Zania Talks Faith, Godly Dating, and Building Evolving Virtually | Season 3 | Episode 50

In this episode of the Pretty Girl Progression Podcast, I sat down with the amazing Zania. We discussed everything from faith to Godly dating. We also discussed what it took to build Evolving Virtually. This girl's talk focused on faith, dating, and entrepreneurship.
 
After watching this video, you will have some gems to assist with your personal development. So don't miss this week's Pretty Girl Progression episode with Zania, where we discussed faith, godly dating, and entrepreneurship.

Transcript

Intro

Sharrell 0:00

What up, y'all? Welcome back to another episode of the Pretty Girl Progression podcast. I am your girl, Sharell. If you are new here, welcome. I hope you stay. And if you have been here before, girl, welcome back. And as always, make sure you like, comment, and subscribe. We want to be in your algorithm. We want to earn the rights to be in your algorithm, okay? And I want you, if you're listening on any of our streaming platform, to do me a favor and hit the subscribe button, write a review, follow us. It really helps. And if you are watching virtually on YouTube, hey y'all. Today, I have an extremely special guest. And this guest, I have been waiting to sit down and talk to her because I know that she really don't be on podcasts like that. I know that this young lady is probably nervous, but she is A ray of sunshine. She is a businesswoman. She is the biggest sweetheart. She is a God-fearing woman, okay? She loves the Lord, and the Lord loves her, okay? And she's going to be a part of my 50th episode, y'all. My 50th episode. None other. Give a virtual round of applause for Zania Spence, a.k.a. Evolving Virtually.

Zania 1:24

Hey, girl. Hey. Hi,

Sharrell 1:27

Hi. Yo, I'm so excited to have you, but first let me do a check-in. How are you feeling? How are you doing?

Zania 1:33

I am feeling blessed. I can't complain. Last couple days mentally has been a little bit draining, but I'm grateful just to be alive, to be able to have another day and... See God work in my life.

Sharrell 1:46

Amen. That's real because the last couple of days I've been like, when I tell you fighting off the thoughts of the enemy and just trying to trick me out of my position. I'm real heavy right now. It's like, don't let the enemy trick you out of your position. But we all have those times, at least for me, okay? Did I do your intro justice?

Zania 2:09

Yes. You did perfect.

Sharrell 2:11

I love that. Okay good.

Zania 2:12

You put me on the spot, though, about showing me you do a podcast, because it's coming this year. It's

Sharrell 2:19

Well, let's talk about it. Let's get into it. Okay, so y'all, first of all, I want y'all to know how me and Zania met. Me and Z, I call her Z, we met on my previous podcast, and she was like our... Our virtual assistant, our positive coach, keeping our schedules together. And I respect all the things that you're doing in your business. And we're going to get into that later on. But I want to know more about Z. So tell the people a little bit about yourself.

Zania 2:53

Okay. Hey, you guys. Hey, hey, hey. My name is Zania. I am the CEO and founder of Evolving Virtually. I am Godfriend Woman, like Sherelle said. She clocked that C right on the head. I'm also an entrepreneur. I am a corporate baddie. I don't know about that. Corporate girly, corporate baddie. But also, I'm just somebody that loves God, loves life, loves my family, loves my friends. And I love to have a good time, laugh. As you can tell, I'm very goofy. And yeah, that's about

Background and Childhood

Zania 3:23

it.

Sharrell 3:24

And your background. You got to give a bit about your background.

Zania 3:27

Okay. I'm American. Born and raised in America, but of course, we got a little Jamaican in us because it's from the background of my family and everything. So, shout out to all my Jamaicans in the building.

Sharrell 3:40

I can't help but do the little gunshot thing. I don't even know why we do that. Do y'all know why people do that?

Zania 3:46

I do that when I go to events and they play the Jamaican music and that's like a good, good, good Jamaican song

Sharrell 3:54

Respect. Respect to the Yadis. Respect to the Yadis. Yo, um... Because, like, you're Jamaican, you're such a vibe, you're a good time. Where are you from? Like, where are you born and raised? Here. Here, but, like, you know, when they say Florida, you can't just say, like, Miami, Dade, Broward, Atapata.

Zania 4:16

Definitely

Sharrell 4:17

Broward. Broward? Okay, okay. So, I want to know a little bit more about, like, your childhood, baby Z. Because the woman that you're growing to today, I want to know where it all started and stemmed from. So, tell us a little bit about your childhood. Baby Z. Baby Z.

