Shinuh Holt of Brooklyn on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Shinuh Holt shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Shinuh , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is praying when I wake up, 20 minutes sitting still in silence to listen to God or listening to inspirational music. Make tea, figure out how I want my day to go. Usually gym , painting, work, or chilling in the crib, or all of the above.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Heyyy y’all it’s me Shinuh (L.T. Holt) A Brooklyn Girl & the Beautiful soul behind Don’t Blame The Bartender—a lifestyle brand mixing art, fashion, music, and travel. I turn creativity into an experience and inspire others to live life out loud through Art.
I am also a Bartender. Which connects me to beautiful people and helps fund my creativity.

In 2024, my focus was on creating music and really expressing myself through songs & visuals. I put out my 1st album titled Don’t Blame The Bartender, Music videos, & Really pushed my DBTB Apparel Brand.
This year 2025, I spent time traveling the world & painting Rockstar Moto Jackets, & more, sharing my style through painting flowers and mixed patterns.

These experiences inspired me to re-focus & tap all the way back into my long time dream. I’m channeling that inspiration into opening my own creative space—a place where I can explore & share my talents, and where other creatives can feel at home to do the same.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I believe I’m still the same person I was in my youth, just on another level. I’ve always been a creative, growing up in a family of artists and entrepreneurs who inspired me to express myself, the Arts run deep it’s in our DNA .
I’m so happy the arts in all its form chose me, and I attract like minds who remind me I am who I’m suppose to be.
I used to want to be a teacher, and in a way, I am—teaching by showing up fully as myself and inspiring others to do the same.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss my childhood and teenage years, the little moments that made them so magical. I miss dancing with friends in the courtyard of my building, preparing for block parties, & school fashion shows, also performing in elementary school in my slouchy socks, Converse, and long ponytails.

I miss acting in church plays, creating funny skits with my cousins, and traveling to Washington, D.C., to see family & creating talent shows we put on just for our parents.

I miss som fun moments with my friends.

I miss my parents’ video production store in the Bargain Bazaar downtown Brooklyn, I miss learning music by rewinding cassette tapes and writing down every lyric until I had a song memorized. I miss putting magazine posters on my walls, sitting in the living room while my mom braided my hair.
I miss so many moments while living with both my parents and siblings .

I also cherish memories from Atlantic Terminal , I miss knowing everyone in my building & on my block.

I miss my time with Shinuh Dollz—working with models, dancers, actors, and creatives who I’m still connected to today. Those moments shaped me, and I carry them with me in everything I create.

Most importantly I miss being fearless. I always did anything I put my mind to, I still do but I think I over think sometimes.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to opening my own creative space in my hometown, Brooklyn a dream I’ve carried for a long time. Along the way, distractions, fear, and finances held me back, but I’ve decided it’s time to get out of my own way and make it happen. I’ve built my brand, and now I want to see it, and myself, flourishing at full potential. I won’t give up, no matter how long it takes, and I truly believe the time is near. I’m fully locked in.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
This year I was diagnosed with vitiligo, which has made me even more aware of the ways stress affects my body and mind. Because stress can be a trigger, finding peace has become essential. I feel at peace when I’m connected to God, and when I’m with my family! They make me smile, and their presence alone warms my heart, like frfr!! I also find peace traveling to beautiful, sunny places, surrounded by nature, and the sound of the ocean. Creating Music,, Painting , spending time with close friends, and moments with my partner all bring calm. But yea creating whether it’s through art, music, or fashion truly gives me a deep sense of peace and helps me embrace myself fully,

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos by Todd Jones
@saytj111

Album cover art by: @lacraftsstudio

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