Keep it Positive, Sweetie - More Than A Housewive w/ Shamea Morton

Episode Date: February 23, 2025

This week on the Keep It Positive, Sweetie Show, we're joined by the multi-faceted Shamea Morton! She's sharing her journey of love, life, fertility, motherhood, and marriage–beyond what you've seen on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. You don't want to miss this conversation full of inspiration, laughter, some tears and real talk.

Coming up on Keep It Positive, sweetie. As women, we're often told, you know, get your career, get a husband, here are the steps to doing all this stuff. And especially in the black community, I didn't know anything about freezing eggs and IVF. It was just like, don't get pregnant. Don't let that boy get you pregnant, you know?

Hello, yeah. And you wrap the thing up, and you were always like, oh, okay, yeah, you know, you didn't hear about, like, yeah, until you don't need to wrap it up because your eggs are going to dry, you know? Yeah. You're born with a certain number of eggs, you have those eggs and that's all you're gonna get. We don't talk about that kind of stuff. We don't. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp.

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Welcome to another episode of the Keep It Positive, Sweetie Show, a safe space where we heal, laugh, grow and love together. I'm your host, Crystal Renee Haislett. And in this episode, we sit down with the dynamic Shamia Morton-Mawongi, renowned for her multifaceted career in entertainment. This is an inspiring conversation that offers a deeper look into the life of a

woman who seamlessly balances the demands of the spotlight with personal fulfillment because she is more than a housewife. Before we get into the episode, let's take a look into Crystal's closet. All right guys, let's get into today's look. I'm wearing a matching set by Max Mar Sport. I'm wearing an aloe tank and I paired it with these beige Givenchy shark boots. Get into it. Shamiah Mort Mwangi exudes energy From her vibrant presence on the Real Housewives of Atlanta

to her infectious personality while hosting V103's morning show and the high energy she brings to hosting the Atlanta Hawks games and any red carpet. I'm super excited to dive into her journey from leading her church choir at the tender age of four to becoming the most exciting multi-hyphenate talents while balancing motherhood, marriage, and career. Ladies and gentlemen, Shamia Morton-Mawongi. Hey, Miss Red. Hey, Miss Red. I gotta hug you.

Oh, my God. I'm excited. Hello. I'm excited to have you. I just... First of all, I just love you. Your energy is always electric. From the day I met you, you've been so sweet and kind. And you always invite me and include me and stuff. You never forget about me, even though I'm like extremely busy.

You know how you like invite people places and then they're never available. You're like, well, I ain't gonna invite me anymore. That is not Shamia. You always keep me in mind. Because I always want your bright light around me. Like you have such a magnetic positive energy, which is why the name of this show is so perfect.

When I first heard about Kip, I was like, Oh my goodness, what a great name. Thank you. Like you just exude this joy and this God in you. And it's so contagious. And it's something that you always want to be around. So thank you for never forgetting about me. No, of course You know, sometimes when people blow up they do a big thing and they do a big one. It's like oh, oh, yeah No, we're not doing that. You never give that energy. No at a basketball game at a grocery store

I'm like, she still loves me. You know? I told y'all I know Chris. Right. I love that. No, I appreciate you so much. And I'm extremely proud of you and your growth. Like I think when I first met you, you were a dancer for the Hawks.

Yes. You were a Hawks cheerleader. I was dancing for the Falcons then. Was it Falcons? Yes, it's been a while. And then I moved over to the Hawks. Yes. Dancing and cheering.

Yes, incredible. And then to see you now, like the host of the Hawks. You are doing so many things. Thank you. Yeah, you're a host, you're an actor, you are a mother, a performer, all the things. Listen, I'm just trying to be like you best friend. I love the fact that, you know,

we are women that aren't placed in a box. Yes. We can do multiple things. And you know, multiple things, bring in multiple streams of people. So that's always a fortunate thing, but it's crazy how all of this stuff came about. I started out just being a girl that loved to sing

in the Sunday Enchir at the Church of God in Christ. And then went from there to just, my show was boring, and they were like, okay, well, you can't just stand there and sing, you gotta give us a little bit more. Like, can you move a little? So my parents put me in ballet, jazz. Same, we had so much in common.

And then from there, I got a part in the movie Drumline, where I was a dancer, and then it just continued. I was like, I saw that chick and I was like, Oh, I can do this. Hold on a second. You get paid this kind of money just to act? I was like, I'm getting some acting classes. What? Found it for the Alliance Theaters, acting classes.

Amazing. Then I came this close to getting a part over with Miss Superior audition and got the Have and Have Nots play. That's where, oh, the play, okay. Yes. Wow. And we're supposed to do that last leg on the tour

and then they canceled it and I was like, ah, it's like a camera, like, you almost had it. I was like, ah, ah. There's a lot of those, yeah. But I was fortunate enough to do some background work. Like a couple liners here and there. It's a journey. I always say like it's a process.

It is, you have to trust it. And God ain't done with me yet. He is not done. I'm still doing it, I'm still working, and I'm still able to keep my youth. Yes. And kids keep it young. Oh my goodness, yeah.

Did you ever feel like with all the things that you've wanted to do, did you ever have a feeling where you just had to choose one thing at any moment? Cause I know now we're like, we're not being boxed in, but was there ever a moment where you did feel like you had to choose? I felt like, I mean, the industry kind of burnt me out singing because I was signing so young and you know I sang with some of the best of them you know Shamari from Black, Kari

Hilton from you know and we had a group called Pretty Tony. I had a, I was in a group called Coed and after so long and after so many those you do start feeling like you're not good enough. Maybe you're not really a good singer Maybe you're not cute enough. Maybe you start to doubt yourself So I started doing the things that people did appreciate or respect me for and that was like hosting or dancing Yeah, and so I was like well I really want to do some like in-game hosting silent reporting and I want to do radio Yeah, and how'd you get into that? I was dancing at a Hawks game

And I was like the only way I'm coming back at my big age Is if you guys are gonna give me a shot to do some sidelines for in-game hosting now Who did you tell this to my cheer coach? Oh wow okay? She was like Just studying you know be ready when your time comes Yeah, you'll be able to do it and lo and behold the girl mr. Flight the host mr. Flight Yeah, and I was always I had a extra change of clothes you'll be able to do it. And lo and behold, the girl missed her flight, the host missed her flight. Yeah. And I was always, I always had an extra change of clothes

in my locker. Ready. I was like, put me in, coach. That's a message. I'm ready. And they did. And I mean, I almost killed it. I did well enough to get called back.

