We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zhané Flowers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Zhané, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I am a huge traveler! Whenever I come across times where I’m feeling uncreative I plan a trip and leave. I get heavily inspired by seeing new things and being in new atmospheres. When I am in NY for a long time I feel stagnant and feel the urge the surround myself with newness.
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 am a 27 year old full time makeup artist based in Brooklyn, NY. In July of 2022 I took a leap of faith and decided to make my business SOLAÉNY my full time job! I left my 9-5 and haven’t looked back yet. Although it gets extremely hard at times, with business being slow in low seasons, the thought that I am employing myself is super rewarding and keeps me pressing on. My way of art is not like the norm of typical artistry promoted and highlighted on social media. I like to take a light approach to makeup. I believe less is better. On my social platforms, you’d usually see “soft glams” , but please never forget I am 100% capable of going off! This Friday January 12,2044 I am hosting my first virtual class where I am teaching viewers how to do a classic smoky eye. I am super excited about launching my first class and I am looking forward to hundreds more in the years to come.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that I believe were most impactful in my personal journey was self confidence, believing that I am unique and no one else is like me and the ability to never give up. My advice to people who are early in their journey is to think just that. Don’t spend too much time focusing on where others are in their journey and don’t compare yourself to them. You have to believe that no one is you and that is your super power. Eventually by developing tunnel vision you will never have thoughts of giving up because your focused on your journey and progressing on to get there you need to.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
In this coming year of 2024 I am seeking people who’d love to collaborate with my brand. I am specifically seeking hair stylists and models who would like to collaborate in things like content, service specials/packages and photo shoots. If anyone is interested in working together please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: www.solaeny.com
- Instagram: @solae.ny
Image Credits
Jacques Morel Janihab Photography
