Today we’d like to introduce you to Janesia “Jai” Shanae.
Hi Janesia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It started when I would lay in bed, legs crossed, yelling for someone to come rewind the VSR so I could sing all the Barney songs… again. And then while riding in the back seat hollering “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” at the top of my lungs – wrong words and all. It also started when I would isolate myself in my room and come out hours later with these bomb poems and drawings. I had many starts, many gifts, but one purpose, and that is not only to create but to heal through my creation. I am art. As I found my way through dance, writing, piano, guitar, modeling… I came across and discovered an immeasurable love for theatre. After majoring in Chorus and Creative Writing at Howard W. Blake, my life changed when I turned to Musical Theatre my junior and senior year of High School. I finally saw a way out of my depression and hurt. Being on stage where I was able to encompass not just singing, but dance and acting as well, that’s where my healing began, and as I became comfortable with baring my whole self on stage, I realized it was where other people’s healing began as well. So, this is me… an artist with a focus on musical theatre and film work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. If it were, I would be questioning and side-eying some thangs. Of course, we all WANT it to be smooth, but there are so many lessons and significant growth in confronting and overcoming obstacles. Let’s talk about the most popular one: hearing the word ‘No’ over and over again. This industry is full of “next time,” “you’re too short,” “why can’t you sound/look like this…” If I let it, the very thing I fall in love with repeatedly could be the very thing that breaks me. Not to mention the inconsistency. I’m not always booked, therefore, I’m not always paid and for a person with adult bills… chile, that’s a scary thing! That fear and that reality have driven me to take breaks and applying to 9-5’s. Now, this isn’t a terrible decision, but for me, it does become draining and I find I start to feel resentful because I feel the job strips my desire to create; I get into this routine of “just work,” especially because it’s difficult working a full-time job AND doing a show that requires you to be available full time as well. These are my current struggles that I’m hoping to move past so I may be a full-time artist once again. Until then, I am growing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve had and still have my hands in any and everything art, but I mainly sing, act, and write. Musical Theatre is who I am. It embodies me. It’s rare I hear a song or story and not imagine a script and choreography to bring it all together. What am I known for? Ha! I’m the baby and the grandma. The one with the little body but heavy, soulful voice; also, the one who gets the roles of someone’s sister or daughter because of my fun, childlike nature. I love it all and I have fun being it all! I’m most proud of being the first African American woman to grace the cover of Sarasota’s 2019 magazine [https://images.app.goo.gl/Jd5mcW3dpn4CpLr58]. Portrayed in the style and era of Diana Ross, I was chosen to represent Westcoast Blake Theatre Troupe, a theatre founded by Nate Jacobs and who has given me many opportunities on the stage. WBTT is where I’ve done most of my growth as a singer, and I am always, always proud of growth!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risks are necessary. They only pose a threat when not thought out thoroughly, but even still, thought out or not, risks are a part of life. Yes! It’s scary, but without taking them, you may never know what you’re capable of. You may never elevate to that next level as quickly as you’re hoping for. I’m also talking to myself ya’ll! I’ve taken the risk of quitting jobs to be an artist full-time. I’ve taken the risk of uprooting myself in the most spontaneous of ways, but guess what… it always worked itself out. I always made a connection that was essential to getting me one step further. Take the risk. If it’s FOR you, all-stars will be aligned and dropped right into your lap, and if it’s not, it’s totally okay. The Universe has its way of bringing you right back around to try it again. DO IT AFRAID. BUT DO IT! Whatever it is.
Contact Info:
- Email: theartofjai@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaiShanae
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user57026863
Image Credits
Sarasota Magazine Cover – https://www.facebook.com/barbarabanksphotography/ Fashion photos – https://www.lamarballinger.com