And then I became her backup. And then it was like, she moved to LA. And what's crazy is Her name was Crystal. Oh, wow. CJ. Uh-huh. Yes. And she moved to LA and started doing some stuff in LA for the Sparks and everybody else.

And then that job became mine. Wow. And from there, it was like, okay, now it's yours completely. Yes, it is yours. And you own it. You are so good. And then, of course, you know, Ryan at the time was doing the- Ryan Cameron.

Yeah, what Tiff does now. Yeah. Ryan Cameron was doing the- yep, the voice. He was the voice of the box. And he was auditioning, co-host for the radio. And he brought me in, let me audition a little bit and hang out with him. Then I started doing overnight at the radio station, the shift that nobody wants.

Right, you gotta start somewhere. You're pretty much talking to yourself. I did that for like almost two years. Oh wow. People don't know that. I think you just get success overnight. But it's like, this is a journey. It is. I did that for like almost two years. People don't know that. I think you just get success overnight but it's like this is a journey. It is. I did that for like two years then I joined the Big Tigger Morning Show and that was a fun time. I did that for

another two years and in between that mind you now it wasn't just consecutive like years. It was like overnight no job. Wow. They call you back and then you do, yeah. So, and then I got let go there. Wow. What was that like? Oh man, it was heart breaking. You feel like you're getting a big break. Because that's a new spot.

I mean, I loved my job. I loved being on three. I've always enjoyed the people stationed because I grew up in Atlanta. Exactly. So I grew up listening to them. So it was no hard feelings because, you know, sometimes people just want to go in a different direction

and you got to respect that. And you just have to thank God for the time that you were able to do it. That's good. So I was like you know at any time one door has closed another one has opened. So even when I was doing the WNBA hosting I lost my job there and I was crying, I was sad and then the NBA called me and I was like come on God. So you know when I lost my job at viewing on three housewives called and I was like come on God God. So when I lost my job at B103, housewives called. And I was like, come on, God. So was there ever a moment where you were like, all right, God, what's happening?

Or did he always just open it up? Just never let that doubt even settle in because he was always opening another door. We are always naturally going to be somewhat doubtful. And when I was younger, you used to hear, don't you question God. Always. But sometimes you get frustrated.

And you're like, well, what's happening? Yeah. Always. But sometimes you get frustrated and you're like, well, what's happening? Yeah. What's my purpose? What do you really want me to do? You always say, you know, let's pray that you will be done. Well, what's in your will? What am I doing it, right?

Yeah. I mean, what are my steps already? Right, right. I'm getting impatient, you know? Yeah. And then just when you start to just be like, all right, I'm over it. He steps in and he just shows you like,

all right, I told you to trust me. Now you trust me? I love it. So, yeah, so, you know, I'm over it. He steps in and he just shows you like, all right, I told you to trust me, now you trust me. So yeah, so you know, I'm doing the show this season. I'm excited about that. I feel like my life is just taking, I think I'm taking control of it and I'm actually even manifesting and speaking those things that I want. Speaking of manifesting, you just recently manifested

a big, I think feat that you want to accomplish. You want to share that with us? Yeah, so I almost feel like I might have backfired a little bit. I might have went a little bit too far. So I'm not a liar, guys. I was just really manifesting. So I'm on my page. I'm like live from the 67th Annual Grammys.

It's the biggest night in music. And I'm your host, Shamia Morton, alongside my cohost Trevor Noah. Like he was- I know that's right. Speak it. Everybody started calling me like, oh my God! Ah!

I was like, yes! Why I walked in today when you were like, cause I saw your post and I said, oh my God, we had to touch her. I didn't know she did the Grammys. Like it's spreading and people are like picking it up, you know, and it's like, I thought it was real. And then you're like, that was manifestation.

Call me from the network and I'm like, oh my goodness, we did not know that. Congratulations. Who are you hosting for? I was like, in my basement. But I'm gonna get back to it. That's where it starts. That's where it starts. No, you've seen it.

Like I've seen a lot of people do commentary on fashion and it starts in their living room. And then before you know it, they get so many followers and traction builds where they end up being on the red carpet. So it can happen. I'm just like y'all at home. I want it.

I got dreams too. Yes, absolutely. I love that. So yeah, sorry. I ain't mean to catfish y'all at home. I want it. I got dreams too. Yes, absolutely. I love that. Oh yeah, sorry. I ain't mean to catfish y'all. That works. I'm like, right. Like, so you didn't, no, let me tell you the funny part was when I read one of the comments, one of my friends was like, you have me in tears. Oh my gosh, you deserve this. And I was like, don't cry. Don't, yes. Not wait till, wait till next year.

Because it's going to happen. And then cry. We both going to be crying. Yes, that's good. There's this new show on BET called Pound for Pound. It's in South Africa and it follows women who are boxers. But they talk about the struggle to balance it all. You Shemeah are multi-hyphenated. you do all the things and you also are a mother.

Do you feel like you can have it all? I do, and I think that this season that I'm in has really shown me that you can have it all. And I hate to keep taking things back to God, but that's like, that's what's at my center. No, don't hate that, take it back, yes. And that's kinda how I was raised. Absolutely, me too. And it's always like, if you gotta put your trust in him and you got to know that he hears and he

sees and he knows what you want he knows the desires of your heart and he'll give you just that if you just stay faithful yes I mean I don't want to start preaching but Job was sick for so long you know he was from his bones and you know what he waited and he waited yes and God showed up and showed up and he's like come on I ain't a pastor if he can wait until the flesh falls from his bones, then why can't I? Why can't I? And so I always tell people, no matter your age, no matter your race, creed, color, it doesn't matter. If that is for you, no man, nothing can stop it.

And that's what I'm doing. I'm waiting. I'm gonna be blessed. And I know I was coming. I can feel it. I'm here with you. Yes. Imagine.