Zania 4:34

Baby Z was bad. I ain't listen. Yes, I was not. I didn't listen to my mom, but she was a great guidance and woman of God that never stirred me away from going to church or reading my Bible. So that's always been instilled in me, but I was, I was pretty bad. I went to Somerset Prep Academy High School in North Lauderdale. They recently opened like a few years ago and I did my high school years there. Then I tried to go to college. It didn't work out. I don't know why. They kept trying to say, okay, you got to pay all this money for And I'm like, we ain't no new financial aid no more. That doesn't exist. So it didn't work out there. But from there, I just continued to work and hustle and grind. And I had a job since I was a little girl. I think it was like 16, 17. So I've been working since I was really, really, really young. Then I got into high fashion runway modeling. And I was doing that for over six years. Yes, yes. But unfortunately, you know, COVID happened and everything had to stop. And from there, I've just been a corporate girly handling business behind the scenes for many of my facilities that I do work with. And that's about it. Small little thing.

Sharrell 5:47

Because you're a corporate baddie and you are, you know, you went from being a little boosie badass to being a corporate baddie and a faithful woman, you know. Tell

Transitioning Into Womanhood

Sharrell 5:57

me about, like, how was it transitioning into womanhood? And I always ask this because for me, transitioning into womanhood was scary because I didn't really have, like, my mom. And I really depended on my dad and my grandparents, you know. And I'm the older sister, so I didn't have, like... My younger sister really couldn't teach me. Obviously, my stepmom, she was around, but I didn't really learn a lot. So I was scared, basically, for going into womanhood. What was transitioning to womanhood for you like?

Zania 6:28

It was uncomfortable. And it still kind of is. I know I'm 28 years old now, but it still is uncomfortable because there's things that our parents were not taught when they grew up. So how can they teach us? You understand? And that also stuck in my head. I'm like, okay, well, mom never taught me this, but I'm learning it from TikTok now. I'm learning from like TikTok and stuff, but if he helped me. So going over into womanhood, it was not easy. It was uncomfortable. There's a lot of things I wasn't aware of. I wasn't aware of my own emotions. I wasn't aware of how to handle emotions. Dating was not going good. There was a lot of things I did not know or was unaware of and uncomfortable with. But I think the process of becoming a woman or going on that journey to become a woman allowed me or... What it was, was basically me stepping into uncomfortable spaces and learning from other women. So even though I had my mom, I still had my cousin. I had people a part of the church. I had my grandma at some point. So these other women were pouring into me and that allowed me to become the woman I am today. But I'm still learning. I'm still learning and growing to become a woman. Well. full-on, like, understanding.

Faith and Relationship with God

Sharrell 7:46

Yeah, no, I get what you mean. You know, the fact that you, like, you mentioned growing up in the church and also how our parents didn't get a chance to teach us a lot of things and we kind of are, like, still growing and learning and doing things. But the fact that you mentioned growing up in the church, like, what did you find most... I guess, what drew you more to the church and your relationship with God, being that, like, you didn't really have that guidance so much, you know, growing up into womanhood?

Zania 8:22

So I would say my mom, because, again, when you put a person or a child into the church and you never— take them out of the church you keep you know putting the word of God into them and instilling of the Bible and church into their lives it's going to be harder for that person to depart from that so every Sunday mom we're going to church you guys get up you had no choice you had to go to church on Sunday we had Bible study so I will honestly say my mom was the firm foundation that allowed me to stay connected to the church there be sometimes at a certain age I'm like okay mom you can't make me go like today's Sunday I don't want to go to church but just understand and being connected to a church that not only just preaches the Bible, but acts on the Bible as well. Meaning like you can see within their actions, you can see within their fruit and everything. So that allowed me to see, okay, this is not as, you know, so religion, as you may say, as most people may say, it's more of a relationship with God, a relationship with Christ. And from there being that, seeing that from the outside, I'm like, okay, you know, this is something I continue to grow on or be on this journey. And then from there, it allowed me to keep that connection relationship with God. So now I live on my own. I'm going to church by myself every Sunday. Sometimes we go on a Bible study, but that's all because my mom instilled that in me from when I was younger. And even though I may depart sometimes, it still was able to carry over into my adulthood.

