Shadia knew she wanted to make a place for herself in the fields of fashion, beauty enhancement and films. Her unique heritage made her an uncommon beauty. As a teenager, she had photos taken in Sudan and published in America. This prompted the Sudanese police to confiscate the photographs. She quickly learned that in the Sudan, it was illegal for women to pursue a career in the fashion, beauty, and media industries. Women who did so risked imprisonment. To follow her dreams, Shadia had to leave her country. She moved to London where she began modeling. Soon, photographers from all around the world offered her opportunities as a print and runway model.