Meet Shaynah Jo | Artist & Author

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

Hi Shaynah, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is that I’ve learned to not quantify it or put it on a scale. Sometimes as people, we define success based on our ultimate desires and if we do not reach that milestone within a certain time frame, we feel as though we are unsuccessful or as if we failed. True success comes from having the guts to do what you love and put it out into the world to be consumed, absorbed, and felt even if you don’t gain from it. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to be solely inspired by profit but quantifiable success can be diminished and can fluctuate based on the season. When that low season hits, you’re left with nothing but your thoughts and ideas. I feel successful when I let my creative ideas flow and bring my visions to life, even if they aren’t popular or on trend. I’m going to keep doing what I love, constantly and abundantly through every season. To me, that’s the key to success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art is so personal to me. It’s my favorite way to get the good, the bad, the happiness, the sadness, and the highs and lows of life off me and onto canvas. Art is my release. I am most excited about my upcoming collection of abstract art because of how personal it is. Every piece serves as a page to my visual diary. There are layers of vibrant colors reflecting the happiness of a specific day, some have neutral tones for the okay days, then some pieces have black and gray hoarded within each layer to mirror the not so great days. There’s a story behind each painting and a layer of vulnerability within this next collection that I haven’t displayed before.

I am also anticipating sharing more of my creative writing via illustrated short stories. There’s a special place in my heart for the youth within our community, specifically, young women of color. I want to continue playing a part in telling their stories in a way where they can relate and find comfort. It is so important for me to leave a legacy of God-centered content that’s rooted in realism and touch on heavy-hitting topics that we tend to shy away from. I want to use my light to flame the youth to embrace their identity, to love themselves and their creativity, and most importantly to love the Most High God.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Good food, plenty nature, and a lot of art is always a good time. We’d drink homemade juices for breakfast then grab jerk chicken, rice and peas, and cabbage from every place in the city that serves it. Each day, we’d go to a different sandy trail and walk until we can’t anymore. After the walk, we’ll be inspired by the beauty of nature, and go to an art studio to paint. We’d finish each night with a visit to a different gallery.

I love spontaneously discovering new mom-and-pop spots. I’ve never been one to go to the popular places just because they’re popular. So most likely, we’d end up discovering our new favorite place that happened to be a hole in the wall close to the jerk spot, nature trail, art gallery or wherever we’re going.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to always acknowledge the Most High God in all things that I do, because he is the guiding force and inspiration behind every creative idea. I am very thankful for my beautiful son, Bayah, that I was blessed with. His existence inspires me to be my best self at all times.

Also, all of the elder women in my life who have served as motherships, mentors, and leaders deserve some recognition because they have taught me so much about being a woman and a mama. I love them so deep.

Website: https://www.amamasgarden.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shayjo/

Image Credits
Ezekiel Veale