Sharrell 9:50

Well, when would you say that you found God for yourself? Because I know like for me, I grew up in the church, especially a Haitian church, you know. Grandma, we always had to go to church Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, you know. It was a lot, but I knew at a certain point that I wanted my own relationship with God. And that was really around 2011, 2012. So when did you find like your own personal relationship with Christ

Zania 10:17

So I want to say, and this may seem shocking because I do all my posting on social media, going to church and everything, but we're in 2025 now. So in the year of 2023 was when I said, okay, God will be locked in. We locked in. I got baptized. I gave my life to God full on. And from there, everything changed. And it's crazy because people think that when you go to church consistently or you get baptized, that things are going to get better. Oh, no. It was not. It was not easy. It was not all peaches and creams. It was hard. You know, there are a lot of mountains, a lot of tests and trials that I had to go through and overcome and things that really tested my faith. A lot. So back in 2023, that was when I was like, okay, we go full in, full in.

Sharrell 11:05

First of all, ladies and gentlemen, we got another one. We got another one for the kingdom, ladies and gentlemen, okay? Praise the Lord. No, so... When you talk about the valleys and the peaks and it wasn't an easy transition, I understand that because 2012, when God called me to even build PGP, or when I got baptized, that was a story in itself. But I would hear all the time, it's not going to be an easy walk. You're going to be attacked. sometimes physically, sometimes spiritually, fasting and praying. You have to deal with so much when you decide you want to give your life to Christ and personally, it's worth it. So when you talk a little bit about what that process looks like when you're going through your faith journey. Because a lot of people who don't even know Christ or who have questions about it, they always wonder like, well, if it's so hard, why would I go this route? What would you say to those people?

Zania 12:16

That's a good question, girl. So God pour into me right now. I would say read your Bible because your Bible has many stories about people that may have questioned God, people that have gone through their own seasons of trial and tribulations, and you see how it turned out for them. You see their own testimony within the Bible. So I always reference going to Scripture. Always go to your Scripture. Some people may not understand our Scripture, so it's always good to go to somebody who is older than us that is in the Scripture and in the Word of God. But honestly, it It's a trying thing. Keep trying. Every moment, every season is not going to be the easiest for you. When you're going through those moments, you're going to lose faith. You're going to lose hope. You're going to be sad. You're going to be down some moments. But you have to remember who God has called you to be. And in the Bible, God didn't call us to be anything but a woman of God, man of God, strong, faithful. There's no anxiety over your life. There's no depression over your life. So... That's why I say scripture because in scripture, it is so, so important that we just read it because that allows us to strengthen our own faith based on the books in the Bible, based on what people's own testimonies. And if they can, you know, make it through and God has been there for them, why would he depart from you? Even when you're going through your season and your hard time, God has never departed from us. So I think that's what keeps me locked in no matter the trial, the tribulations or the tests that come my way is like, Guy, he done it for me before. Okay. He's going to do it for me again. It may not look the best right now, but sometimes that's why you have to walk by faith and

Waiting Seasons and Trusting God

Zania 14:03

not by sight, not by what you see in front of you.

Sharrell 14:05

Amen. You know, it reminds me of Isaiah 60, 20. Isaiah 60, 22. When they say, when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen. Okay? And you just always have to remember going back, like, This is the worst. You've been through worse. This is the worst it's going to be, you know? And just having that foundation and that relationship and just trusting in him, it'd be hard sometimes, but at the right time, the Lord will make it happen. And I always go by that.

Zania 14:40

What would you do in a waiting season? Knowing that, to your listeners, knowing that you are waiting for something to happen or you're looking for something to happen, what do you do during your waiting season?

Sharrell 14:50

Aww that's a great question. Ooh, sometimes it looks different. In my waiting season, I may be fasting and praying if I need clarity, if I need direction. And you know what? Right now, I'm in a space where I'm always like, God, I don't like this right now. I need you to get me out of this. I need you to show me a better way. And sometimes I feel like God's voice is silent. And in that waiting season— I just lean on the people who can sharpen me, to be honest, whether it be my boyfriend, whether it be my cousin Brittany, whether it be my sister Bree. I lean on them the most to keep me focused, pour into me when I'm feeling empty, when my cup is empty and is not running over. I talk to God a lot. I ask questions. I read my word. I fight. Basically, I fight through it. I fight through it. It is not easy. But I've noticed once I just surrender, God always makes something happen. You know what I mean? And it's better than what I could have ever imagined, to be honest. So in those waiting seasons, I just, I wait. I wait. I wait.

Zania 16:14

That's really good.

