Sha Collier: A Few Of My Favourite Things

Drawing on emotion, legacy and lived experience, Paragon’s Sha Collier approaches her filmmaking with the same charming warmth she brings to the mementoes that fill her workspace.

A director, photographer and editor, she has created projects for brands including Netflix, Nike, SheaMoisture, HBO Max and Amazon, balancing commercial craft with documentary flair.

Here she shares the cameras, memories and meaningful keepsakes that continue to shape her creative path.

The Camera

There’s something so rich about being able to treasure a piece of someone’s legacy. 

Growing up, I was always taught by example that the gifts we have aren’t just for ourselves, but for serving others.

As one of the youngest grandchildren, my Grandma and I didn’t have many conversations about art or photography before she passed. But I remember her taking photos at weddings and community events for friends and families at the local mission in town. 

As a wedding gift, she would create photo albums for couples who couldn’t afford professionals, giving them a way to hold on to their moments forever.

In high school, when I first started getting into photography, I would show her the portraits I took. It always felt like the highest honour when she’d compliment them and tell me I had “an eye for art.” 

She passed away my junior year of college and never got to see how far I’ve come in the media world, but having her cameras with me is a humbling reminder of the kind of legacy one can leave behind - not just in the art they make, but in the way they make it: with love, humility and a servant’s heart.

All her cameras still have film inside them. 

One day, I might develop it to see some of the last things she captured - or I might just leave it there, carrying a physical embodiment of my Grandma’s artistic vision with me forever.

The Posters

When I like a movie or TV show, I really like it. 

On one wall in my office, I have a poster of my favourite film, Gone with the Wind, alongside two of my favourite sitcoms - Seinfeld and The Office.

Gone with the Wind was the first film that truly took my breath away. From the script and production design to the score and visual effects, I couldn’t believe it was made in 1939. It captures so many different perspectives and made me think about U.S. history in a way I never had before. 

There aren’t many four-hour films I’d watch over and over again, but this is a classic that never gets old.

Another thing that never gets old is a good sitcom. Seinfeld and The Office each create their own worlds filled with absurd situations and quotable moments that constantly sneak into my everyday conversations. 

Whether it’s “These pretzels are making me thirsty!” or “Everyone inside the car was fine, Stanley!”, these shows have built a kind of cult following - and I’m proud to be part of it.

Each of these posters brings a smile to my face and always sparks conversation.

The National Park Memorabilia

I love to hike and explore new places, so when I turned 21, I decided to challenge myself: visit every U.S. National Park by the time I turn 30.

At the time, the goal didn’t seem that big. 

There were only 61 parks (now there are 63), and I figured I could easily visit seven to ten a year. I was wrong. But that hasn’t stopped me from trying. 

So far, I’ve made it to 19 parks in eight years - and I’m still chasing that goal with the same excitement as when I started.

The pins and stickers I’ve collected along the way sit proudly in my office. 

They remind me of the adventures that still await, and bring back memories of the ones I’ve already been lucky enough to experience.

The Mini Me

When I was a toddler, I loved playing with baby dolls. 

I would dress them up, feed them, rock them and sleep with them at night. 

Back then, there weren’t many dolls that looked like me - so my mum made sure there was. 

She handmade 'Baby Sha', complete with my skin tone, a matching dress and even my face.

As I got older, I stopped playing with dolls, but I’ve always treasured my mini me. 

She’s truly one of a kind. 

On stressful workdays, 'Baby Sha' reminds me of the little girl inside me who’s proud of the woman she’s becoming.

It’s also a reminder that representation in art matters. 

When we can see ourselves on screen, we truly believe we can be anything we want to be. 

Depicting diversity doesn’t change the game - it refines it, creating an impact we may never see, but can always feel. 

My mum recognised that for me, and I strive to carry that same intention into my own work.