Black Country Stars

A prestigious initiative by NOBEEL dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding individuals and groups shaping the cultural, creative, and entrepreneurial landscape of the Black Country. This platform shines a spotlight on inspiring stories, local legends, and rising stars whose work uplifts the community and represents the rich heritage and future potential of the region.

Meet Shardia O'Connor: The Transformative Storyteller

How and why did you venture into creating Shades of Reality Podcast?

The idea for Shades of Reality was born from a deep belief Tin the transformative power of storytelling. From a young age, I was captivated by the narratives that shaped the world around me. Whether personal stories or broader tales that defined cultures and histories, I understood that stories are the thread connecting us all. They inspire, inform, and ignite change.

As I entered the media world, I realized storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about empowerment. Stories give a voice to the voiceless, challenge perceptions, and spark conversations that lead to progress. I wanted to build a platform that celebrated these voices, where stories weren’t just told but lived, felt, and shared in meaningful ways.

At the heart of my vision is the belief that everyone has a story worth telling. Whether it’s an individual sharing their journey or a community highlighting its collective experiences, stories shape our understanding of the world and each other. This platform is my way of championing the narratives that often go unheard while providing a space where creativity and truth coexist.

Creating a media platform rooted in storytelling allows me to combine my passion for media with a mission to inspire others. Through each piece of content we share, I hope to encourage others to recognize the power of their own stories and how they contribute to the larger narrative of humanity.

What has been your biggest challenge thus far, and how would you teach others to navigate it?

Breaking into the industry is one of the hardest challenges for many. Independent creatives face competition from established agencies and larger brands with bigger budgets and resources. Standing out and gaining recognition in such a competitive field requires time, patience, and perseverance. While these challenges can be daunting, they push us to be adaptable, resilient, and resourceful—qualities that ultimately fuel innovation and drive success.

Another major challenge is finding the right people to join you in your vision. Being a visionary leader isn’t just about today; it’s about thinking ahead. It’s about planting the seeds of today for future generations. When I first started my creative journey, it was sometimes difficult because many people aren’t visionary—they focus on the present or themselves. Discernment is crucial in identifying who will be part of the journey for the long term and who is only there for a season. Not everyone you start with will finish with you, and that’s okay. Stay consistent in your mission and enjoy the journey.

What advice would you give to those just starting on this journey?

For anyone starting in the creative industry, I would advise them to be unapologetically themselves, not what the world expects them to be. Self-belief and self-worth are essential in this business. If you don’t know who you are, others will define you and make decisions that don’t align with your vision. Manage your time wisely. Outsource tasks so you can focus on creating. Network with the right people. Lastly, be authentic, and the right people will show up.

Brain, Beauty and Everything In Between; Meet the Rising Star Emma.

At NOBEEL we are dedicated to supporting the younger community of black stars who represent excellence, dignity and typify audacity either in academics, or in productive impressions on the society through actions, ideas or leadership. One of such is Emmanuela Twumasiwaa, popularly called Emma. A soft spoken, graceful and excellent minded model, and sparkling Gen-Z representative. Emmanuela Twumasiwaa is a dedicated and compassionate individual, currently a finalist for Miss Africa 2024. At just 24 years old, she is also pursuing further education in computer science at University College Birmingham (UCB), where she combines her passion for technology with her drive to make a positive impact in the world.

Through her journey in the Miss Africa competition, Emmanuela is actively fundraising for BulliesOut and Birmingham City Children’s Hospital, charities that align with her mission to support children and young people facing adversity. Emmanuela is also passionate about global wealth equity and sustainable development, particularly in Ghana. She is working to support agricultural initiatives in the country by collecting newspapers and egg boxes, which are repurposed to promote sustainable farming practices. By doing so, she contributes to building a circular economy, helping local farmers while aiding the growth of Ghana’s economy.

In addition to her work in sustainability, Emmanuella is committed to supporting individuals with mental health conditions, drawing from her own experiences. She aims to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for those facing similar challenges, contributing to a world where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Her commitment to creating a positive impact is evident in her charity work. Bullies Out provides vital anti-bullying education and support, while Birmingham City Children’s Hospital delivers life-saving care to young patients. She aims to raise awareness and crucial funds for these causes through her fundraising efforts, amplifying the voices of those in need.

Beyond her charity and sustainability work, Emmanuella is driven by a desire to inspire others, particularly women and young girls, to pursue their dreams, embrace their cultural heritage, and make a difference in the world.