Sharrell 16:14

Now, sometimes, once in a blue moon, I might go off and do my own thing and not include God in it, and that'd be the mistake. That'd be the mistake. Like, I remember the last time I did that, God was like, I ain't tell you to do that. I ain't point you in that direction. Tell you that real quick. You wanted to go do what you wanted to do. So, girl, and anytime you do that, it's just... It just makes you feel crazy, and it feels like you're starting,

Zania 16:45

But I do want to touch on that a little bit. You mentioned while you were talking about that you go to your people, your boyfriend, Brittany, family and guessing friends. And that's very important as somebody who is on the journey of trying to know God more, have a stronger relationship with God, who you surround yourself with is very, very, very important. It's real. weak moments, those people can pour back into you what you feel that you've lost during whatever season that you're going through. Absolutely. So anybody listening. Yeah, for real. Connect with people that, you know, can help you on your journey and just empower you as long as you go.

Sharrell 17:31

Yeah. And I'm curious, what does it look like for you in your waiting season?

Zania 17:34

Oh, so I'll be honest with you. I hate waiting. If y'all can relate. I hate waiting. I literally was telling my friend, like, I think a day or two ago, I said, I said, what if God, we had access to God where we could say, hey, God, is this the right thing to do? And God gave us the answer and said, no, don't do it. Like right away. Like you ain't got to wait. You just got the answer. What will we do? Will we even learn a lesson still? Because now we have full access to God. We can call God. We can reach out to him and he'll fully just answer right there and then. So for me, waiting. I hate it. I really do. But honestly, what I do with waiting is I go to my mom. I'm like, Mom, I don't know if I could wait on this. I don't know. And she just reminds me of what the scripture says. Sometimes we pray together. We do a quick little Bible study over the phone because, you know, I do live by myself, not with her anymore. And that's what keeps me going. It's like, okay, Z, this is what you need to do. Just stay in your words, stay in your Bible, and that's it. During this season of waiting.

Sharrell 18:45

You know what I've noticed about you since I've been around you, Z, which y'all also, Z has helped me with Pretty Girl Progression. I've hired her to be my personal assistant when it came to doing my events. And she's the real deal. She is the real deal. Thank you. But because you like, because I've been around you, I've got to see how you brought your friends who didn't have a strong relationship with Christ. You brought them towards Christ. Thank you. I'm proud of you. You're literally a light and I've seen it. I've seen it. So, you know, what keeps you going within your friendships to be that light?

Zania 19:32

We have to remember that we are disciples. And in the God's word that we have to bring people together. You know, so there's sometimes that I'm not the light, if I'll be honest. Sometimes I get a little frustrated that my friends are not on the same journey as me or are connected with God how I am because who can I go to, you know? And that it hurts me as well because they are friends that I care about. So when they're going through things, my answer is let's pray about it. Let's read the word. Let's, you know, let's remind ourselves of who God has called us to be and pray away anxiety or depression, but because they're not like that. It kind of hurts me, you know? So I remember a time where I had a friend and they were going through something and I didn't know what to do. I said, God, I don't know how to be the light. I don't know how to be that supportive friend. I don't know what to say. Because honestly, we are human and we're given free will. So with the free will, we allow our emotions sometimes to take control. And then that goes into our actions and all the other stuff. So I was like, God, what do I do? So immediately- I just felt it. Just pray about it. When I say I went into heavy prayer that night over my friend, I was canceling any enemy over my friend. And the crazy part is the next day or two, she called me and we were talking about it. And she just said that, I think I want to go to church more. I want to read my Bible more. I want to do this. And I just looked up to the sky and said, okay, God.

Sharrell 21:06

Thank you, Lord

Zania 21:07

So sometimes we're not the light and we need that extra light. help to be that light for other people. And the help I'm talking about is coming from God, Holy Spirit, Jesus. So that's why I feel like the light, but other times I don't feel like the light. Because I got to stay real. Sometimes I make my emotions go get over on me. I'm like, girl, get it together. Why can't you get it together? But we're human. We make mistakes. So I have to give that grace to them as well and just go to God about them.

Sharrell 21:35

Yeah. You know what I do want to know, Z? Because we talk about friendships.

Godly Dating and Expectations

Sharrell 21:40

I want to talk about dating a little with you. Because for, y'all don't know, Z is, don't you still, I don't know if you still serve in the church, but when you have a minute conversation with Z, you're going to know that she loves the Lord, okay? And is very present in your life. And I, at one point, was talking to you about dating, you know, obviously off air. And can we talk about that conversation we had? We can, we can. Okay. So Zee was telling me, like, she has never really, like, dated, I guess. Right? And break that down to me. Like, what do you mean you've never dated? And is it still that same situation?