Imagine. Both of us, from where we met, where we were, to now is night and day. Imagine. Both of us, from where we met, where we were to now is night and day. Absolutely. Even with Housewives, people were like, oh, you know, she'll never get a peach. Even I started doubting, like, would I ever. And not that it was a goal of mine, but it's kind of frustrating when you're doing something haphazardly. Like, you want to showcase your whole life. You want to show people that there's more to you

than just being a plus one or a friend of. But you can't because you're not full time. You're just a friend of. And so it would be situations like someone would say something, you know, we can be a little shady. And you don't know it until you actually watch the show. And when you watch the show, then it's like...

Oh, that's how you feel? And I didn't even get a chance to get you back. I wanna get my leg back. I wanna have a rebuttal or something. You don't get any of that, because you're just a friend. Heck, they probably don't even mic you. Oh my goodness. Or you might not even get invited to the next event.

Wow. To even like... Yeah, to even say anything. Right, and so then your viewers are thinking, oh, well she just laid down and took it. And really you're like, I didn't even say your piece. Right, and so then your viewers are thinking, oh, well she just laid down and took it. And really you're like, I didn't even know about it. I didn't get invited back. I didn't, you know, you don't get a confessional

or green screen, you don't get any of that stuff. So I'm just excited for people to know me, my life, and all of the good, bad and the ugly of it. And I don't wanna say, I always feel like social media, people show you all the good. It's a highlight. Am I working? Look at my car. I'm this, I'm that. I am the grande. But it's like, the real life does happen. It does happen. And everything is not great. And some days I don't feel pretty and some days I don't feel amazing. Yeah. Some days I feel less than, some days I feel inferior. Some days I'm just like, why God?

And you know, dealing with a sick baby. It's just a lot of things that weigh on you. And that's why I was saying, like just the faith that and just when God picks you, he's like, you know, hey, I'm a thought it's on you, but the reward is gonna be so great. And so grand, you know. And that's why I think people will see this season,

like they'll get to see the good and they'll get to see the not so good moments. I'm excited for that for you. Yeah. Do you have you felt a sense of pressure now that you're not you're like you got your peach now so this is a different level for you on the show. Have you felt any pressure or any hesitancies of sharing your entire world? So the only time I get nervous and like anxious is knowing that, okay, it's premiering March 9th. This is when people are gonna see everything about me. Because when I pull up at a Hawks game, I park in the deck and no one knows what I'm driving.

Yeah, oh, we know now. Or when I... I know what you're talking about. You see? I'm just being honest. Or like, when I go home, they don't know what I'm going to. So oftentimes, I'm treated like the cheerleader that makes this amount and that's this. And they don't know.

And they don't know. And I just don't want that relationship to change. To change. How do you feel it's going to change? Because it's so authentic and so... I don't want to be treated like, oh excuse me, like some of the people that do know, it's already started happening like, well I know you don't eat Krispy Kreme donuts, but I'm like absolutely I do.

Right, right, bring them. I'm gonna ride through the McDonald's drive thru and get some fries. It's not beneath me. Didn't cook, we got Captain D's for dinner. But people automatically box you in this, oh, hula la. And it's like, that's not even me. It's not, you are not like that. You are not, so damn hurt.

I just love that about what my life is now. Like I can kick it with you in some sweats. And we can just be, you know, chillin'. And I don't, I just, the glitz and glam of it all is is one thing but then there's also right that absolutely down to earth decadal girl. Decadal I love it is you have not no I'm serious it has not changed and I don't want yeah the people around me to change you know right yeah yeah speaking of that how has it been as you've ascended and your stars continue to rise

just like the people around you and Navigating those friendships and relationships. I mean, you know, I always felt like sometimes people say, you know when you get a certain level of success You know things change or you lose friends or and I mean I hate to say that's right And it's not because it's something that you're doing And I mean, I hate to say it, that's right. And it's not because it's something that you're doing, because I find myself trying to go extra hard to keep all my people and make them all feel special, make them all feel important

and like they're on this journey with me. But sometimes people just don't see it for you. Sometimes people, you know, and I'm not talking about anybody in particular, but sometimes it can be your cousin. They can feel like, you know, for as long as you were, or they felt like, you know, for as long as you were, or they felt like they were better, doing better,

more superior, then it was like rah rah in your corner. But then the moment that they feel like you're doing well, it's like they changed. It's not even you. You're like, I'm still here, I still wanna go kick it with you. I miss you, I love you, friend. I couldn't kick it with you today because I had this happening,

but tomorrow, and it's like, nah, I'm good. You know, I'm like, that's what's hurtful. You know, just that part of it. Like, just changing, and it's almost like, I don't wanna say changing, some friends are seasonal, though. And some are not meant to be there with you. Yeah, no, that's true, that's true.

And it seems like you're navigating it very well. It's hard, because, you know, I think we're loyal people, be there with you. Yeah, no, that's true, that's true. It seems like you're navigating it very well. It's hard, because you know, I think we're loyal people and we love hard. But like, you know, some of my friendships, you know, have taken, you know, like, I mean, in one of my friends, we've been friends since, God knows, like, we met in college. Wow, yeah, we met in college.

We met in college. I've not been in college for a long time. And she just would say weird stuff all the time. I'd be like, hey girl, I'm filming today, I can't, you know. And then it was like, oh. You know, you always. Yeah, like, since you're on this show now. You don't have time. You don't have time. But I don't. I don't have time, but I like, you know, since you on this show now, you don't have time.

You don't have time. I don't have time, but I'm going to make time for you. And then when I would try to make time for her, she would just be like, no, it's all. Yeah. Yeah. So you can't win for losing me. Yeah. Like, and I want to do better, girl, because if I win, you win. Yes. Yes. For real. Yeah. But OK. Yeah. No, I get that. Yeah. You've been very open about motherhood and about surrogacy and fertility. I spoke about this a few times openly about my really just working

those years I should have been harvesting my eggs and feeling like I waited too long and then my doctor just telling me recently that you should just try to have it naturally because if you do freeze your eggs, who's to say they're all gonna stay alive and be viable? So I'm in that stage where I'm going through the dang I wish I had of, but you've been through it all. And I want you to share some of your journey. And then I wanna know how Shy is doing.

