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

Shekhinah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

No, it wasn’t full-time from day one, but today I am able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, and the journey was anything but linear. I started like many artists do: performing whenever and wherever I could, often balancing multiple jobs to support my craft. Over time, I realized that artistry alone wasn’t enough; I had to become a strategist, a creative cultural producer, a creative workshop moderator, and an arts administrative educator.

Major milestones came when I invested in my professional development, strengthening my creative voice, refining my production skills, and building genuine relationships in the arts community. I never had formal vocal training, so I relied on lived experience, mentorship, and constant practice to shape my sound. Saying “yes” to diverse opportunities, from international performances to cultural programming and facilitation, helped me diversify my income and stabilize my career. I also learned to treat my artistry like a business: understanding contracts, valuing my time, and charging rates that aligned with my expertise.

Could I have sped up the process? Possibly. If I had embraced business education, financial discipline earlier, trusted my voice more boldly, and stopped shrinking myself to make others comfortable, the transition might have happened sooner. But every lesson, every detour, shaped the artist professional and creative cultural producer I am today. My career is rooted in purpose, integrity, and community, and that foundation is what ultimately made full-time creative living sustainable for me.

Shekhinah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Shekhinah B., a creative hybrid whose work lives at the intersection of performance, cultural storytelling, and community empowerment. I’m an improv vocal performer, a creative cultural producer, a creative workshop moderator, and an administrative educator. My journey into this work wasn’t traditional; I didn’t come through formal conservatory training. Instead, I learned through lived experience, peer mentorship, curiosity, research and a deep intuition about sound, emotion, and the power of collective creativity.

I entered the arts as a young adult performer seeking spaces where authenticity mattered more than perfection. Over time, I realized my calling was bigger than the stage. I was drawn to the process of building cultural experiences, supporting other artists, and creating environments where communities could gather, heal, and express themselves. That’s what guided me into cultural production, program facilitation, and developing creative workshops that support personal growth, artistic development, and mental wellness for creatives.

My creative work spans several areas:

Vocal performance – soul, R&B, pop, jazz, funk, and world influences, always rooted in storytelling.

Creative cultural production – designing community-centered arts experiences, festivals, and programs that highlight underrepresented voices.

Creative workshop moderation – facilitating conversations, artist talks, and wellness-forward creative sessions.

Administrative education – supporting artists and organizations with strategy, documentation, equity-centered practices, and business professionalism.

What sets me apart is the way I merge artistry with cultural intention. I’m not just performing songs; I’m shaping experiences. I approach my work with a lens of humanity, listening deeply to both audiences and artists. My goal is always to create spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired.

For clients, I solve creative and cultural challenges, whether they need dynamic performance, community engagement strategy, or a culturally sensitive approach to program design. My work helps organizations reach audiences authentically, while my workshops help artists build confidence, clarity, and emotional resilience.

I’m most proud of turning my artistic life into a holistic ecosystem, one that supports not only my own creative expression but the growth of my community. I’m proud of the moments when audiences tell me they felt uplifted, healed, or empowered after a performance. I’m proud of the artists who find their voice through my workshops. And I’m proud that my work continues to bridge gaps between culture, wellness, and creativity.

Most importantly, I want people to know that everything I do, whether it’s singing on stage, moderating a conversation, or producing a festival, is rooted in purpose and intention. My brand is built on authenticity, emotional depth, cultural integrity, and the belief that art is a tool for liberation. If you value meaningful connection, soulful artistry, and community-driven creativity, then my work will always have a place for you.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely. I wish I had understood the fundamentals of business and financial investment much earlier in my career. As creatives, we’re often taught to focus solely on our art, but long-term sustainability comes from understanding contracts, budgeting, financial planning, and how to build systems that support your livelihood, not just your talent. Learning these skills later in my journey transformed everything about how I work and how I value myself.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that the most talented person in the room is always the one who rises to the top. That simply isn’t true. I discovered that work ethic, consistency, professionalism, and emotional intelligence take you places that raw talent alone cannot.

Being in Philadelphia highlighted this lesson for me. Every five feet, you’ll find someone who is exceptionally gifted, truly world-class talent. But not everyone is financially stable, consistently working, or living a life that reflects their potential. That discrepancy taught me that entitlement, ego, or relying solely on natural ability will only get you so far. My discipline, integrity, and commitment to growth have opened doors that talent alone never could.

Unlearning that myth allowed me to step fully into my own lane and understand that success is a holistic practice, not just a performance, and stop comparing myself to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ShekhinahB.org
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/IAmShekhinahB
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/IAmShekhinahB
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamshekhinahb/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShekhinahB
• Other: https://linktr.ee/ShekhinahB