We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakeyla Shinholster a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Shakeyla with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My family. I come from a long line of over comers that worked hard.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a young woman living with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). My condition resulted in me not being able to use my arms or legs, yet my disability hasn’t stopped me from following my dream of being a full-time artist. I write, draw, and paint with my mouth. I want to share my God given gifts with the world. My brand is Shakeyla’s Treasures. The treasures are my talents that I am sharing with everyone. I am an award-winning artist, public speaker, singer-songwriter, and a self-published author. My talents were always in the arts, but I became a full-time artist seven years ago. It’s something that brings me so much joy, and I want to spread that joy. I want my art to be a light for people across the world, and to inspire them to walk into their God given purpose. My disability may have limited me physically, but my creativity is limitless. I hope to expand by having a creative space for other creatives, and to have my work displayed so everyone can see it. In the meantime I’ll be doing special events, like Artz n the Park and the Magnolia Arts Festival in the community displaying my works and showing my talents.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would never have gotten this far in my career if it weren’t for consistency, dedication, and practice. I’ve always been this way, even when no one was watching. Those three qualities are keys to success.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents have always encouraged me to keep going. They remind me of how far I’ve come, and to keep moving forward. My mom in particular will motivate me to continue to put in the work and strive for greatness, but she also reminds me of how far I’ve come. Sometimes it’s hard for me to bask in my accomplishments because I’m thinking of the next step, but she’ll remind me to celebrate all that I’ve already accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shakeylas-treasures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakeylastreasures?igsh=MTc4bTUxaDl1cDJweg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QzcjxAgvB1wa1CrD/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shakeyla5414?si=tIYV7IaQGeHfNUbL