Zania 22:25

So when we first met, It was never really been on a date, meaning like a guy never full on planned the date, pulled up with flowers or anything like that, picks me up, say, hey, this is where we're going to be. Like I've never got that or back then I never got that at all. So for me, dating back then was like, oh, let's just hang out and see what happens. It was like more of a go with the flow. And I guess because I was younger. That's why it was kind of like that. But now as I get older, I'm like, it kind of still is like that. Like in this generation, a lot of men are not serious and all their mindset is on is, you know, that one thing... One thing, one thing, one thing. Shout out to Lauryn Hill. And I don't blame them. You know, I don't blame them. You know, everybody has their own journey of what they're doing or how they want to move and do things. So dating has not been the best at all.

Sharrell 23:24

Even though I'm off the market, I know what you mean. I know what you mean, Zee. But I'm like, Hal, you're beautiful. You're literally active. You're about your business. What are you looking for in a guy? Now, I know me saying this is kind of giving, you know, it could be a guy listening to this or, you know, seeing this clip and it's like, oh, well, let me make myself a chameleon and be exactly what she wants, okay? And to y'all little serpents, okay, you little counterfeits, scram, okay? I'm just talking about the serious men, the God-fearing men, the men who are going to be gentlemen, who are, you know, just... What are you looking for? Because I want to set you up low-key, but we talked about that recently, so go ahead. What are you looking for?

Zania 24:12

First and foremost, I'm looking for a man of God. Somebody who loves God more than they love themselves. Somebody that's willing to die to their flesh. That's the biggest thing. A family man. Somebody who loves to have a good time, laugh. Why are you smiling? Sure, yeah. Somebody that's having a good time. Somebody that's caring, not only to like their family or their loved ones, but also animals. I love animals, you know? So I recently lost my dog. So that's why it's like, I just, I love animals. Somebody that's compassionate. that's willing to go above and beyond. But again, not only for me, but for people around. We could see somebody on the streets that are less fortunate than us and you're willing to help out. Hey, do you need a meal? Somebody like that. I don't give too much. I just want to see what people are coming with. But I do want to touch on and say that in this generation now of dating, I have recently had a few men that are interested in me and I think I'm the problem.

Sharrell 25:16

Oh, why would you, why do you say that? First of all, that takes a level of accountability and awareness, self-awareness of, you know, your patterns, whatever that may be to say, you know what, it's my fault because I can understand that. Or maybe there's something within me that I need to switch around or tweak because I am the common denominator. Whoa, that was a tongue twist. So why do you say that?

Zania 25:42

So I say that because, and it's not in a bad way. No, not at all. I am not putting up with anything. Period. Like if you can go, if I'm coming to you about something serious, like this is how I feel, you know, and you can go 24 to 48 hours without saying anything to me, then my emotions and my feelings obviously do not matter to you or it's not a priority to you. For me, bye. Have a great day. You know, if there's any lying, if there's anything like that. I'm very quick nowadays to realize my worth and understand what I'm looking for and what I'm looking for in a person completely. So you come correct or don't come at all.

Sharrell 26:26

I know that's right. And because why do we, we don't need to settle. And I'm in a phase even for myself, like simply just being, being myself, being my black, beautiful queen self. That's enough. So if you don't want to talk to me, if you're not trying to show up for me, invest in me, you're not being the man who I desire myself to be with. So why would I settle? Because when one person won't, the next person will.

Zania 26:59

Hello.

Sharrell 27:00

I respect that. I respect that.

Zania 27:02

And we have a God who died, who literally died for us. Okay. Daddy God died for us. Okay. Yes, Daddy God. Okay. Hello. So, yeah, I'm not settling. I'm not. And it's funny because when my friends were like, oh, Z, I'm trying to be like that. I'm like, it can get lonely at times. You want that partner. You want somebody that you can call and share business ideas with. And you guys can work together, build something, have a future with. I know my mom would love somebody, you know, but I'm not willing to settle. I'm not willing to accept just anything because I'm a firm believer on once you accept it, they do it once, you accept it.

Sharrell 27:40

For sure.

Zania 27:40

They think it's okay

Sharrell 27:41

For sure.

Zania 27:42

We're not doing that.

Sharrell 27:43

Boundaries, baby. Boundaries

Zania 27:45

But people do make mistakes. It's just depending on the type of mistake or something like that, you know? And maybe there wasn't communication, something happened. It just all depends on the situation where I'm willing to be like, okay, I understand. We can keep trying. But other than that, uh-uh.

Sharrell 28:01

But when you say, like, it's you, do you think because you're not willing to just settle for whatever. That makes it you?

