We were lucky to catch up with Shaina Janvier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shaina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
At the age of 10, my mother moved our family just 30 minutes across town, but it felt like an entirely different world. Suddenly, I found myself in classrooms where no one looked like me. For the first time, I was the only Black girl in many of my classes, and there was no way to blend in. My deep complexion made me stand out in every room, a constant reminder that I was different. At that age, I saw it as a disadvantage—something that set me apart in a way I didn’t yet know how to navigate.
But by middle school, I began to see my differences in a new light. Instead of shying away from them, I learned to embrace what made me unique. I realized that intelligence, kindness, humor, and charisma were not dependent on my surroundings—they were parts of me, no matter who was in the room. As I adjusted, I found common ground with those around me, forging friendships that, at first glance, seemed unlikely. It was then that I understood: connection isn’t always about looking alike; it’s about finding shared experiences, values, and interests.
Years later, when my family moved back to the city where I had grown up, I was once again surrounded by peers who looked like me and shared my heritage. While I felt a sense of familiarity and belonging, I also recognized that standing out was inevitable—not just because of race, but because of who I am. I had grown into someone who could adapt to any space, not by changing who I was, but by leaning into the many facets of my identity.
I’d be lying if I said my authentic self looks the same in every room—it doesn’t. But over the years, I’ve developed the tools to be effective in any space. Whether through humor, relatability, empathy, listening, decisiveness, honesty, assertiveness, or vision, I have learned how to show up, engage, and lead. And ultimately, that’s what has allowed me to be successful—even when I am the only person in the room who looks like me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Outside of work, my greatest passion is the performing arts. Growing up, I immersed myself in theater, choir, and debate—each experience shaping me in various ways. The bonds I formed, the confidence I built, and the skills I developed through these activities are invaluable. That passion has never faded; in fact, it has only grown stronger.
Today, I am actively pursuing my acting career in Atlanta, Georgia. While much of this journey has been spent in training and countless auditions, the moments I’ve booked have been nothing short of encouraging. There’s a thrill that comes with being on set—feeding off the energy of scene partners, losing yourself in the story, and making every moment feel real, not just for the audience but for myself as well. Every role is a challenge to step into a new character and it has deepened my love for the craft.
As I continue to explore new creative avenues, I also use my YouTube channel as an outlet. It’s where I share my thoughts, experiences, and the raw reality of navigating my 20s in a new city, far from home, with no blueprint. While I often opt for vlogs, my favorite videos are the sit-down, heart-to-heart conversations—though they require the most courage. Much like acting, they demand a level of vulnerability that can feel exposing, but that’s exactly what makes them so powerful.
This journey is just beginning, but every step—whether on stage, in front of the camera, or behind it—feels like a step toward something greater. And that’s what keeps me going.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most integral components of my journey have been faith, the ability to pivot, and bravery. First and foremost, I couldn’t have done any of this without faith. Personally, I find faith in God, but regardless of what you believe in, a sense of faith is essential when taking the road less traveled. You have to trust that your actions will yield results—especially when you’re pursuing a path that few around you have dared to take.
The ability to pivot is just as crucial, both in life and in the entertainment industry. Plans don’t always go as expected, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Instead, you must adjust, learn, reevaluate, and move forward. This mindset not only reduces the pressure on any single plan or outcome but it also allows you to enjoy the journey of becoming.
Lastly, bravery has been a defining quality in my journey. To me, bravery isn’t the absence of fear but the willingness to take action despite it. I once heard the phrase “do it scared anyway,” and I carry that with me daily. Stepping outside my comfort zone (whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger or attending a networking event alone) has consistently led to incredible opportunities and relationships I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
That said, all three aforementioned qualities must be accompanied by diligent work ethic. Without consistent effort, progress becomes sporadic, and growth remains inconsistent. Success isn’t just about possessing the right mindset; it’s about putting in the work to make it count. To be transparent, this is my main focus area right now, as it has been a weakness of mine in the past.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I start by speaking my thoughts out loud—it helps me actively process my situation. I also remind myself that I am capable of handling challenges and succeeding. While I’m a strong communicator, I prefer to take a step back when stressed to avoid projecting onto others. Prayer is another key strategy for me, as it allows me to vent, find peace, and accept what is beyond my control, focusing instead on what I can manage.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shainaj.
Image Credits
All my personal photos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