Yes. So I'm so happy that we're having this conversation because I do feel like, not just in our community, but as women, we're often told, you know, get your career, get a husband, here are the steps to doing all this stuff, and especially in the black community. I didn't know anything about freezing eggs and IVF.

It was just like, don't get pregnant. Don't let that boy get you pregnant, you know? Yeah, hello, yeah. But you wrap the thing up, and you were always like, oh, okay, yeah, you know, you didn't It was just like, don't get pregnant. Let that bug get you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You wrap the thing up. You're always like, okay. Yeah. You know, you didn't you didn't hear about like, yeah, until you don't need to wrap it up because your eggs are gonna dry. You know, yeah, you're born with a certain number of eggs and you have those eggs and that's all

you're gonna get. We don't talk about that kind of stuff. We don't. Let's talk about it. Yeah. Our talk are they're freezing their kids eggs out of high school. Isn't that crazy? You know, like they wanna make sure that they're able to procreate. We're just told, don't do that, don't get yourself knocked up, don't be barefoot and pregnant, all this stuff.

And then now that you have, and it's so crazy because the more I talk about it, the more I found out about so many of my friends and just family that have had trouble with infertility. And I'm like, let's all talk about it. We can help each other. I did seven rounds of IVF, seven, okay? What is that like?

Because when I was told I should do it, I felt like it was too late, but then also people kept saying, well, I mean, how's that gonna work with your career? When are you gonna have time? Because you know it's gonna take you down and it's not, you gain weight and it's not good. And I'm like, well, when would I have time to do it?

Let me tell you, you figure it out. Cause even when I was busy and I was on IVF, I would just give myself a shot in the car. You just figure it out, you know? And it takes what? A day to, you know, do the egg retrieval and then another day to recover possibly. But you'll make it happen.

You'll figure it out. Don't procrastinate, just do it, you know? But it's make it happen. You'll figure it out. Don't progress. Just do it, you know, but It's never too late like I mean if it's gonna happen for you Yeah at the right time at the right time you like and and the vain comments that are I've gotten you know Cuz I did do surrogacy with Shiloh. It was oh, you know, you just don't want to mess up your body Should have had a baby naturally. She wouldn't been sick that it is some ugly stuff out there However, I never stopped trying to get pregnant. I had a failed transfer. I had to fail transfer.

What's a failed transfer? So when they transfer the embryo into you, you wait to see if you get a positive pregnancy test. It didn't happen. And then a year ago, January, I had an ectopic pregnancy and I almost died. I was pregnant in my left fallopian tube rough shirt. Yes, yes. And I was bleeding out internally.

Oh, yeah. That's a whole other thing that you don't really even know about. And I went to one hospital and they were just like, get in line. We have other people ahead of you. And I was just like, I feel like I'm dying. I called my mom and I was crying. I was like, I'm vomiting in the emergency room and no one's helping me.

And you were literally bleeding inside. And then my mom came and took me from that hospital to another hospital where I was born, actually. Emory Carpher Long. Wow, I can hear amazing things at Emory. They rushed me right back, even though my vitals were good. Because at that hospital, I wasn't running a fever. My blood pressure wasn't high.

They were like, you're fine Took me back. The other hospital They did blood work on me. And they would get a little more in-depth and they were like, yeah No, so I'm not right. And then they did an ultrasound on me and they saw the blood. Oh my goodness. And they were like, we're rushing you into surgery. And when they told me to rush me into surgery, I was like, let me go to the bathroom first. I went to the bathroom and blood just started. No. Yes, oh my goodness, not to be graphic, but yeah, it was just, I mean, it was nothing but God. Yeah.

They saved my life. Yes. Which is why, you know, just a spoiler alert, you know, you'll see the cuts on me, even on the show. Yeah. You know, just, that was a real thing. Yeah. But let me tell you, it gave me,

it was a high and a low for that. I can still get pregnant. Wow. You know, because I did get pregnant. I still have eggs, you know, cause at this age you start thinking, can I get pregnant, do I still have eggs? You know, and then, but the other side was now

only have one fallopian tooth to get pregnant. So, you know, I would tell anybody, like, do your research, you know, do your homework, go make sure that it's a really great fertility clinic that you're going to. Look at their percentages of pregnancies. And then make a conscious effort to just be very detailed in picking your place.

We were fortunate enough to get Shiloh through my surrogate named Shadina. Now, how did you find a surrogate? That's another thing like when you think about like who would you choose? I was always like, let me let me when I met Shadina, I met her through Candy. Okay. And Candy used Shadina for her daughter Blaze. And during that process, I was there to witness her do the injections and I didn't even know that I needed a surrogate or anything.

I was just like, I'll get pregnant one day. And then it was like, cause I had Shia the natural way. So I was like, oh yeah, you know, we'll get pregnant. It'll be easy. Then it wasn't. It was like, failed, failed, after failed. So my doctor was like, it's unexplained. I don't even know why.

Just go and talk to a fertility clinic. And so that's how we came about Shadina. I was like, hey, she has an agency. So I was like, why don't you just carry the baby? We're comfortable with you. You're in the circle already. Just because she was like, what? So she did.

She got diagnosed with breast cancer, unfortunately. And she was at 32 weeks when she got diagnosed. And it was an aggressive form of breast cancer. Shania, that's a lot. Oh my goodness, when I tell you, I'm always like, is this like a movie? Right. I'm like, is this really happening?

She got diagnosed with breast cancer. Since it was aggressive, they were like, we can't, we gotta like, we gotta go and take Shaila. Shaila came five weeks early and she came on Valentine's Day. So like she's my little baby. What was crazy is I was supposed to be at All Star because All Star is always that week. It was in Utah that year and I was like, well I'm gonna have to like I got to figure this out.

