Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shariffa Nyan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shariffa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Because I wear several hats, my path to gaining a deeper understanding of each niche project came in many different forms. As a recording artist, I had to learn the art of being comfortable hearing my own voice back in headphones. My first experience in the studio was at 17 years old! I had to learn how to differentiate between singing live vs. singing on a recorded track. Learning techniques to blend my vocals, harmonize with myself and express emotion in the studio all came with years of practice and time in the booth! Working with skilled engineers also made the world of a difference. You have to trust that your engineer not only knows the DAW they are using to record you in, but also has an ear to bring out all the beautiful and unique qualities of your tone. The more I recorded, the more I learned. I am still learning, it’s just now I have a really good system that allows me to be efficient with my time in the studio.
Similarly, my pursuits as an entrepreneur have been fine tuned through much trial and error. Being a successful music artist not only requires creative intelligence but also business smarts as well. I read lots of books, attended DYI musician’s workshops and sought out vetted mentors to help me garner a sound understanding of the business side of my craft. From operating my own music publishing entity, to branding, marketing, promoting and booking (without an agent), it all took time, successes and failures to get to where I am today.
As the founder of my own apparel /shoe line, I am still learning the ins/outs of being a business owner! Thankfully organizations like Austin Women’s Business Center, SBA, LiftFund and many others provide amazing resources to women like myself needing guidance and mentorship with bringing their entrepreneurial dreams to fruition. If I could do anything over again, I wouldn’t change a thing! The blessing is in the process. Sometimes it took longer than I planned, but the insight and knowledge I gained made it all worth my while. I would encourage anyone pursuing their dreams to do the same….ask lots of questions, test everything, make mistakes then learn from them to grow and get better. Seek mentorship and never be afraid to ask for help!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a proud mother of three, an award-nominated Neo-Gospel Artist, a Registered Dental Hygienist and a budding entrepreneur. I grew up in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, Moses Lake Washington, primarily under a single mother. Music was introduced at a very early age and my 1st solo was at four years old during an Easter Sunday Church Service. My mother was my biggest motivator in the areas of academia, faith, fashion and music. She taught me to lean on God for my source of strength. She taught me that getting a degree was paramount for success. She taught me how to cook, sew, identify a fabric by touch and drape alone and how to make any outfit look classy and lux! She was my first music teacher; introducing me to all genres of music via her vinyl collection. We experienced our fair share of hardships, but we always had each other to get through even the toughest of times. Throughout my middle and high-school years, I continued to sing in church, school and community choirs, talent shows and more. Upon graduation, I started doing studio work and remained in love with recording music ever since.
2006 my journey as a mother began and by 2012, I decided to return to college to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene. Shortly after being accepted into the highly competitive program, my mother passed away. Though grief-stricken and heartbroken, I managed to earn my Degree of Dental Hygiene in 2014 from Shoreline Community College in Seattle, WA. I also released my 1st single for worldwide distribution as a Gospel artist in 2014. Since then, I have released two solo EP’s, numerous co-writes, singles and collaborations, performed for major league athletic games, award shows and more. I have garnered nationally syndicated radio airplay as well as international reach and even snagged a few gospel award nominations! My most recent music venture is with a local Austin band called ALL SKATE. We specialize in Brazilian Funk/Soul and R&B.
I had to learn how to sharpen my business mind throughout my career as well. As an independent artist, I didn’t always have the monetary means to hire a team of individuals to handle the business aspect of it all, so I had to educate myself in order to ensure the creative in me could thrive! Workshops, conferences, books and mentors all helped me establish a sustainable brand for myself as an artist and business woman. Music has taken me farther than I ever imagined and granted me access through some amazing doors.
I relocated to Austin, TX in 2018 from Seattle,WA. Pressing the restart button on that chapter of my life was the best decision I could have made for myself and children. Now, nearing five years after our move, I have added “entrepreneur” to my list of passions pursued. My shoe and apparel line, HÜEMÖN, was launched 2021. Consisting of both custom and upcycled pieces, this line embodies individuality, sophistication and sustainability! Being a small business owner comes with it’s lists of challenges, but thankfully I am able learn and grow along the way. Currently I have 27 custom apparel pieces and 3 shoe designs (one of which is unisex) available to the public. There are also classic black or heather gray sweatshirts and Tee’s available on the website for those who prefer an item that compliments a more relaxed, comfortable or athletic aesthetic.
As for Shariffa Nyan the Dental Hygienist, I practice alongside some phenomenal dentists at The Grand Family Dental in Pflugerville, TX 3 days out of the week. Dental hygiene allows me the opportunity to connect with people in yet another magical and meaningful way. Through patient education, routine dental cleanings and check-ups and great conversations, I can share my experiences and field knowledge in ways that are memorable and applicable. We also have some of the best music playlists in the city, so our patients really do get a unique experience tailored to their needs, interests and personality. Being able to operate in a space where 2 of my passions intersect seamlessly really is an amazing feeling!
Today I am just a woman full of purpose, living on purpose. I want my life to be an example to all people, especially women regardless of race or socioeconomic status, that they too can pursue all of their passions in this lifetime. We no longer have to choose one thing we are good at and stick to it. We can be whatever our hearts desire…and do it all well! Just take the time to cultivate your craft and hone each skill until you have mastered it! The rest of the magic is found within the process; we just have to learn to trust it.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission in all of my creative pursuits is to build a legacy of hope, resilience, self sufficiency and love. This legacy is a reflective homage to my ancestors as well as a blueprint for my children and generations thereafter.
For those that listen and support the music, my desire is that it provides hope and resonates with people in a deep and meaningful way. I truly feel like we are living in some really dark times. We can all use something to believe in; some power greater than ourselves to look to in times of trouble and turmoil. My music points people in that direction…upward and outward. The clothing and shoe line is yet another extension of that same sentiment. “Fashion for your Essence” is my tagline at HÜEMÖN , so each custom item is created to be unique and one-of-kind just like each of us!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist is the freedom of just being! I am able to freely express my heart through my music. When words do not possess the capacity to convey a sentiment, a harmony or melodic rift can! The fashion niche allows me to express who I am as a multifaceted individual. Colors, textures, and patterns layered in different ways to create completely different vibes is exactly who we are as individuals! Our emotions, passions and pursuits weave together seamlessly in this tapestry of life to create the ultimate design…our essence!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
shariffanyan.com - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/shariffanyan/ - Facebook: https://m.facebook.
com/ShariffaNyan - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
shariffa-edwards-465b1935 - Twitter: https://mobile.
twitter.com/shariffanyan - Youtube: https://youtube.com/
c/ShariffaNyan - Other: Retail Website: https://
huemonfashion.com/
Image Credits
Shariffa Nyan and IslandBoi Photography