Meet Nehan Shujaat | Artist & Poet

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

Hi Nehan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Business is a word I tried to avoid using for such a long time because I associated it with only some sort of transactional exchange. While it took me awhile to realize that my relationship with clients, consumers, and even those who simply found inspiration from my work was transactional in a way, whether it involved money, I always knew I wanted to put my work into the world. I wanted the world to know I’m here to offer what I can. I think when I started selling my paintings and realized what it meant to people, I knew I needed to take it a step further and become professional. Right out of high school I sold 4 paintings and started setting up my painting and henna booth at local events. Painting was something I loved, so the idea of knowing that I could do what I love to live was an amazing feeling.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart from others isn’t something super special, I think I’m just willing to put myself out there and am less scared of what people will have to say about it. There’s so much talent in people, and I feel I’m no different from anyone else. I’ve been given the opportunity to share my work and that’s really all that feels different. Now, I don’t think it’s easy constantly having to evolve with the ever-changing world of technology, such as having to use different social media platforms and keep up with how fast paced it can feel. I think I’m still learning to try new ways market my work. What I want readers to take away from this is to try new ways to market their work and to flow with the trends.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

There so many things to do in the DFW area in general, and driving out 30 min to an hour is worth it for sure. I’d recommend a couple really great coffee shops such as La La land, Summer Moon, and Dutch Bros in the Plano and Frisco areas. I’d also go out for an escape room after getting coffee and then end the night with some Korean BBQ in Carrollton or a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, which is a really charming movie theater.

Another place that is near and dear to my heart is downtown Fort Worth. I’d probably take my friend to Sundance Square to get some coffee, and then walk to the Fort Worth Water Gardens and enjoy the structured waterfalls. I’d probably end the night at the Stockyards taking in the old timey charm of Fort worth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I think there are so many people I could shoutout, but there will always be some who really made my journey possible – for example, my mom and dad. They enrolled me in art lessons, cheered me on when I was in UIL poetry interpretation in high school, came to all my ceremonies, and encouraged me when I was at my lowest points. They always asked questions about how my mind worked when writing or painting, and I was always able to whiteboard off of them. They truly are the first people who ever saw any potential but even more importantly wanted me pursue what I loved from a young age, and I’m forever grateful for them for this.

My brother Taha, has always been my partner in crime when it came to art and writing. He’s amazingly talented and I am frequently inspired by his talents. Growing up we attended our art lessors together, so we connect visually on this.

Lastly, a major shoutout to my husband Taimur. He’s who has made it possible for me to pursue all of this even after I decided to pursue a fulltime career in healthcare. He’s always cheering me on when I perform poetry, shows up to all my events, and has even helped me set up my own art studio at home. I’m blessed to have him by my side through this journey.

Website: www.nehanshujaat.com

Instagram: @nehanshujaat

Linkedin: Nehan Shujaat

Twitter: @nehanshujaat