We were lucky to catch up with Shantel Day recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shantel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Believe it or not, I was 9 years old. In fourth grade, my teacher tasked the class with writing a story about a character we created. My wild imagination came up with a horse puppet made from pantyhose and cotton filler. This puppet magically came to life and became a mega-star known as “Horsenia.” My teacher and classmates loved the story so much, we became a small publishing company and turned my book into a tangible product we could all take home. I still have my copy 35 years later!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The name of my most successful brand is Art Crush, LLC. It is under that umbrella I conduct all of my creative endeavors from books, visual art, stationery, wearable art, poetry, and prose. Since the pandemic arrived in 2020, I’ve dedicated most of my time to writing. I’ve published a novel, short story, and poetry collection. They are all available under Shantel Day or my pen name “Mahogany Dawn.” Be advised, those pen names have TOTALLY different personalities and offerings LOL! Under Shantel Day, I write the stories I wish I could’ve read as a child. There’s representation, Black girl main characters who are magical without enduring brutality that isn’t integral to the story plots, and the fullness of Black experiences. Mahogany Dawn is STRICTLY for adults who aren’t ashamed of sensuality and pleasure. When I’m not writing, painting is my vice. I love creating beautiful things or bringing something that was once considered useless, back to life in an innovative way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is always to inspire younger generations. For the past few years, I’ve volunteered my time at a local inner-city elementary school. The young ladies I visit learn about art, how to use art as an outlet, and pretty much anything they ask about my personal life (which ends up being half of the visit, if I let them LOL).

My personal goal is to prove to myself that I can use my gifts and talents to sustain my family and provide generational wealth to my son. I would love for my young man to see that even though my career choice is unconventional to most, it’s still possible to reach goals and provide financial security. It’s HARD out here in these creative streets, though.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Ironically, I’m in the throes of a HUGE pivot in my creative and entrepreneurial career. In 2020, we moved my grandmother in with my family. Before last month, we were working on letting her resume her full independence. Unfortunately, she’s no longer able to live on her own according to her doctors. I’ve become her sole caretaker, in addition to being a mother of a 10-yr old, wife, and cat mom. I’m actively trying to find a balance in my everyday life and business life. My plans to dive back into the brick and mortar space have to take a backseat until Grandma has more of a support system who can essentially support all of us. Am I disappointed? Absolutely. But, will I come out on top? I always do.

Contact Info:

• Website: yourartcrush.com
• Instagram: @yourartcrush
• Facebook: Art Crush by Shan
• Twitter: @yourartcrush
• Other: Tiktok: @yourauthorcrush The link to my debut novel: Indigo Sun https://a.co/d/9codw2w