Zania 28:09

Yes, because it ruins the chance to get to know somebody further. Because once I see something, I'm immediate like, no. So I kind of think like, okay, is this me? Am I like doing too much? But then I remind myself, I'm like, but I don't want to. I don't want to settle. I don't want to have to deal with that. I don't want to have to be the one planning the dates and all this other stuff. I would like the guy to lead. I would like the guy to lead the way. I'll follow. I'm submissive. Hello. Anything you want.

Sharrell 28:40

Okay.

Zania 28:41

So I do think that. And I'm probably wrong with that too because I'm trying to develop more into the whole dating scene and learn more about myself when it comes to dating. But I feel like Being that I'm just quick to be like, uh-uh. It would be a little problem sometimes.

Sharrell 28:59

But that's okay, though, because, you know, it's like red flags out there. We're not over here trying to just date whoever just because we want to fill this, like, gap or void or anything. And I think, you know, taking your time to realize that, it's going to go a long way, girl.

Zania 29:15

Yeah. Well, we're praying about it.

Sharrell 29:17

We are praying about it. And I know that the dating pool is a little pissy. pissy right now okay it's like pee pee water but lord have mercy and

Finding Your Purpose Through Serving

Sharrell 29:26

and and a woman like you like you have so much purpose and drive you need that like purpose mate the divine partner so let me ask you this besides dating like what do you think your purpose here on in earth is for?

Zania 29:44

You know, I've always tried to find that out for like years. And I think I hit it on the head when I got baptized in 2023. And my purpose is to serve. That's the whole meaning behind evolving virtually. So involving virtually is my baby. You know, it is my business that I grew from the ground up. And it was a virtual assistant business and it turned into now I'm going everywhere pretty much. But it honestly started as virtual assistant. And then, okay, I said, well, as think and what I'm doing is meant to serve people. It's meant to help people and see them evolve from one phase to the next. See your event go from the beginning stages to now full-on execution. And I think I said this recently in one of my other clips on Instagram is this year is the year of execution. Every year should be the year of execution. We always get stagnant. We always get stuck with ideas, with this, with that, but you just need somebody to help you along the way.

Sharrell 30:44

No, for real, y'all, Z, hey, I feel like you do it all. She literally takes an event, an idea that you come up with. For example, you helped me on my beach day event. And you gave everything from obviously sending the email, us emailing back and forth, sending the contract over, hello, because business is business, to all the different You know, items and time and content. You brought that all together so I can visually see what I was getting myself into and what was going to happen. And you executed the event flawlessly. I recently did my field day event and I basically, you know, it felt like I just did it by myself. And I was like, damn, I miss Z right now. Because the way you would have just aligned everything and made it better. You mentioned serving. How did you get to a point where you knew this is exactly what I was supposed to do? Was it something that God called you to do or you actually noticed on your own, I'm meant to do this?

Zania 31:52

I think it was a notice on my own. I had a season where I took a break. It was like three, four months. I was like, okay, we're going to revamp this whole thing. And when I say I took a break and I went to prayer, I went to fasting, I was like, God, that this is what you have called me to do. Let this be a blessing to others. Like, let this evolve into something that is helping other people and not just in a way where I'm just virtual, but on site as well. And I was like, okay, nothing. Nothing happened for a good month. Even during the relaunch stages, nothing happened. I got really sad. I got really down. My mom had to come over and was like, what's wrong with you, Xavier? You know, like, what is wrong with you? And then all of a sudden I got connected with a really, really, really great client out of anywhere. Like, I don't even know how this happened. And now that client is like on site. So I'm like, okay, God, like, is this like, for me, that was my confirmation. Like, this is And this is exactly what you're supposed to be doing. It took a while, but everything's within his timing and not when we want it to happen. So from there, I was like, okay, all right. So we doing this then. And during my praying season, it wasn't just, God, do I keep this business? No, it was God, cancel any enemies, any people that are coming around that are not meant to be connected to me. Allow me to serve people in the industry that they're in and allow me to help them execute whatever vision that they're looking for. So that was a type of prayer that I was doing. that was going on for those three to four months.

Sharrell 33:55

Yes. And took off, Z, right now. And I don't know if there's any NDAs, but you're working with someone in the Miami circuit that is big time. Not only just her, but her best friend. And I already know being in those rooms... the way you're going to be able to serve people is going to be on a whole nother level. You know, without saying so much, you know, what does that feel like to see all the hard work and dedication and the skills and the sleepless nights and just the praying and the fasting? What does it feel like to be in those rooms? Because I know you're in those rooms right now. I'm seeing you're in those rooms right now.

