We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shena Field. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shena below.
Shena, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose unfolded through a journey marked by self-exploration, creativity, and a willingness to embrace change. From my earliest memories, I was immersed in an artistic environment, thanks to my jazz drummer father and dancer mother, which laid the foundation for a life deeply intertwined with creative expression. Moving from place to place—from the beaches of Florida to the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico, from the bustling streets of New York to the calm of Pennsylvania—each location painted new strokes on my canvas of artistic identity, introducing me to a plethora of artistic expressions and communities.
Dancing, music, writing poetry, and a love of fashion from a young age were not merely activities for me; but an OBSESSION. Traveling, exploring, spending hours immersed in research. They became avenues to explore different dimensions of my artistic expression, each offering new perspectives on the world.
These endeavors led me to art school, signifying a formal commitment to my creative path, but it was my intrinsic aesthetic sense that propelled me beyond traditional artistic careers into the world of retail and visual merchandising at The Body Shop. This role was more than a job; it was an extension of my artistic self, merging art with the commercial world.
The evolution into a personal shopper and later into image consulting and creative direction felt like a natural progression of my journey. Each step wasn’t just a career change but a deeper exploration into how art and aesthetics shape identity and perception. Even taking a hiatus to focus on my family didn’t detract from my purpose; rather, it enriched my understanding of human stories and emotions, adding depth to my perspective.
So I’d say, my purpose was discovered not in a single defining moment but through a continuous engagement with the beauty, complexity, and endless possibilities of artistic expression. It’s rooted in the conviction that art is not only to be created but also to be lived. My life exemplifies this belief; every experience, whether on stage, behind the camera, or in personal relationships, has been a step towards realizing my calling: to help others see and express their unique selves through the lens of art. The idea that “your life is a canvas to be painted with courageous experiences” perfectly captures my journey to finding my purpose—a relentless pursuit of visibility, beauty, and authenticity in all its forms.
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?
As a creative director and image consultant, I operate at the intersection of art, fashion, and personal identity. My work involves helping individuals and brands articulate their unique stories through visual aesthetics, style, and presentation. This role is a culmination of a lifelong journey through various forms of artistic expression, from dance and poetry to modeling and retail visual merchandising. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to transform perception—how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. The psychology of style. It’s about unveiling the inherent beauty and strength in each person or brand, turning invisibility into a spotlight that not only shines but also resonates with authenticity and purpose.
My brand is a reflection of my belief in the power of transformation through art. It’s about crafting visual narratives that are not only compelling but also deeply authentic. I draw upon my rich tapestry of experiences to offer services that range from personal styling and shopping to visual branding and creative direction for photo shoots. What makes my approach special is the a depth of perception and understanding. I bring, informed by a diverse background in the arts and a keen aesthetic sense honed over years of creative exploration.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my brand’s reach by serving mission driven messengers and exploring new collaborations with artists and designers, as well as by integrating technology to enhance the personalization of styling services. I’m excited about the launch of virtual consultations and styling advice, so that I may be of service to clients all over the world.
In addition to my core services, I’m also passionate about contributing to the arts community through workshops and speaking engagements. These events are designed to empower participants by exploring the intersection of art, identity, and personal branding. They provide a space for creative exchange and learning, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a unique story deserving of a spotlight.
What I’d like readers to know about my brand is that it’s more than just about looking good—it’s about feeling authentically you and expressing that to the world with confidence. Whether it’s through personal styling, creative direction, or community engagement, my goal is to inspire transformation that goes beyond the surface, touching lives and stories in meaningful ways. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and collaborations that aim to celebrate and elevate the diverse tapestry of human expression.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as pivotal to my growth and success: creativity, adaptability, and empathy. Each of these traits has played a crucial role in navigating the my path in my career and personal development.
1. Creativity: Not just in the artistic sense but also in problem-solving and thinking outside the box. Creativity has been the backbone of my ability to envision and execute unique ideas, whether in visual merchandising, personal styling, or image consulting. It’s about seeing the world in a multitude of colors and possibilities, never being confined to the conventional.
-Advice towards creating: Cultivate your creativity by constantly exposing yourself to new experiences, ideas, and disciplines. Whether it’s through travel, reading, attending workshops, or simply exploring different artistic mediums, diversifying your sources of inspiration can ignite your imaginative spark. Remember, creativity thrives on curiosity, and is almost always inspired other art; so never stop asking questions and exploring the world around you.
2. Adaptability: The ability to pivot and embrace change has been essential, especially given the dynamic nature of the arts and fashion industries. Adaptability allowed me to transition seamlessly between roles, locations, and creative endeavors, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for growth.
-Advice for Adapting Embrace change and uncertainty as natural elements of any journey. Develop a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as setbacks. Flexibility is a muscle; the more you practice stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting with new ideas, the stronger and more adaptable you become.
3. Empathy: Understanding and connecting with people on a deep level has enriched my work and relationships. Empathy enabled me to tailor my services to the unique needs and stories of individuals and brands, creating meaningful and authentic expressions of identity.
Advice for honing empathy: Practice active listening and observe the world from perspectives other than your own. Engage in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The more you understand the emotions, motivations, and stories of others, the more you can connect with them in your work and personal life. This also allows you to tap into emotion for inspiration.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a blend of comfort and movement to navigate through those moments. Tea and dance are my sanctuaries, each serving as a powerful tool for grounding and rejuvenation.
Tea: For me, tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a ritual that invites calmness and mindfulness into my day. The process of selecting a tea, appreciating its aroma, and then slowly sipping it allows me to pause and breathe amidst chaos. This ritual becomes a meditative practice, helping me to center my thoughts and emotions. It’s a moment of stillness where I can reflect, regroup, and approach my challenges with a clearer mind. I find that different teas can evoke different moods or states of mind, so I choose my tea based on what I need most at that moment—be it clarity, calm, or a burst of energy.
Dance: Dance, on the other hand, is my dynamic form of release and expression. It’s a way to physically shake off the stress and reconnect with my body’s rhythm and needs. Movement through dance is incredibly therapeutic; it’s a form of non-verbal communication with myself, allowing me to express what words cannot. Dance helps me to break the cycle of overthinking, releasing tension and transforming my emotional landscape. The physical activity boosts my endorphins, leaving me feeling more positive and energized.
Expanding the Strategy:**
– Integrate Tea into Your Routine: Consider making tea a deliberate part of your daily routine. Use it as a signal to slow down and practice mindfulness, even if just for a few minutes. Explore different types of tea and notice how each affects you—whether it’s the soothing calm of chamomile or the focused energy of green tea.
– Use Dance as a Tool for Emotional Expression: Allow dance to be a spontaneous or scheduled part of your day. It doesn’t have to be structured or choreographed; just moving to music you love can have a profound effect. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, put on your favorite song and let yourself move freely. Notice how different types of music influence your movement and mood.
– Combine Movement with Mindfulness: After dancing, take a moment to sit down with your tea and reflect. How does your body feel now compared to before? What emotions or thoughts came up during your dance? This combination of movement and mindfulness creates a holistic approach to managing stress and overwhelm.
Advice for Others: Find what rituals and activities bring you back to your center. Whether it’s tea, dance, or something entirely unique to you, the key is to have strategies that address both your mind and body. These practices not only help manage moments of overwhelm but also strengthen your overall resilience and ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. Remember, it’s about creating moments of connection with yourself, allowing both stillness and movement to guide you back to balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eyedentityconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenafield/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stories/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenafield/
Image Credits
Gilmar Smith Photography Genesis Images Arizona self portrait
