Meet Shailaun Manning | Artist

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

Hi Shailaun, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because it gave me freedom to be myself authentically and inspire people to do the same.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My unique life experience sets me apart from others, but love brings us together. I am most proud of myself for being authentic, genuine and courageous enough to grow freely and express myself in a world where it is common to be like everyone but yourself. I am where I am today because I listen to and follow my heart in the direction it leads me to go. Even when the road is unpaved, my path is clear. Arriving to this point in life was not easy, but every challenge has been worth a greater reward. As long as I am determined to reach and surpass the goals I have set for myself, I will discover new ways to overcome every challenge presented. One great lesson I have learned along the way is that perception is our greatest tool. How we perceive our experiences, whether good or bad, will determine our future. With a positive outlook about our circumstances, we will never fail. I want the world to know I am creating for all of us to experience a blissful life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a week long trip to Dallas, I would make sure we visit the art museums, botanical gardens, and nature preserves. We might catch a few live music events featuring some cool local artists, DJ’s and musicians like Frances Jaye, Jess Garland, Daniel Jones, Maya Piata, and Janette Davis to name a few. We would definitely grab some yummy plant based eats at spots like Bam’s Vegan, Blue Sushi and Kalachandji’s, and maybe stop by the Farmer’s Market and a crystal shop to be inspired. I am a generally laid back and private person, and when hosting, I appreciate a balance of catering to the vibes of my guests and going with the flow.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really appreciate my mom for inspiring me to express myself through poetry, my father for empowering me to do anything I put my mind to, my grandmother Billie for passing down her fashion and organization skills and my grandfather Arthur for inspiring me to never give up on my dreams.

I am grateful for Ty Macklin, Rickey Offord Christopher Billik and Madukwu Chinwah for seeing my light and taking a chance on me helping produce my first album, Spread Love. I’m even more grateful for all my honorary sponsors whose support has helped me further my vision in music and my nonprofit organization,The Spread Love Project.

Special shout out to my big sister, Shawanna and niece Kiarra for being two of my greatest cheerleaders and supporters. Saving the best for last, I am grateful my husband, best friend and partner Sven Nickerson for showing me what pure and true love is, for inspiring my first album to come to life and or being my number one fan.

There are countless people I am grateful for, and they know who they are, but these above all are some I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without and I appreciate them all, dearly.

Website: shailaun.com

Instagram: @shailaun

Twitter: @shailaun

Facebook: facebook.com/shailaunmanningfanpage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Shailaun

Other: shailaun.info

Image Credits
Event Photography: Chris Rusanowsky Spread Love Album Photography: Kauwuane Burton Editorial Photography: Sven Nickerson