Shay Davis, widely recognized as ‘The Runway Diva Shay’, is a super model, actress, motivational speaker, on- air personality, model coach and brand ambassador. She brings a keen sense of passion in her endeavors and has worked extensively with clients across various industries throughout her career. As an actress and model, she has been the face of several international advertising campaigns gracing runways, stage play productions and TV screens such as her featured role in TV-One’s #Murder, VH1’s DayTime Divas, Married to Medicine, The Ricky Smiley Foreal Show, I Cheated So What and The Mike Bend Show. Shay has been seen around the country on the runways of Macy’s, Dillard’s, NYFW, PAFW, and the Georgia Bridal Show tour just to name a few.

Tell everyone how you were discovered and how your acting career started?

My acting career began on stage which led to film/TV.  I was discovered through Facebook.  A producer inboxed me and asked if I wanted to be in his play. I had just moved back to Atlanta.  Not sure how he found me, but I quickly agreed and toured with the company throughout that year.  Next came a sketch comedy show, that also tours and years later I’m still a part of the cast.  I met the writer in Florida and kept in contact expecting to work together in the future.  It took a couple years, but it was well worth it.  In this industry it’s important to build relationships.  It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.

What are some of the perks working as an actress?

Doing what I love, being challenged having to portray new characters is exciting.  When I’m recognized and complimented on my work, I’m always grateful.  Last but certainly not least, working with and building relationships with other industry professionals is inspiring.

What actor/actress would you like to work with in the future?

I wouldn’t say there is a particular person I would like to work with more than another.  I’m more interested in being a character in an action film or being the main character of a drama or thriller.

What area would you like to improve in as an actress?

I haven’t made it to a point where I’m comfortable playing any role.  For example, I’m not fond of playing a role where I have to be vulgar.  I have a young audience and I would hate to give the youth, the wrong impression of me or encourage negative behavior.  Regardless if I take on an unrefined role or not , I would like to improve by dividing and conquering that discomfort.

What do you think your best physical feature is?

My smile is my best physical feature.  I am always smiling and its not even on purpose.  When you’re grateful for everything, you are usually happy and happiness spreads with something as simple as a smile.  I love smiling and making others smile.

What do you think you look the sexiest in?

Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on.  Honestly, I like to do the most with the least.  So a simple sundress or racerback tank with sweats is fine with me.  It’s like when a women gets dressed up and goes out, no one says anything to her.  When she throws on anything to run an errand, everyone is suddenly interested.  I’m sexiest simply in my skin.

What’s the craziest thing a guy has ever done to get your attention?

I dated a car dealer and he sold my car in exchange for another.  Before the return I stopped dating him.  He pretty much loaned me a dealer car, so we could continue communicating.  After some time, that ended abruptly with the loaner being taken.  I never received a car of my own.

What memory do you just keep going back to?

Working with Queen Latifah on the Black Girls Rock ad campaign on BET, was like a fairy tale.  I had no idea she was coming.  She had been on another set for hours already.  She came right over to ours tired, but in good spirits.  I’ll never forget that feeling.

If there was one device in your life you couldn’t live without, what would it be?

I could not live without the air conditioner! I’m not a nice person when I’m hot.

What’s the most exciting thing you have planned this year?

I am a model coach and I’m having a models retreat.  Where 10-12 participants and I will be staying in a house for the weekend training and having a good time.  I haven’t rescheduled yet due to the pandemic, but I’m super excited for this event.

What makes you smile and what scares you the most?

What makes me smile is making others happy.  What scares me the most, is that sometimes I have no fear at all.  I’ll try anything once, I’m very adventurous.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

I can be found on Instagram: @RunwayDivaShay and Facebook: Runway Diva Shay .