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

Zhané, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally once I began my nail career. I enjoyed the freedom I had of being self-employed, but it was also the flexibility of creating. It allowed me to explore the psychology behind everything to connect myself and to the world and others around me.

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?

I was the book-worm, straight A, and highly- achieving student in my academic career that came with zero creative outlet until my mid-adolescent years.

I started participating in ballet for 5 years, but music was always my first love since I was a baby.

Fashion then became the closest thing to having a personal, creative outlet. I could be flexible with it and add my own artistry to it. From following the latest Jordan releases to keeping up with New York City’s fashion week every fall. I made the closest friendships from my interest in music and fashion.

It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I would discover my ability to freehand draw and sketch, in which would later spark my cosmetology career as a nail artist.

After high school, I began working fashion retail brands such as Victoria’s Secret and then H&M. I was introduced to store operations and engaging in floor-sets and fashion merchandising. My passion for visual merchandising began to set in.

I believe what sets me apart from others is how universally open minded I am. It not only shows in my personality but it reflects in my creativity. How I work & the way I work.
I am not afraid to take calculated risks no matter the situation or the circumstances, especially if it is going to put me ahead long term.

I am going to be like this forever, regardless if I switch ‘jobs’ within my career as an artist or creative. I will never give up on any of my dreams. My consistency as an artist makes me proud.

My inspiration comes from a wide range of artists from music, actors, writers, fashion models… and even certain political leaders and teachers.

Everyone should always be inspired. It’s what we’re here for. Never stop learning and never stop growing. What is life if you are not living it. (?)
And then you will soon realize there is honestly an ‘art’ in everything.

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

Society should be able to give constructive criticism to support artists. To achieve this is through honesty, and to be honest with each other means we have to be honest with ourselves. We all know that is a tough thing for the majority of society to do as a collective. It may sound idealistic to most, but it is possible.

We need a judgement free zone. It is okay to be opinionated, you are always entitled to that, but circumstances are different for everyone. We do not all live the same life.
So for that reasoning, I believe the best we can do for each other is give each other a little more mercy and realize perfection is subjective.

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

Art is pain, life is suffering. It sounds harsh, but it is a reality for most artists and creatives.

Some artists may say it is cool to create and then make a profit from their art, and then try to do it all again…or gain some kind of fame or fortune….
So with that, I sometimes wonder, “where does that inspiration come from when you run out?”

To me, it is the psychology behind it and the connection I can make with the people and the things around me.
Life is an experience.
I love being able to grow and expand as a person because that makes me stronger as an artist. I want to be the best version of me as possible and that means keeping an open mind with an open heart as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/zhane1of1
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/quassia.dupree
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zhanenailz