Meet Shaina Manuel

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

Hi Shaina, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Ooooooh, it’s pretty funny that I’m fielding this one. Confidence and self-esteem have not come naturally to me. However, it has improved with age! I’d love to travel back in time and give my younger self a TED Talk on this topic. It’d go something like this:
“Hi, Shaina. I’m the future and better ‘you.’ The only difference between us is life experience and maturity. And that’s the first point: some confidence comes from knowing who you are, and that comes with age. In the next 20 years, you’re going to try on many different versions of yourself. In each one, you’ll find a different piece of you. And eventually, those will add up and you’ll feel pretty solid and won’t need or want to put on a character. As much.
Secondly, we will find confidence comes from making our own decisions. Please, for the love of us, stop gauging every single decision you make on 15 peripheral parties. They’ll be okay. That’s why you think no one understands you- you never make decisions that are truly yours! Say the thing that is ‘yours.’ Listen to the music you like. Eat the foods you like! You’ll find this helps a lot. These baby steps will actually accumulate into something significant. And no, not every decision you make is going to be wise, well thought out, or ‘right.’ You will ‘fail.’That’s the point. In order to get good at it for yourself, you need to practice.
Finally, remember that confidence is a journey. Every step you take towards being your authentic self is a step in the right direction. Please, please, please try to be kind to yourself along the way and I’ll be waiting!”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hello! I’m Shaina! I am an artist and educator dedicated to creating and sharing art that resonates with people on a deep, emotional level. My work spans various mediums, including commissioned portraits, murals, illustrations, and live portraits. What I find most exciting about art is the ability to tell stories and connect with people in a way where words fail me. Each piece an artist makes is a reflection of personal experiences, and emotions.
I’d say one of the most recognizable aspects of my work is the use of bold colors and realistic details to capture my subjects. Whether it’s a pet portrait, logo designs, or a mural, my goal is to create art that makes a lasting impact and connects with others.
My brand, Shaina’s Art, is all about exploration, connection, and continuous growth. I believe in the power of art to inspire and bring people together, and I’m constantly seeking new ways to engage with my community. Whether through collaborative projects, public art initiatives, live portraits or teaching workshops, I strive to make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my work. I’m excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing more of my artistic journey with you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Before I launch, I need to give a short disclaimer- I don’t know exactly where I’m going and often feel like I’m surrounded by fog—only able to see five feet in front of me. So with that, please take what resonates and leave the rest. I’m still journeying, too, and have a lot to learn!
My overarching advice is to do what you love! When you’re passionate about your work, it’s easier to stay motivated and committed. If passion is the engine, networking and perseverance are the tires and body allowing me to move forward. Building and nurturing connections with others has opened doors, ignited ideas and, most importantly, helped me feel part of a community. And then, stay resilient in the face of setbacks while trusting your instincts! If something isn’t working and it feels like you’re hitting your head against a brick wall, pivot. Don’t give up or just keep banging. Pause, reflect, listen, ask trusted mentors or even just people who seem to be better off than you, read the tea leaves, and so on! And then move on.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I’m going to take this as it relates to my art because then it becomes a very easy question. Their support! Within that, they did three things that really made a world of difference.
The first is dedicated time. Every Saturday morning from the age of seven until I could drive, my dad and I would do the dump run and then he’d drop me off for art lessons at a local studio. This time was invaluable as it was specifically set aside for art. The artist, Gary Duquette, offered tips, advice, and allowed me to experiment with new materials. However, the most important aspect was consistent practice. The only times I ever missed were for vacations, illness or inclement weather.
Secondly, the materials. I always had a ream of computer paper and pencils. Plus, my parents were willing to spring for a new art supply when I really petitioned for it. And perhaps most importantly, they never made a single comment of waste- no matter how many drawings I started and never finished.
Lastly, would have to be the encouragement. I never felt like it was a ‘silly childhood thing.’ They attended my art shows and spoke glowingly about my hobby to family and friends. Their enthusiasm made my art feel important and validated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shainasart.com
• Instagram: @shainasart https://www.instagram.com/shainasart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-manuel-3a1786234