She came, she was crying, we were all rejoicing and then she stopped crying and started turning blue. And I was like, oh my goodness, and they rushed her to the ICU. Next time I saw my baby, she had been intubated and was on a breathing machine. Yeah, I was like, oh my goodness. Then it's so crazy how social media helps you at times. There is power in that because she was there right out of week on the ventilator and they were like she needs a surgery. She had both nasal passages blocked with boning and tissue and they could only do the surgery at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta didn't have any beds. Oh my goodness. Beds? You would think we're in the United States of America. How, is that how is that even? They let you know how many kids are. There you go. And the hospital that they just built was so needed. But this was 2023. The hospital just opened in 2024. We didn't have that yet. And so they were they were had they had a bed shortage. So I went on Instagram and that's kind of how I started telling my story. Yeah, not for pity or

you know, for people, I just needed help and I didn't know how to help my child. And I knew that if I waited, then her lungs would suffer. And I was just like, I don't know what to do. And God just said, tell your story. So I went live and I started telling the story and I was like, I don't know how to get her up there. I don't know what to do,

but I do know that I need my baby in bed. And it's so funny because the lady that was working for the Falcons when I was sharing for the Falcons, she had a set of twins, and she knew one of the head doctors in the NICU at Northside. She reached out to her, come on now. Reached out to her, they reached out to Scottish Rite. Y'all had me a bit the next day.

Wow. They transported me over with my child and gave us the best care ever. Dr. Paula Harmon did the surgery and then we found out other things about Shiloh from head to toe. When I tell you this girl came with all the bells and the whistles.

She had craniosynostosis and that and I'm only sharing all this because there was no information about all this stuff. Yes and that's what we want to teach people. So I would like Google and I would go to the hashtag, you know you'd be like hashtag feed in braids. That's how I was doing it. Hashtag craniosynostosis. What is that? Looking at all these pictures. Just like Google, all the scary stuff comes up. Absolutely. So that's when your skull is fused together because most babies are born with a soft spot, not Shiloh. Her skull is already fused together so she would eventually have to have that procedure at six months of age to open her skull up so that she can have normal brain growth. Yes. But the first thing was keeping her alive by opening up her nasal passages. Yes. So they opened it up and that was called craniosynostosis.

And I'm sorry, it was coenotretria and coenostenosis of the nose. That's when you have tissue and boning blocking both nasal passages. This was craniosynostosis. So they opened up her nose and just like scar tissue, it wants to heal. Yes. It closed right back up. Oh my goodness. She had to keep going back. It was like every four weeks she was going back to the OR for another surgery. My girl has had 14 surgeries. 14, Shamia? Yes and she is still such a happy girl. Yes. Such great energy. I mean when I I tell you, like we do a family photo shoot and she's like, like the star.

Yes. And you know, and so that's why I say like, God just has a way, like from head to toe, that, this heart murmur, fluid buildup in her, kidney, the tendons in both middle fingers were tight, she had club feet, she had all the things. And I was just like, and it was like, I just had to deal with it one thing at a time.

It's almost like when you make it to do this. I had to like, so I didn't wanna be overwhelmed. And sometimes I would just need to just remove myself from it for even an hour or two, because any NICU moms, y'all know, like when you're bedside by your child, it just, it can drain you. And when you don't have energy your child and have energy I need her to have a will to live. Yes, you know and a desire and a good energy around her

Yeah, oftentimes I would leave and go to the Hawks game. Yeah. Yeah, I feel like you never skipped a beat I was like, why are you at the game? And I'm like, I need this Yeah, and I'm gonna go right back. You would you can't sleep in the NICU. They won't let you. Yeah. If I hear you dozing off, they're like, you gotta go. Really? You gotta leave. Yeah. And you want to be there with your child. Got out of the ICU that I could even spend the night at the hospital. That's a whole thing that you don't even know about. Yeah. So Shiloh was such a journey. Oh my goodness. I didn't even, if I was to look back, I'd be like,

how did I even make it through? Yeah. You know even now like how am I still making it through because Every day is like a turn. It's we turn the corner But she's still here with us and we're celebrating her second birthday in a week. Look at God. That is beautiful Yeah, she's driving. She's taking steps now She's taking steps now. What? Wobbly, yeah, she's a wobbly girl. Yes, oh. Yeah, so.

That's amazing. I always ask myself, before I would be like, why me? Like, why? Why this happen? Because with IVF, they give you the option to test your embryo. We did, we did not swear any expense. It was like, of course we want.

Absolutely. You wanna know, we wanna have a healthy baby. Yes. But they said it could have been a mutation that developed. When they checked, everything was there. There were no chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic screenings were fine.

But they said it was a duplication and a depletion in chromosome number seven. I was like, what does that even mean? And we did the homework and the research, and they were like, there's only four other cases of this. What? Yes. She is a miracle baby. When you look at it, it's like,

when they're looking at it, they're like, are all the books on the shelf? Okay, are all the pages in the book? Yes, so all those boxes were checked. But with her disorder or her genetic disability, when you open that book up, that one page has the words written backwards. So once you decode it, you'll understand it. But like for her, she's going to meet all her

milestones. It'll just be delayed. So I'm like, well, you know, delay is not a do not. It is not. And yeah, she's doing really well. That's good. That's amazing. Now, Big Sister Shia, because you have had to spend a lot of time with Shiloh, how has she been handling everything? That was very hard. And even now thinking about it, because she doesn't understand. Yeah.

How old is she now? She just turned six, November. OK. So she would get jealous. You're always with Shiloh. And then other times she would come, and you know, like a toddler, she would come come and say I want to get a new baby I want to get one that doesn't have all those cords and tubes and you know and yeah it was

heartbreaking because it was like I understand child. Yeah. That's okay. Hello. So she was our fit, same, you know. And it was a lot on my family, you know. Now we are divided. My husband's with Shia, I'm with Shia Lowe, and then we were swapped. And then, you know, she was like, when are you gonna come home?

And, you know, and like, why can't I play with Shiloh like this? Why can't she, when is she gonna come home? When is she gonna? And these are all very normal questions for, you know, four-year-old order by, and at the time, they weren't allowing kids under the age of four in the hospital, you know.

So she couldn't even be, so she couldn't even be able to come and see. And we have to send pictures, we have to FaceTime. So it definitely made our family stronger. And I do thank God that I had a very strong support. Like, that's the thing. Yeah. You really do know who you're you're a lot of people that reached out to me. You weren't even like my closest friends and was strangers.

Like, I'm praying for you. And reading those comments were like I'm praying for you. And reading those comments were like amazing. You had prayer warriors. I did. I'm telling you. And I was like, wow, this is just, it just felt so good.

Yeah. I just felt the love. Yeah. I don't even know, even to this day, I'm like, I don't even know how to thank all those people. Yeah. Because it was just such, it really helped me through a lot of stuff.

