We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shana Boatswain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shana, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
There’s a hotel in new york called The Plaza. At 5 years old dreaming of packing bags, jumping on planes, living at the plaza with my family, owning a restaurant, and becoming the next member of the Mickey mouse club. That’s when I knew my life was meant to be different. Sitting on my roof on 91st Street Brooklyn, New York, sketching the sky line or writing poetry. The creative Gemini I was born into has always meant to be more than what society deems average.
Shana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Essenceofshay is the persona/name I introduced myself as on the internet. This all started when I created a youtube channel 9 years ago just to see what others were doing at the time being in a 5-year relationship, my self-esteem was pretty low, scared to hang out with friends in the fear of arguments in my relationship, I became an introvert and did nothing fun. I turned on the camera one day and sang giving you the Best That I Got by Anita Baker and uploaded it on the tube. Next was cooking, I thought I had a degree in culinary arts, Caribbean roots, and loved cooking, so why not show that side?
Although I only had 20 subscribers, folks started asking about my locs. At the time my 10-year-old locs became the topic of conversation and overshadowed any of my other content. And from then, that’s when Essenceofshay was born. Then came the #tigerlileesquad, the selling of natural hair products (that helped folks’ hair grow and thrive), the growing of my social media presence and so much more!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Actually, living not only in my purpose but being happy with what/who I am becoming is the most rewarding part. As well as meeting some pretty dope people, building a community, and making money.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Initially starting, I thought I needed a team, and to be a part of an agency. When starting, learning to do things on your own, and researching contracts and agreements, will not only save you money. But, teach you more business skills.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @essenceofshay
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/essenceofshay
Image Credits
@deee_porter @essenceofshay