Friends of Tabletop: Meet Marissa Williams from Shabby Chic + Cheap
Friends of Tabletop is a place where we share who we love working with. This can range from a client, influencer/blogger, or special someone who simply means a lot to the Tabletop Team. Colleagues and friends who we’ve met throughout our journey with Tabletop Media Group make us a part of who we are.
For our February Friends of Tabletop, meet Marissa Williams from Shabby Chic + Cheap!
Photo by Martha S Tillery Photography
Tell us about Shabby Chic + Cheap.
Shabby Chic + Cheap has evolved over the years, I’d like to think that as I change and grow, so does Shabby Chic + Cheap. In the sense that it’s a reflection of my current interests + passions, which can range from traveling, poetry, memes, fashion, makeup - I’m not your typical influencer because I don’t have a “niche”. My niche is real life, which means I’m all over the place! I just like sharing some of it with ya’ll.
Like my tagline says - I’m not an influencer, I just post a lot! Hopefully, you like the content I share :)
Why did you start Shabby Chic + Cheap?
SSC is a blog I started almost 12 years ago after having my son as a way to not lose myself as I ventured into the role of “mom”.
Gaining the title of “mom” made me feel like I had to change and suddenly be an “adult”. Like I had to start talking about stocks, bonds, and variables. It was intimidating because I still wanted to be me, Marissa.
Being a mom is a part of who I am, but it isn’t ALL that I am. This space allowed me an opportunity to play dress up and explore the world of affordable fashion. As time went on it became a way for me to connect with other women, local businesses and make friends. I’ve had some wonderful experiences thanks to blogging.
Photo by Anna Kait Photography
What are you currently reading?
I am ALWAYS reading a poetry book, it’s my love language and I hope to publish and share some of my own one day. Poetry aside, I am also reading The Ethical Slut, which explores love, sex, and intimacy beyond conventional monogamy. It has been a very interesting read so far. I love learning about different relationship styles, lifestyles, and other people's “normal”.
What are some of your favorite places to shop in Raleigh?
Shopping is my cardio and there are so many amazing places to shop in Raleigh!
ShopBofemme - online handmade jewelry (made in Knightdale)
Rosemay Jewelry - online accessories (Cary)
What is your least favorite food?
It used to be brussels sprouts, but now I LOVE them! I love trying new foods and if you feed me, especially tacos - I’ll love you forever!
What about your favorite food?
OMG, this is the hardest question because it really depends on the day, haha! What I can say is that rice or pasta are my top two comfort foods and go to’s when I don’t know what to cook. I’m from the Caribbean, so rice is served with EVERY meal and I lived in Italy for two years, so pasta is near and dear to my heart.
Bar order? If you don't drink, what's your coffee order?
I love me a margarita! On the rocks with salt! La Santa on Glenwood ave knows how to make em’ right! I’m not much of a coffee drinker but I love a chai or matcha - Idlehour makes a fantastic chai and Iris Coffee makes a delicious blue matcha. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, I highly recommend trying the Sehlab from Asali Desserts and Cafe in Cary, it’s perfection! *chefs kiss*
What is one of your unpopular opinions? (i.e. opinion you have that goes against the norm)
I like pineapple on pizza, I don’t like PSL’s, I’ve never seen an episode of This is Us, and I have no desire to watch it. I don’t like The Bachelor, and I’m not a fan of Reese's peanut butter cups. Judge ya mama and don’t @ me, lol!
If you could redo one thing in regards to your social influencer career what would it be?
There was a time when I got caught up in trying to do what everyone else was doing and what was trendy and popular. I wasn’t sharing things that felt true to myself and authentic. If I could redo one thing, it would be to always stay true to what I want to share regardless of the numbers. Someone out there finds my content valuable and likes it, whether it’s 2 people or 200! Focusing less on the numbers has made a world of a difference for me.
What's the most useful lesson you've learned from being a social influencer?
This kind of ties into my previous answer, I’ve learned the importance of sharing things I truly care about and like. That the numbers don’t matter, this is my little space of the interwebs and I’m thankful for each of my true (and OG) followers! The one’s that check on me when I’ve been quiet or when I say I’m having a rough day - that makes such a difference and means the world to me. Those true connections are priceless. Lots of influencers focus on the numbers and the views, I’ve shifted to focusing on the connections. Not throwing shade at the influencers who are working hard and doing their thing, there’s room for everyone in this space and I respect their hustle. It’s hard work!