Jen Shah Reflects on 1 Year Behind Bars — and Poses in New Photo from Barbie-Themed Prison Pageant (Exclusive)

"The depth of my pain is unrelenting and indescribable," the former 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star tells PEOPLE

Jen Shah is opening up about her life behind bars.

On Feb. 17, 2023, the former Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star reported to FPC Bryan Prison in Texas to begin serving what is currently set at a 5-year, 6-month prison sentence for her role in a long-running nationwide telemarketing scheme.

Now, one year later exactly, Shah, 50, reflects on the ways the past 12 months have changed her in a candid piece shared exclusively with PEOPLE.

In it, she notes the role therapy, her faith and her fellow inmates have played in her journey. She also reveals the advice given to her by her husband of nearly 30 years, Sharrieff, with whom she shares sons Sharrieff Jr., 29, and Omar, 19.

Related: Everything to Know About 'Real Housewives' Star Jen Shah's Fraud Case

With Shah's words come the first official photo of her, taken in September during a Barbie-themed hair competition.

The picture was snapped as Shah and fellow inmate Ashley Rhea Johnson ("AJ"), 37, posed in front of a Barbie box. Both were in costume, Shah as "Adventure Barbie" and Johnson as "Slumber Party Barbie." (Johnson, of Houston, Texas, provided permission to have her photo included in this piece).

See the full picture and read Shah's passage for PEOPLE, printed in its entirety, below:

I have been away from my family for one year. The depth of my pain is unrelenting and indescribable. However, throughout this painful process, God has substantially increased my humility, gratitude, and courage.

Upon entering FPC Bryan, I wholeheartedly believed that no one was suffering as badly as I was. I quickly recognized that so many women are here battling and overcoming circumstances far worse than mine. Their resilience inspires and truly humbles me.

Recognizing that God continues to bless me not withstanding my wretched and unpredictable surroundings; expressing sincere gratitude has been my most effective coping mechanism. Despair and depression are companions that strive to capture my undivided attention every single day. Praying five times a day helps keep these and other emotional serpents at bay. I am most grateful for the aspects of my life that have never left me: My Family and Faith. Thank you God.

In my daily prayers, I ask God for the courage to realize I am worthy of a second chance. Through the countless therapy sessions and classes I have taken, I am finding the courage to set my fear and guilt aside. My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said it takes unimaginable courage to smile, and find joy and laughter despite my circumstances.

This photo was taken nearly eight months after I surrendered. My husband's advice finally settled into my heart and I found the courage to smile, find genuine joy and laughter by participating in a Barbie Hair Show Competition as "Adventure Barbie". My Barbie team and I razzle-dazzled the Real Hair Updo category with a fully choreographed routine to Latto's "Big Energy!" It brought me so much joy to put smiles on my fellow inmates faces. (And yes, we won our category.)

There is still so much I must learn while I am here at FPC Bryan, I am grateful God has given me a better foundation to appreciate his unwavering love and blessings to fight for that moment of happiness each day.

Shah was arrested back in March 2021 along with her assistant Stuart Smith. Both were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Though she proclaimed her innocence to federal prosecutors initially — going as far as filling a request to have the charges dismissed in August 2021, which was denied — Shah eventually entered a guilty plea in July 2022. She was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison, but that was reduced by a year last March.

"I am sorry. My actions have hurt innocent people," said Shah at her sentencing. "I want to apologize by saying, I am doing all I can to earn the funds to pay restitution."

Related: Jen Shah Has 'Bonded' with Elizabeth Holmes in Prison: 'They're Friends,' Rep Says (Exclusive)

It was a move that came much to the shock of her RHOSLC costars, many of whom had stood behind her. They've since continued to discuss Shah on season 4 of the show, despite her not being a cast member.

Meanwhile, Shah's husband has steadily stood by his wife's side. He even contacted 50 of her closest friends and family to help her celebrate her 50th birthday in October, a move he said left her in tears.

"Just know that Jennifer was showered with love and she was comforted today on this special day," Sharrieff later said in a video shared to his Instagram account. "We appreciate every single person who's praying for us, who has sent beautiful thoughts our way and who continue to love us unconditionally. We love you right back."

Related: Jen Shah's Husband Says She 'Cried Tears of Joy' to Receive 50th Birthday Well-Wishing in Prison (Exclusive)

Shah's attorney Priya Chaudhry has said she is "determined to make restitution to those whose lives she has impacted."

"Jen Shah's resolve to make her victims whole and to turn her life around is unyielding," read a statement to PEOPLE given in February 2023. "She is committed to serving her sentence with courage and purpose, fueled by her desire to make amends for the hurt she has caused and to help others in her new community."

Chaudhry added: "Her path ahead will be filled with challenges, but with the unwavering love and support of her family and friends, Jen is prepared to face these challenges head-on and emerge from this experience a better person who makes a positive impact on others."

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