Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janique Abrahams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Janique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

My first client was actual a roommate of mine who later became a really good friend. I started my business at the end of 2020. I was attending USF St.Pete but had a job in Tampa so I was constantly going back and forth between the two. I decided one day that I was going to take class on the USF Tampa campus so I searched all over for a room. At the end of my Fall term at USF St.Pete I packed my little red Toyota with all of my stuff and drove to my new apartment in Tampa.

At the apartment I met my first client. I would dabble with resin infront of my door. I made my first keychain in January of 2021 and have been expanding ever since. My friend’s initial reaction was really a big motivator. It made me think’ “Ok, I can do this!”.

Janique, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am originally from Jamaica where I did mostly art and technically drawing. I had never dabbled in resin art before 2021. After moving and starting college I decided to finally try resin art. I started with keychains and have since expanded to trays, coasters and even wall decor.

I officially made it a business after my grandmother who was a big supporter of my art passed. She had always loved my art as it always put a smile on her face. Hence why the name of my company is Shappening Art . It is a mixture of shot which in patios (Jamaican creole) mean fun or lit and happening which can also mean fun. Shappening embodies what I try to provide with my business a smile accompanied by a good time.

I am most proud of the quality of my work. The designs, colors and functionality can provide somewhat of an easy to attain luxurious decor or outfit accessories for anyone.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To start my business I worked two jobs to pay for the initial cost of the paperwork, molds and resin itself. I

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media presence has always been lacking. I maybe in my 20s but social media never appealed to be until I started my business. With this being said it was a struggle to get the first couple followers. Acknowledging my limitation I turned to Tanajh Consulting for help. After following her advice for a month I gained 200 followers and growing. Reels, pictures, lighting and all. I had to find a brand identity learned about positioning and everything. I’m still getting the hang of it but just like everything else it’s a process.

Contact Info:

• Website: Shappening.store
• Instagram: Shappening_art
• Facebook: Shappening Art