It's okay. You are so strong, Shamia. And the way you carry it with such grace, like I would see you document and show everybody what you were going through. And I'm looking like, I don't know how she's holding together, still showing up with a smile on your face, you know, and I just I commend you for that. Thank you

Yeah, I mean and that's the thing like, you know It's crazy cuz like when you think about it You're like sometimes if you just fake laugh and you fake pretend eventually it'll take on its own thing Yeah, you'll feel happy You'll feel great and that that's what I would have to do. Like I would have to like turn, get in my car, just turn on my gospel music, just cry it out and just bounce back, figure it out.

But like, just, I think when you're in it, you don't even, you don't have time to even breathe. You don't have time to, you just gotta go. You wanna go, go, go, go, go. Right, yeah. And I mean, I mean, I'm happy to be in a better space now when she's a lot healthier. But yeah, it's just been a journey, you know?

And that's why now, I'll even question people. Before I would be like, what do you want, a boy or a girl? And they would be like, a healthy baby? And I'd be like, ugh. All right, for real, for real. Okay, for real, what do you want? Yeah, now I'm like, no. Yes, keep praying for a healthy baby.

Because Shia was so easy, you know? Yep. Maybe Shia's gonna get me in the end. Shia will be easy. Shia will be easy later. Shia's gonna tear me out later. Well, hopefully not. But on a lighter note.

I know, I know what to go with now. No, it's beautiful and I wanted you to tell your story because it's so many women that are going through Well, hopefully not. But on a lighter note, I know I know that's a y'all have with me. No, it's beautiful. And I wanted you to tell your story because it's so many women that are going through the same things that don't have the outlet that we have. And they see you and they just think, oh, my gosh, she's got this amazing, glamorous life and doing all the things, but not realizing what you're really going through. Yeah.

And that's why I mean, I appreciate you allowing me to share on your platform because everything isn't great. And that's what I was saying, like, even on the show this season, I want people to see real life stuff. You can have all the money in the world, but life can happen to you. Yes.

And you're forced to just figure it out. We're not exempt. People think that like, we're exempt from sickness, from depression, from everything, just because you have money. That does not change it. Absolutely not. Absolutely not. So to me that's what's important, like just sharing your story and hoping that I can change lives in the process of it. Because I was confused, you know, not knowing. You know, the moms out there that have children with special needs, not knowing what their future's gonna be like. That's a scary thing. Yes. And I understand that. I was on radio where people would call in

for big tears, big blessing, and would be like, I've been out of work for this amount of time, my daughter is autistic, or has autism, or is on spectrum, and I would be like, well, maybe they can just go work here, and I would just be like, somewhat judgmental. Like, why wouldn't they just do this? Or, well, maybe we can help them, but can't they just go?

And it's like, now that I'm in it, oh my goodness, the doctor's visits, the bills, it is a lot. And the patients that it takes with the child. And the patients, like, outside of the specialist that she has to have for each of these things, she has to have physical therapy, OT, speech. Those are all additional doctors and nurses to have for each of these things. She has to have physical therapy, OT, speech. Those are all additional doctors and nurses that have to come either come into your home if

you're if you have the means to do that or take them to those appointments. And imagine if you don't have it. Yeah in the beginning I was going to three doctors visits sometimes a day. Yeah so like I can't imagine the people that don't have the means to do that stuff. Right. like my heart goes out to them And that's that's that's my focus. Yeah I love that. I love you do an amazing job at it. I remember I guess it was probably like 2015 16 17 ish we're both single. When'd you get married? Yes. I got married in 17. Yeah, so around that time we were single. We tried to figure it out. Yeah!

Yeah, we was outside of the building. But you figured it out. You married. And I want, my question is, how did you integrate into the Kenyan culture? Because I know like being American from this area, like that was a big

thing. Yeah yeah what was that like back then you know it wasn't that cool to be with an African no it wasn't it was almost like y'all used to have a little nasty memes on social media like the African Starter Kit Chanel the Celine oh my gosh this is so mean yeah and so then when I met mine my Kenyanyan man, it was like, girl, you need to get him tested. Make sure he don't give you AIDS. And I was like, what? First you do that with everybody. I was the friend during that time.

What? Because she was like spreading this rumor that my husband had all these wives and kids and I mean, it was nasty work. I was like, girl, I just couldn't believe it. So I had to date him through all that stuff. Right, that's tough. I mean, we ain't even got into the cultural differences. Yeah, I want to get into that too. But that was, it wasn't cute back then. Now it's like glamorized, like, ooh.

Yeah, get you an African man. Yeah, introduce me to one of his African friends. Now it's like, ooh, when y'all went back there, it was like, girl, she probably wanted his five wives. Not, no, I mean, it's just ignorance, honestly. Now how did you not let that get to you? Because I know sometimes you hear people talk about you. I had a good man, Savannah. Oh, I had a good man. When I tell you that man, like, just, you know,

he wrapped me up. I mean, his person, he was just so kind. You know what I mean? He'd say, get you somebody that love you more than you love them, like just worship your dirty drawers. That's a real thing. And every time I would find a flaw in a relationship and I would get ready to like, I'm done, I don't want,

he would be like, let me tell you something, I will never leave you. Like one day I remember getting so pissy mad about my order being wrong at Chick-fil-A. Like, come on, now look at me You looking for anything you like? No, I can't make you feel stupid about being mad at Braddy. I was like, I said extra pickles Pepper jet and American and he was like, I'm sorry. I

And I was just like I had a nasty attitude about it at first. So I was like, it's simple. I just asked for it is. And he was just like, god. Do you feel like at that moment you were looking for an out or you just picking at everything? You just pick. Because you've been single long.

Especially coming from a relationship that was abusive. I just had to let go of some of those. Because I was flawed. I was also flawed. You know what I mean? I wasn't perfect. And I think running is the easy way. Absolutely, yeah.

And my parents have been married almost 50 years and I was just like, you know what, let me take it back. Yeah. Like this is a good man, he don't beat me, he don't cheat, he's God fearing, he comes from a great family that's similar to mine. You know, his family loves me. They're very kind people. It ain't even the family that I had to worry about.

