Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shanae Strachan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shanae, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my parents, but in particular, my father, Stephen Strachan. Who, despite having me at the young age of 20 started his family and continued on to raise and provide for four children, while being a teacher, entrepreneur, youth leader, a basketball coach to hundreds of young men and women. I saw my father tirelessly and fearlessly overcome the odds, defeats, and life’s ups and down. He taught me to never give up and that I had the power to conquer all, and for that I am grateful.
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?
I’m a model and actress, currently signed with Wilhelmina New York, one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies. I’ve been blessed to work with fashion brands like Skims by Kim Kardashian, Estée Lauder, Covergirl, Adoreme, Project Runway, Ulta Beauty and so much more.
It wasn’t an easy road and it still isn’t. I had to make a bold move – leave the comforts of my island country, The Bahamas and come to the capital of the world and with the hopes of achieving my dreams. There were many hurdles, I couch surfed and lived out of one suitcase for almost two years and initially my work visa got denied but I persevered and was given the chance of a lifetime. I was told by some you’ll never make it, you’re too old, this and that but I’m happy that I was able to prove the naysayers and even my doubts wrong. Where the road is taking me next in my career? I don’t know exactly but I’m enjoying the journey and taking things one day at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Tenacity, faith, and hope. Believe in yourself, have faith and hope that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to and back that up with hard work and unwavering tenacity and dedication. The road will surely rise up to meet you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m a passionate storyteller and artist of many forms so I love to collaborate with fellow artists who are passionate about their craft and want to tell stories of life, love, challenges, triumph and making a difference in our beautiful world.
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