Zania 34:42

It feels unreal. Unreal. I think my very first day, I don't know, I felt like my body was there, but I wasn't really there during the session that I had with that high-end client. It just felt so unreal, but still a blessing because I pray for times like this. I pray for those moments, you know? And it's funny because that client came after me having to disconnect from another client due to the lack And I was questioning God. I said, God, I just revamped evolving virtually. I just did all of these things. You gave me this amazing client and now it's coming to an end. I was like, how am I even going to manage? How are things going to happen? And this is why I always say like, God is so good because after like, not even like a month, the next month, a few weeks, two weeks, I reached or I'm getting connected with this high-end client, I'm like, I see what you did there. Yeah. I see, you know, and... I doubted at first. Amen.

Sharrell 36:20

I asked you, what did those like building those skills? Like, how did you find your skills in doing what you do right now? And when I asked that, because, you know, you're doing a lot of, I don't know, Excel, Microsoft, X, Y, and Z. You mentioned earlier, like you didn't go to college, you know, how did you start to curate these skills and then turn it into a business?

Zania 36:45

So the skills originally started from being a high fashion runway model. And with doing fashion shows for so many years, I after that was starting to work with videographers, photographers, behind the scenes. And from working behind the scenes, I'm like, I just love helping people. I love serving people. Not knowing that serving would be something that I'm full on doing years later. So with that, I said, okay, I love helping. I love helping on set. Anything you need, let me tie your shoe, get you some water. She I'm your girl, basically. But honestly, when it comes to like the Excel, the Google and all that other stuff, that's something that I learned on my own because it was something I needed to know, especially when it came to being on other sets years ago. I had to learn how to make a call sheet. I had to learn how to make a mood board. I had to learn how to send an email, you know? All those things I had to learn as I go. And of course, I made mistakes. I wasn't sure if, hey, if I'm doing this right or if this is the right thing to say or do. But at the end of the day, it's a learning curve. We're not going to be perfect with everything. Everything is going to take time. So I would say those skills and things that I know, it comes from trial and error.

Sharrell 37:57

Yeah.

Zania 37:57

For me doing it myself and then actually learning it and then be like, okay, I could do this. Now I could do this as like helping somebody. I could organize it. I can put this together, that together, making sure you stay organized and stay on top of your things.

Sharrell 38:10

Absolutely. I think it goes back to also the fact that God doesn't let anything go unused. So no matter what job you're at or the position you're at in life, Every little skill in detail matters for the next chapter. Like when I worked inside of the warehouse, my previous job, and we did like brand activations, I didn't know how that was going to tie into Pretty Girl Progression and me applying it to my events or sending emails to certain clients and making sure the verbiage was right or or being on the last podcast and seeing how things work or certain camera equipments and just having that preview of what I needed to actually happen in the next season. What advice would you give to any young woman out there who is still honing in on their skills, still honing in on their craft, but really they're struggling, you know, struggling to invest in themselves, struggling to actually see what the next chapter is going to be. What advice would you give to them?

Zania 39:23

I would say everything takes time. You know, every skill that you have to learn, anything, equipment that you have to buy or invest in, everything takes time. Because a lot of individuals nowadays who are becoming business owners, we don't necessarily have the funds to fund our vision. So then that can be discouraging. Like, gosh, I want to capture behind the scenes. I ain't got a camera. And that was me at first. All I had was my phone. I was like... God, like, well, you know, this ain't going to be the best. But I still got bookings. I still was able to connect with individuals. And it goes based off of your skill and how you are as a human when you connect with the other individuals. So everything takes time. It's not going to be perfect right away. And even if it's not perfect, just start. Just start. There is nothing wrong with just starting. You don't have to start off with doing all these purchases of eBooks and all this other stuff on how to start. Because everything you want to know is on Google. It's right there. Like Google, YouTube University. Chat. If you know people that's into that stuff, everything is right there at the palm of your hand for you to grab onto and learn from. So I think I would say just everything takes time and just start. Just start. Because time is not waiting on no man. At all. At all. So just start. Everything takes time.

Sharrell 40:46

I love that advice because it really does, you know. Everything really does take time. I've been at PGP for years, even down to my relaunch. And every little thing matters and everything does take time. So what

What's Next For Zania?

Sharrell 41:02

are you most excited about the next season in your life?