It was all the other Kenyans that I would cook for my man and would show what I cooked. They would be like, that meat don't look done. Or they'd be like, that ain't how Kenyans eat. Or we don't like that. We like our chicken this kind of way. And I'm like, but he like it. He would be the one like, don't worry about that.

I love your chicken. It tastes better than this. Yeah, and then he took me to Kenya. And they were so welcoming. I mean, they were at the airport with flowers and balloons and a banner. And I was like, ah, I'm home. Yeah, it was so amazing.

And just to understand the culture more. I want people to know this. I actually took Swahili. I went back to Georgia State. Really? Took Swahili. Oh? You were invested. Because what you're not gonna do is talk about me and I don't know what y'all saying. I know that's right. I guess what they did girl. They started speaking their tribal language. You like, is there a class for this? Yeah, they were like, yeah we don't do Kikuyu. We don't know it. So yeah. So then I lost Soheili because you know, you don't use it, you lose it.

No one's speaking it around me. I was like, done with it. But he was so impressed that I was so invested in it. And I aced the class. They even were trying to send me on a summer, fully submersive program, like in Tanzania. Or Tandania. And I was here for it, he was like, yeah, no. And you're about to marry me, so just stay over here.

I know, that's right. So how long is y'all date before he asked you to marry him? Two years. That's good. That's a good, yeah. And let me tell you what I used to do, though. In my 20s, I would give people two and a half years. Like, if you ain't put a ring on it, I'm out of here.

That's a real thing. And so when I met my husband, first of all, I always talk about manifestation. I changed my name in his phone to Wifey. And then I would always play ushers. Baby, I've been making plans for. And then Wale's matrimony. How does the song go?

If there's a question of my heart. That's the same thing. That's the same thing. Yeah. You got it. Yeah. I'm saying every time we get in the car, it would That's the same thing. That's the same thing, yeah. You got it. Yeah. I'm saying every time we get in the car, it would just be like, don't be like, he was even singing,

it don't belong to anyone but you. I was like, yes! I was like, gosh, that's not what I was thinking. You were like singing that. Yeah, sing that, baby, sing that, husband! Husband! Husband all the time. Hey, babe, hey, hubby.

All that, giving him that, and he did it. And he knew in the time. Hey babe, hey hubby. All that. Giving him that. And he did it. And he knew in the back of his mind, because I had already let him know when we were dating, two years. He's like, so what does it mean? At two years, are you just going to come and break up with me? And I was like, no, but there will be signs that I'm dating other people. I'm not going to hide it.

And he was like, what? Right. That's crazy. So if everything's great in our relationship at two years, if you're not engaged or we're not, you're gonna just, it's like, yeah. You said yes. Yeah, that's a strong yes. Solid yes. Wow. Baby, that two-year mark started coming up and I was like, we went to, you remember the guy that wrote the book,

Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, John Gray? Yes, yeah, yeah. Okay, so he, this is my husband's, the avid John Gray guy, like he read all the love books, all on dating, and I went to his, we went to his love ranch in San Francisco, and we did a couple's retreat, the only black couple. I was like, what is about to happen? I really need to get out.

But we did it, so we did the retreat, and it was amazing, it was so good, like it was couples canceling. And at the end of that, cause when we got home that two years was going to be done. Oh wow. What you gonna do? And so we were in San Francisco, he proposed.

At the end of the retreat. Wow, that's perfect. It was amazing. I love it. It was, and I was like in a dream. I was like. Absolutely yes. I know this is a test from God, but I'm gonna still say yeah. Oh, it wasn't. I said yeah, it was not. It wasn't. It was. It was a is a test from God. I'm gonna still say yeah.

I say yeah, it was not. I was gonna chip off the whole block. You said poop. It was like, it was one of those moments in your um... In this one? No man. Yeah, actually. You were lying to me. I said yes to that.

Amen. See sometimes you gotta say yes. He said, you know this is a dream right? It was. See he was testing you to then sometimes you gotta say yes. He said, you know, this is your ring, right? It was. See, he was testing you to see what she was really about. Right. And I was like, what? And he was like, yeah, I'm gonna take you to New York. I'm in district. You can just figure out what you want. And I was like, no way! Okay, here we go tomorrow. We went home. I was like, I refused to tell my family that I'm engaged and show up. And he was like, let's go, let's just go. Oh, that's so sweet. Yeah. Is that the ring that you ended up getting?

Yes. That thing is beautiful. So it was just these two. I got this band at three years. Wow. And these two. He did that. Good job.

He did a good job. And I actually do like the idea, not to tell men to do this, but that he did like just to make sure that you were like, yeah, but then got the right one. Girl, I didn't even know he was banking like that. We were real frugal and you know. Oh, so you didn't even know? No!

So it was really about how he- I was on the freedom, so I was like, you ain't got no money. You know, not for real. Yeah. You know? And then, then I kept living with him and kept loving on him and then it got better and better and I was like. Yeah. Ooh.

I love you. You so silly. You are so silly. I was like, I'm not going anywhere. I love that. That means he was doing the right things, intentional to really get your heart. Absolutely.

Like he made, like listen, we lived in his bachelor pad for Shia was what? So Shia was like four years old, right before Shiloh came. Oh wow. Yeah, we didn't move till like three years. We stayed there for like four years, y'all. Like we didn't move till three years ago. So I had to be very patient, patient, patient, baby.

And I was like, all right now. now because you know we in Atlanta and people you know walk up to you and be like oh yeah I've been to your husband's house before. Oh you. Because he would have these parties and I'd be like oh you have. You have. Okay. So I'd be like yes you have. Well you ain't been here lately. Right so then I'd be like okay and so then I was like yeah I'm tired of that. Yeah it's not a good feeling to know that. Then he stepped out and y'all gonna see, well, he stepped out and got me. The mid-season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Make sure you tune in. March 9th.

I love that, I love that. Y'all, you did good. I was like, I'm so happy, I was patient. Yeah, no, I mean, and that's the main thing. I think in this society, we have gotten so blinded by what can you do for me and I need this and this and this, that we miss the things that if it all goes away, we miss what's truly important.

