We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shante PARKER. Check out our conversation below.
Shante , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are never exact, but one thing that remains consistent is my need to start my day before my daughter wakes. At the start of each day, I begin with prayer and silence; it’s an absolute necessity. Starting my day this way allows me to set my intentions for my day and show up for myself first before having to tend to the world’s demands. After setting positive intentions, I get fully dressed so that my appearance never falls by the wayside, then I usually prepare breakfast and lunch for myself and my daughter.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Shanté, and I’m a professional hair and makeup artist within the fashion and entertainment industry. I go by the name LuxuryStrand on social media, and most of my peers refer to me as “Lux”. What makes me unique is my ability to evolve. I’m a student in life, and I enjoy learning. Although I’m a beauty professional, I also have a deep passion for social media marketing, photography, and content creation. I utilize these skills to maximize my online presence and express myself both creatively and strategically online.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My Mentor taught me the most about the work that I do and how to show up confidently in this industry as a black woman. 8 years into my career, I was constantly walking in circles with unanswered questions about why I hadn’t evolved to the next level. I’ve always prayed for a mentor, but I didn’t believe in forcing connections. After submitting to another talent Agency, I was denied yet again. To my surprise, I still received a call back, but for an opportunity to assist instead. I jumped at the opportunity and met my mentor, changing my life ever since. She is the reason why I’ve had the first opportunity to work on major campaigns for McDonald’s, Del Monte, and more.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Something I’ve changed my mind about after failing hard is how I view the importance of time. There was a point in my career when all I cared about was becoming the next big artist. I’d wake up and go with the flow of the day with no real intentions or real plans. But after having my daughter, I was forced to change in ways I didn’t know how. I feared becoming the mom who put her dreams aside, so I often set expectations for myself that just weren’t fair to myself or my daughter. I was faced with the reality of how important it is to manage my time and the importance of self-care. This took many emotional breakdowns and long hours away from my daughter to realize that I finally needed to change—that I could no longer live my life in pursuit of selfishness, and that I needed to remain in control of my day as much as I could. I had to buckle down on becoming more strategic with my time, creating a new goal of maximizing my skills for financial freedom and ultimately more time with my family.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies that my industry tells itself is that being busy equals productivity. This belief system breeds artist burnout. It forces you to create from a place of anxiety rather than passion. Many people in my industry are always chasing the next viral post or brand deal. Often looking for social validation for who they truly are. I know because I fell into the same trap. Working to stay relevant and the fear of missing out whenever I need rest. This is a competitive industry in broad terms, but one thing that I love about being an artist is that there is only one you. We draw creativity from everything around us. We require moments of solitude, fun, or nights out dancing. That’s what makes us who we are, and when we prioritize our happiness, our original creativity flows abundantly.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I review all the things I have to be grateful for. It’s easy to see your glass half empty, but with a shift in perspective, that same glass is now half full
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxurystrand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxurystrand/?hl=en
Image Credits
@visualsbyisa
@lynn_yati
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