduate studies and then George Mason University School of Law. I took the bar in Florida so I could always practice at home but made the move to Los Angeles, to pursue an entertainment career.
However, I’ve always had a passion for fitness. Despite being diagnosed with Hemophilia and advised to remain sedentary, I began to delve deeper into these interests and found myself winning fitness competitions, fitness modeling, and exploring the world of being a fitness/lifestyle influencer. It has been a thrilling experience, and a lesson for me to continue to lean into the unexpected places life can often lead.
My work in the fitness industry opened up new opportunities in the entertainment industry. I began hosting Fit Club, a weekly program on the Black Hollywood Live Network, where I had the privilege of discussing fitness and health topics with a variety of guests. I even had the opportunity to appear on shows like “Modern Family,” and “Pair of Kings,” which were significant milestones in my journey.
Beyond my work in the entertainment industry, I’ve found a purpose in advocating for wellness and social justice. I believe in the transformative power of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of a plant-based diet, which I adopted in 2015. I’ve used my platform to promote these values, hoping to inspire others to consider their health and the health of our planet.
In addition to this, I founded the Beryl Angela Smith Foundation (Beryl Foundation), named after my mother and grandmother, it serves as a bridge between the community and other nonprofit organizations doing valuable work. Today, I partner with Project Save Our Surf, running monthly beach cleanups in Santa Monica, and with Project Pop Drop, donating and distributing items once a month at various locations for the unhoused around Los Angeles.
My journey is not a linear one, but it’s one I wouldn’t change for the world. I began my career in law, but my passion for fitness, acting, and social justice guided me down a different path. As my journey continues to evolve, I’m excited to see where it leads.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any journey, mine has had its fair share of bumps and turns, but I believe that it’s these very challenges that have shaped me into who I am today.
One of the first hurdles I faced was my health. Despite my Hemophilia diagnosis, I chose to challenge the limitations set before me, and this decision led me down a path of playing collegiate sports (swimming and water polo), bodybuilding, and fitness modeling. It was a risk, but it was one that I felt compelled to take.
Transitioning from a career in law to the entertainment industry was another challenge. I took a leap of faith to leave a stable profession to pursue my passion for entertainment. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but I remained stubborn and steadfast in my pursuit.
My journey into the world of social advocacy also presented its own set of challenges. Advocating for health and wellness engaging minority communities, and promoting a plant-based lifestyle was met with resistance. However, I was and remain driven by the stark disparity in health outcomes and the belief that education and empowerment are the best tools to make a difference.
In retrospect, the road has been anything but smooth. But it’s these struggles and challenges that have taught me the most valuable lessons. They’ve taught me resilience, determination, and the power of choice. I’ve learned that how we choose to respond to our circumstances can transform any situation into a win. And most importantly, I’ve learned to protect my peace, surround myself with supportive individuals, and walk away from situations that don’t serve my long-term goals, regardless of the short-term opportunities they may present.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist, I wear many hats. I’m an actor, a host, a fitness model, host, recording artist, and a social advocate. I’ve had the privilege of working in various fields, and each one has allowed me to express a different facet of my creativity.
In the world of fitness, releasing my fitness program, the ‘6 Minute 6 Pack Abs Workout’ was a milestone moment for me, presenting a part of my approach to health and fitness to the world for the first time. I’m currently working on releasing a program that focuses on maintaining youthful health and wellness throughout any age.
More recently, in facing down old fears, I’ve ventured into the music industry, releasing my debut single, ‘Stay Strong,’ a song inspired by my commitment to social justice. I followed up with ‘Luv Language’ a fun edm vibe with my next single ‘Miami’ out later this summer and more music on the way this fall. I’m excited to showcase a different side of my creativity.
I’m also working tirelessly on my podcast Wander Well and the Wander Well Living brand which focuses on living successfully in business but also mentally, physically and spiritually as well. I’ve always been a fan of a holistic approach and with interesting guests that have included “America’s mom” Tabitha Brown and actor/musician Leon Thomas I get to explore these facets of life with the audience.
What I’m most proud of, however, is the current work with the Beryl Foundation. We recently partnered to support The Concierge Kitchen who’s on a mission to provide 10k plant-based meals to the unhoused in 10 weeks. Being able to support the meaningful work of nonprofits on the ground in the community is the most fulfilling work.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
So many things bring me joy. However, the ability to make a difference, whether it’s in the realm of fitness, entertainment, or social advocacy is unmatched. The feeling of knowing that any part of my work or passion, can potentially inspire and empower others is incredibly fulfilling.
In particular, seeing people take control of their health and wellness brings me immense happiness. I’ve heard from so many who adopted plant-based lifestyles or simply made healthier choices or ditched an unhealthy habit as a result of something I’ve shared. It is always a change that permeates all areas of their lives and is truly a testament to the transformative power of physical health and the resilience of the human spirit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wanderwellliving.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakastrong
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shakastrong1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shakastrong
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shakastrong
Image Credits
Andrew J. Cunningham, Vivien Killilea, Janelle Castillo, and Michael Bezjian