What's truly important, because let me tell you, I've been in places and positions in my life to where it has all gone away. Like even as a child, my parents had it all and then they lost it all. And then they got it all again. So I've lived on every,

you know, I've seen it. Yeah. Like some of our wealthiest people lose it all. Yes. And get it all again. So what are you going to do when you lose it all? Right. That man I live underneath the rock with. Oh, see that's what you want. That's real love. I love that. As long as I have a little warming blanket. We can do it. You are so silly. What has been your greatest gift that you have gotten from the Kenyan culture and your biggest adjustment that you've had to make? You know I feel that it's been family and I never thought that I could feel more family oriented than what I came from because like I said my parents have been married almost 50 years. I have two older sisters, we're very close in that family.

But when I went to Kenya, it's not even about what you wear and how much you got. Christmas, they're not giving each other gifts, they're giving each other love. Like the company, the conversation, the companionship, they're singing, they're dancing, singing by the fire. It's just, I don't even think about it. I'm like, okay, let me take the wig off. You know, I'm just, you strip yourself of all of the things, all of the worldly things,

and you're just there, present in the moment, just loving on each other, just enjoying it. And the food is amazing. So like, just if there's anything I can take away from that, I want my kids to just go live in that during the summer months. Yeah. You know, to just keep them humble, keep them grounded. And you have to know that there's so much more to life than just the things. And their heritage. All the things, you know?

Yeah, like all the things. OK, yeah, that's great. But then what else? Yeah. What's at your core? What's in your heart? In your blood. In your blood. Like, what are you going to leave behind?

I love that. Because the bags and shoes, I mean, hey, they're going to tear up. Like, what's at the center? Yes. What's in here? Yeah. I love that. What has been your biggest adjustment when it comes to integrating the two cultures? Oh, because sometimes, okay, sometimes we're at family events and stuff.

They're all talking across the table and they're, you know, and kick you. I'm like... You know, what y'all saying? And my husband would be like, oh, guys, Shemeah doesn't understand what you're saying. He'll straight up say, I don't even have to say it. And that's a good thing. Yeah, that he has your back. Yes, because once he see me lean back and grab my phone like this...

Checked out. Because if y'all not going to include me, I'm not gonna keep begging. Mm-hmm. And looking like, what does that mean? What did you say? You're not, I'm not gonna, so once I do this. Did you ever feel like they did on purpose though? No, but I have had like a few of his messy friends come and say something slick. And he would turn around and he'd be like, oh, are you saying, and would, yeah. Call it out, you better call it out. I love it. Like don't leave my wife out.

And that's, I think, what made it easy for us. Because if you don't have somebody calling it out for you, it can get frustrating. So yeah, and then now I'm mad that he's not teaching our daughters. I'm like, no, wait a minute. Like I need you to speak Swahili and continue to them. Yeah. So when they go home to when they go to the summers.

I'm like, uh, speak it to them. So they know. Yeah. Absolutely. I love that. She made it easier. Yes. What is next for you? We want to know what's on the horizon for Shamiah. How can we support you? All the good things. So I'm releasing a single soon. Ah! Yes, oh yes, Shemeah sings soon.

Yes. I did some music with R.L. I love R.L. That I'm really excited about and proud of. Amazing. Because I had been away from music for so long and that was like my first love. Yeah.

I'm back in it. So please, please, once we release it, download it, stream it. And then I have my YouTube channel. Please get that, you know, go ahead and subscribe. It's, you know, Shamia Morton-Mewangi. But if you just type in Shamia Morton, it'll come up. Or just go to my page and click on the link, you know.

I don't know, I think at this point, I'm just going to do all the things. You should. And then just let whatever happens, happens. There you go. That's what 2025 is about. Doing all the things. I'm going to do all the things. Singing, dancing, acting, hosting.

I love it. You know, keeping it positive. Yes. With my girl. Like, I'm doing all that. I'm here for all that. And I just, I want to continue to do things that make me happy, that feed my soul,

that inspire me, motivate me, you know, and just give me good peace. That's what I'm about right now. So yeah, my music, my, you know, Housewives, March 9th. Go ahead, watch it. And then of course my YouTube channel. Yes, and then where can we follow you so we can keep in touch with you on there as well? Oh, please follow me, at Shamia Morton on Instagram and really all social media platforms.

At Shamia Morton, I have a non-profit called Shamia Shares where we empower our young girls. I do a cheer and dance camp every year in the summer. It's free camp. So go to my website or even my Instagram if you follow me. I'll keep you abreast on all of that stuff. I do a breast cancer event every year as well. I have a lot of non-profit just free events that I like to do around the community. So just check in with me and I'll check in with you and keep loving on me y'all. I appreciate all that love, it really does. You know, help me out in more ways than you know. No, we got you and can't wait to support

your future endeavors. I'm always cheering for you and I got you. I appreciate you and you have to have me back. I will, this was amazing. Yes, they will say it to you. Make sure you bring me back. I appreciate you. Absolutely.

And I appreciate you just continuing to be, I know it sounds so weird to tell people, when you say people, just continuing to be, I know it sounds so weird to help me you say people like continue to be themselves, but I just meet so many stars that aren't themselves. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And it's like, that's not the same person I met. And we all grow.

Yeah. But I appreciate the growth that you have. Thank you. Your growth is like a beacon of light. It's a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much. We all wanna, keep breathing that good old crystal air. I love you.

Thank you for having me. Of course, no, thank you. Oh. Guys, I am so full after talking to Shamiah. We laughed, cried. It was a beautiful, beautiful episode and conversation. But what I took away most was that you never know what people are going through.

A smile and community can go a long way. I hope to see her more on the couch. We had such a good time, and I'm sure you guys do as well. But remember, we're all going through something. It doesn't matter how good it looks on the outside. Just remember that we're human and we're all going through something. It doesn't matter how good it looks on the outside. Just remember that we're human and we're all going through something. Thank you all so much for spending time with me today. I hope today's conversation reminds us all that we should dream big

and we can absolutely have it all. You can follow me on all social media platforms at Love, Crystal, Renee, and you can also follow our show at Keep It Positive, Sweetie. If you want to write into our positive outcomes listener letter, you can send us an email at keepitpositesweetieatgmail.com. In the meantime, in between time, you guys know what to do. Keep it positive, sweeties. I'll see you next time. Music