Zania 41:06

Ooh, well, I'm hoping for more podcast interviews. Hello, you guys. Hit me up. But I'm looking to... I'm going through a season in my life right now where I am, I feel stuck, even though like I know I'm not stuck, you know, I'm moving, but I've been having those moments for the last couple of days where I do feel like that. So I think, or I believe in that this is where God has taken me is have my own office, like build a team from here, have like, Me as the main and then like two people, three people under me. I've always been saying that since like last year. I would love to have a team and give those people to other business owners so that it's, you know, delegated properly and everybody's able to get assistance from my team or from me.

Sharrell 41:55

Yeah, it's been on my heart and in my spirit, but all I keep thinking about is business credit, right? Borrowing other people's money, okay? Getting other people's money and which, you know, there's steps to that with getting your own credit, your personal credit fixed so you can be able to actually go to these businesses. But I could so see that for you, Z. I see that for you, you having a team because not only are you And I'm not bragging because you're my friend. I'm telling you as a human being, what I see personal aside, like your professionalism, the way you treat people when you're doing business, like you weren't capping when you said you'll literally tie someone's shoes on set. Like if y'all go to my social media, I'm going to just post more things from our past so you can see like you actually in action, serving, helping. So to have like two or three more miniature Zs running around here to help other people grow their business and evolve. Girl, bravo. And it's yours. It's yours. I just know it. I just know it. I just know it.

Zania 43:02

I claim it in Jesus name. I really do. But yeah, tying your shoes and doing all that. Yeah, that's me.

Sharrell 43:07

You do that. And some people would think like, oh no, the ego would show them like, oh no, I'm not going to do this. I'm not going to bend down and tie someone's shoes or help fix their hair or move that little fly away and tell them. You do that and it's a part of your business. And that's why I just, I love everything about evolving virtually. Yes, thank you so much. I really do.

Zania 43:28

Thank you.

Sharrell 43:29

Where can people actually like get in touch with you?

Zania 43:32

Yes. So you get in touch with me on Instagram. Also on, it's called X now, right? It's not Twitter no more. Yeah.

Sharrell 43:40

I don't even have Twitter. If y'all see some tweets from me in the past, just know I'm locked out of that account. I ain't been in there in decades, so... But X now.

Zania 43:49

Well, definitely Instagram, Twitter, at Evolving Virtually. That's the easiest way. Once you get access to the Instagram, it has a link there and it shows so much more about who I am, what I do, who I've worked with, and how I can serve you.

Sharrell 44:03

Yes.

What Does PGP Mean to You?

Sharrell 44:04

And there's so much more I would love to talk to you about, but I definitely want to ask you, what does pretty girl progression mean to you?

Zania 44:13

Oh, I love it. Pretty girl progression means walking in your purpose and not listening or not even listening, but not, not feeling like you are not progressing. Okay. So walking in your purpose and not feeling like you are not progressing. So walking in your purpose of who God has called you to be, but understand that again, everything takes time. Every second of the day, you are progressing in some type of way. So that's what I would say it means to me.

Sharrell 44:45

Amen. I just love it. I love you, Z. I'm so grateful you could come on the podcast. I'm going to put everything in the show notes below, y'all, where you guys can support Z. When I tell you, 10 out of 10, highly recommend evolving virtually. Can people write Google reviews for you yet?

Zania 45:04

No, I was looking into that actually about a few months ago, but you got to pay for that, you know...

Sharrell 45:08

You need to invest in that. Somebody needs to invest in that. I don't know. Maybe I need to tithe in that. I don't know, but you got to do it. I know I got to do it. I know I have to do it.

Zania 45:17

I definitely have to do

Sharrell 45:18

Because I want people to actually read other people's experience about you.

Zania 45:23

But I do have it on Instagram. So if you go on Instagram, there's like the highlights. There's review videos of different people who've worked with me.

Sharrell 45:30

Okay. Yes. Y'all, I'm going to put everything in the show notes because Z is amazing. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend.

Closing Remarks

Sharrell 45:36

Thank you for celebrating my 58th episode. I'm just so grateful to have you. Y'all, it is the 50th episode. This is crazy. If you guys ever need any resources and tools for personal growth and wellness and stay connected to women like Zee and all the other amazing guests, you can go to www.prettygirlprogression.com. It will have everything that you need below to know more and help support the channel. Last thing, if you can leave a last message to anybody, what would it be? One word.

Zania 46:15

One word?

Sharrell 46:17

One word. Give me one word.

Zania 46:19

Grace. Grace. You said one word, so I can't say no more.

Sharrell 46:25

Epi, that's it. And as always, queens, love yourself, have some grace, and until next time.