Meet Shae Anthony | Artist and Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shae Anthony and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shae, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting She Is This was a no-brainer for me. I’ve always had small businesses selling things that I made but this was the first time I was truly passionate about what I was making. I wanted to share this art with others because I felt like it was so important. It wasn’t about making money, it was about creating girls that looked like me and seeing them in places I hadn’t before.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing I love to do in my work is incorporate highly saturated hues. Not only are my subjects of color but I love using bold and bright tones in my pieces. I also love incorporating other elements like flowers and abstract shapes to tell stories and create collections. I’m always playing with concepts and themes which has helped me nurture my style and expand my community. The biggest contributor to my growth has been the people who tell their friends and family about my business. I am constantly thanking my customers and social media tribe for their love and support. I truly believe that you can support a business and never purchase one thing. It’s the sharing and reposting that have brought me so much business and helped She Is This flourish.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an Atlanta native and have yet to go to Skyview Atlanta – so that’s a definite must for the night. To start the day though, we’d have to hit up the High Museum which always has an amazing exhibit just about every time I go. After seeing the stunning art inside, it’s time to hit the streets to see the amazing graffiti throughout the city – photographing street art is one of my favorite things to do in Atlanta, hands down. There is so much talent here and you can find it at just about any corner, wall or building. Sustenance throughout the day must come from a food truck. Years ago, one of my bestfriends from college took me to Roswell Rd and it was lined with food trucks serving all kinds of goodness – I was instantly hooked. Just walking down Peachtree street is an experience. The city has so much personality and culture, and you don’t have to be inside to see it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom “ma”, deserves a shoutout from the highest mountain top. She’s my biggest supporter from why I create my art to how I do it. There was never a time when there was a “no” when I came to me wanting to do something creative. It also doesn’t hurt that she’s crazy talented and taught me everything I know about being a maker. From her small grape doodles in the TV guide pages to making my prom dress from little bits of chocolate satin from scratch. She taught my how to think creatively, be resourceful and most importantly, how to go against the grain and be my own person. When I changed my career path in my junior year of high school, she didn’t bat an eye. I went from wanting to be a cardiologist my entire life to now wanting to have a career in art. Suffice to say, in 2011, I graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree. That woman is my loudest cheerleader and so much of her goes into my art.

Website: sheisthis.com

Instagram: sheisthisdesigns

Image Credits
I took all photos myself