We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shadress Denise. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shadress below.

Shadress, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

If I had to pinpoint a time, I would say it was during high school. I’ve always been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I was that kid who got excited about book fairs, the bookmobile, all of it LOL! I enjoyed art class as well as English but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with that. Art careers were never something that was heavily promoted while I was in school, so I began to think of a career that I could pair them together and I came up with Marketing.

Initially, I was all in with that path, but at the same time, I knew I wasn’t really cut out for the corporate field. I always felt it was too restricted, and I knew I needed my freedom. I also knew I wanted to be my own boss, however had no idea how to turn that into a career, so I was left with pursuing marketing until I figured something else out. It wasn’t until I landed my first career job in a non-related art field the lightbulb went off. I had come up with the idea of doing a community newsletter to bridge the gap between the community and City Hall. Little did I know I was applying both my love for art, writing and creating what would be my new direction.

While doing the newsletter, I decided to go back to school, and this time I was going for Graphic Design. During this time, I had already written 5 poetry books. I never had any real intention of publishing since I wrote for therapeutic purposes. After a trip to New York, I was sure about working for a magazine. I saw it as the perfect way to merge my love for art and writing. Fast-forward a few years and I land my first job as a journalist for DELUX Magazine. From there, I dove headfirst into writing and graphic design. That role and experience thrusted me into self-publishing and writing full-time. So, I guess somewhere in the back of my mind, I was always fated to be here, I just didn’t know how I was going to get here.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I landed into this field out of sheer coincidence and passion. I’ve always been a visual person and had a love for words. Before I started writing full novels, I would write poetry, which technically started with me journaling. How I got into this field was two-fold. My first introduction was due to me being bored at a job I once had and needed something to do, so I decided to create a newsletter. That led to me diving into journalism and graphic design.

When it comes to my books and publishing, that leap was on behalf of my mother. She knew I loved reading and writing, and that I had written multiple books, so she would always tell me to publish them. Initially, I was against it since the poems were my private thoughts, I also never really cared about the spotlight. I am the type of person who enjoys doing things behind the scenes and then watch people marvel and appreciate the art. That was enough for me, but not my mother! She was determined for me to put my work out there so she could retire early LOL!

It took me losing that job for me to say, “Okay, I’m ready,” and that’s how I ended up here. I published my first poetry book in 2014, and then my first novel later that year. Since that leap, I’ve written 13 more books of my own and have ghostwritten close to 10 books. I’ve also designed my art + poetry line that combines my graphics with my poetry, along with a new bag line that is still in the developmental stages.

If there was something I wanted people to know about my brand, it would be authentic art. It breathes color and freedom. I love to color outside of the lines so my work; writing and design will always have a touch of rebellion within it because that’s me. What I’m most proud of is that I am finally coming full circle to what I want to do that merges my passions together beautifully.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I would say right now is that time for me. I am in a stage of my life and business where I am having to step back, reassess and regroup. I’ve had some unexpected obstacles and pitfalls that have pushed me in a space that is uncomfortable, but that’s where I feel my faith and creatively thrives. Being a creative and an entrepreneur is very challenging because one relies on energy and mood, while the other heavily depends on hustle, consistency and motivation.

Staring down the eviction rabbit hole or not being able to do what you want financially really forces you to figure out what you want, let go of what doesn’t work, and compromise about what’s important. I’m not big on videos, but I’m learning that’s how people are connecting right now, so I’m thinking of ways to make it work for me without losing myself or coming off unauthentic. What I’ve learned these past few months is to be like water…fluid and unrestrained.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspects to me are freedom and seeing how people relate to my work. I love hearing how my art catches people’s eyes or how a character in my book stood out to them. Art appreciation is real and comes in many forms and seeing my work manifest pushes me to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shadressdenise.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shadressdenise
• Facebook: facebook.com/authorshadressdenise
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shadress-burks
• Twitter: twitter.com/iShadressDenise

Image Credits
Photo of Shadress Denise – @Vernique May for BrandVPhotographie Book Images designed by ColorMeBlu Designs