We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shanaya Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shanaya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I can confidently say that I am genuinely happy as a business owner. Running my own venture brings me tremendous joy, and I truly wouldn’t trade the flexibility of my schedule for anything else. The freedom to set my own hours and pursue my passions is invaluable to me.

While I have occasionally entertained the idea of taking on a traditional job, the perks of a steady paycheck every two weeks and reliable benefits are appealing, especially considering my age. However, at just sixteen, I haven’t spent too much time contemplating a regular job. The thought of balancing the demands of a standard work schedule alongside my school commitments feels very stressful.

Imagining myself juggling classes and a job makes me realize how exhausting that lifestyle could be. The idea of being confined to a structured routine after a full day of school quickly shifts my perspective, and the allure of a conventional job fades away. Ultimately, I find that the entrepreneurial path offers me the excitement and freedom I crave at this stage in my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my journey by selling glitter tumblers during quarantine, and that venture surprisingly provided a substantial income for 12-year-old me. With all that disposable income, I made some impulse purchases, including a MacBook that I honestly had no real use for at the time. That’s when I discovered Canva, and I started designing, which eventually led me to Photoshop. Since then, I’ve been on an incredible path.

I transitioned into selling templates on Etsy and expanded to social media, eventually taking on clients. Becoming a graphic designer has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. Building brand identities is not just fun; it sparks a creativity within me that I hadn’t experienced before. I love creating campaigns for businesses and helping business owners succeed.

Being the face of Shanaya Graphics has been an extraordinary journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The fact that brands trust me with their investments speaks volumes. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and excited for what’s to come!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding experience is witnessing your work come to life. While designing a logo may seem insignificant to some, seeing that logo on billboards, storefronts, and bags is incredibly fulfilling. It’s gratifying to know that your work serves a purpose and that you have made a meaningful contribution.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Social media is the primary way I connect with my clients. I focus on building genuine relationships—not just surface-level friendships. I’ve found that when the atmosphere is light and relaxed, clients tend to trust me more. A little laughter goes a long way in boosting that trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shanayagraphics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanayagraphics_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShanayaGraphics

Image Credits

Photographer https://www.instagram.com/shotbybigdavid/