We recently connected with Sharde Hawkins and have shared our conversation below.

Sharde, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

As a creative, and as someone who likes to create their own events/opportunities, the biggest unexpected problem is not getting the hype/reaction you expected. It is so easy to get discouraged when trying to do your own thing because you want to be supported but sometimes that’s not always the case. I have had packed/sold out classes but I’ve also had classes where no one showed up and that’s okay. Events I planned and hosted that didn’t sell like I thought it would. We as creatives don’t see how courageous it is to even put yourself out there. We post our art for thousands to see.. that is so intimate. But what I’ve learned is to not focus so much of the outcome and how many people showed up but more of the fact that you even did it. You hosted that event, you taught that class, you shared that flyer. That alone takes a lot. Don’t be discouraged when others don’t show up for you, expect nothing. Some people can’t even show up for themselves, how do you expect them to show up for you?

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

I am a choreographer and an entrepreneur. I have my own cosmetic line named Shawté Cosmetics, I have my own dance team, I own a mentorship program named Femme Mentorship, I am a creative director/choreographer. I am most proud of the fact I take all my passions and ideas and bring them to life. It’s a scary process but always worth it. I have so much more in store but so far, so good. What sets me a part from others is I love making people feel good. I love bringing the confidence out of people because everyone deserves to see the beauty in themselves and how special they are. In dance, I try to remind every student I have to not only be confident but to feel it. It’s inner. I got into the cosmetic industry because for starters I love lipgloss, I never been a huge makeup person. I love basic stuff, like lipgloss, mascara, chapstick, lip scrub, etc. Things that enhance me but I can keep it natural at the same time. I always feel my best when I’m natural, I want others to feel the same way. That’s no shade to those who wear makeup at all, I think makeup is so artistic and beautiful but we should all feel safe with our natural beauty as well.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can start supporting artists by supporting them BEFORE they blow up! I see all the time how no one supports a creative until they start making a name for themselves. Soon as they get some hype/clout, then everyone wants to support them, as a creative, not only is it exhausting but it’s not genuine. Support people before they blow up! I promise you, it’s okay.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

To be honest, a lot of my social media audience knows me personally. I built those connections in real life. I am not that popular on social media but I consider myself popular in real life, especially in my hometown community. I build genuine connections and make friends in real life which is why my support system is so strong. I have great loving people in my real life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Shardeee_ @Shawtecosmetics @SinCityhtx
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLnEbbpDeUwV2gb-e_elLQ

Image Credits
Tim McGuire: @tmcguirejr Kiyan Badkoubeh: @kjexplorer Kevin Nguyen: @sharkboykev Keaun Adams: @keaunadams Andrew Fontenot