We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shenese Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shenese, 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.
I found my purpose by accident. I went abroad to Jamaica where I was born. I often buy Ice Cream from a shop nearby my home, sadly the Ice cream I was after was never available. After 3 attempts to purchase it; I thought to myself I will go home back to the UK and make it myself and the rest is history
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have started off as a small business in the summer of 2025 selling different flavoured Alcohol infused Slushies. I’ve always had a passion for making cheesecakes for friends and my family. After successfully selling the slushies, I then launched a selection of 9 desserts such as apple crumble, Oreo cheesecakes, various Ice Creams that people enjoy such as Pistachio, Rum & Raisin, Grape-nut & even Ice creams I have invented myself. This all became overwhelming as I was just experimenting in my own kitchen at home, in less than 3 months I even started preparing meals which I would sell once a month on a Friday. I loved the feedback I received and the ongoing orders. I have always wanted to open a shop of my own selling just cheesecakes but this adventure has opened up a few more opportunities for me and I love every moment of it, the smiles and comments of individuals that now have access to Ice creams that taste like home (Jamaica) makes it worth it to keep being creative. I have much more inventions in mind so look out for it.
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?
The qualities and skills I posses would be time management, as I am also a carer. It does take a lot of balancing whilst working and trying to work for yourself. However I do seem to be managing so far. I find having a vision and end goals keeps me going. I like to think of myself as an optimistic individual. I love to communicate effectively with my clientele – leaving room for improvement and further development going forward on my journey.
For anyone in beginning their journey, I would advise you be patient, resilient and optimistic. Nothing is easy but once you put your mind to it and believe in yourself then your story will unfold with success – Be confident!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take a pause to remember all that has happened on my journey, where and how it began. I remind myself of the success so far. I tend to remain focused on where I want it to end up (Worldwide)
I know nothing in life is easy and if you want something you have to work really hard for it. I appreciate when loved ones and customers are constantly encouraging me, so whenever I have felt to give up I’m reminded of how hard I’ve worked, my gift/ talent to create things. This all helps me when I’m feeling a little overwhelmed at times. Having a good support network is key.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Shans_Island_Slushies
- Other: TikTok Shans_Island_Slushies&Desserts
Image Credits
Rene Thompson
Tracy Ann Samuels
Montana Rose-Green
Kyle Rose-Green
Shomari Ferguson
Samia Burke
Nataliah Williams
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
