shaqara barner
she/her/hers
singer & Rapper
Senior class of 2021
What or who inspires you to make music?
In my family there have been many musicians, rappers, and DJ’s.I am just inspired to continue this long line of musicians and artists. Outside of my family, I believe that there are people less fortunate than us and don’t have the same opportunities that we have, so I do what I do to show those people that their talent doesn’t have to go to waste.” Which song(s) of yours are you most proud of? “Extra and Get a Bag” What’s your favorite song(s)? “My top 2: “What Is Said” by Nnamei and “Flaws and Sins” by Juice Wrld.” Do you see yourself turning your talent into a career someday? “That is definitely my goal.” |
How long have you been making music?
“I’ve been writing songs since the age of 7 or 8 years old but those were not really meant to be released to the public. I’ve been releasing music officially since the summer after my freshman year.” Is there any artist that you aspire to be like? “Not really, however I aspire to have the gravitational pull of someone like Beyonce. But other than that, I don’t really aspire to be like anyone else.” Who is your favorite rapper/singer at the moment? “I have a couple: Lil Wayne and Roddy Rich.” What is your favorite part of the music making process? “I’d have to say my favorite part of the music making process is writing around other people. I try to get their reactions on the lyrics as I’m writing so that I know where I need to improve and where I’m doing good. That part of the process just makes me want to make music more.” What are some things that you enjoy doing outside of rapping/singing? “Shopping and cooking.” |
What’s the largest crowd you ever performed in front of?
“I performed at Brooksapalooza.”
“I performed at Brooksapalooza.”
Featured BUSINESS
a'niyah canty
she/her/hers
HAIR STYLIST
Owner of nyluxstyles
Junior class of 2022
Any advice to other business owners?
“Be yourself and don’t care about what others think about what you do” How did you get your idea or concept for your business? During quarantine, I was bored during the summer and I thought I wanted to make money. It started with me doing my own hair and then people started asking if I do hair and I was like no, I don’t, but I could if I wanted to. What service(s) or product(s) do you offer? I do all types of hairstyles, braids, twists, anything natural hairstyles and I’m starting to work on wigs too. How do you advertise your business? Mostly social media like Instagram, Snapchat, and also word of mouth my clients will often refer other people to me. What is unique about your business? I prioritize the confidence of my clients. I want to make them feel beautiful when I finish their hair and bring out their natural beauty. What are your responsibilities as the business owner? I do everything. Advertizing, the actual services, buying products, providing hair if needed, dying hair, clean up, etc. What does a typical workday look like for your business? The night before, I will get all my products ready and make sure my workspace is clean. When the client arrives I will make sure they are comfortable the entire time. When we’re done, we take pictures if they want to and they look at their hair to make sure they’re satisfied. |
Do you see your business as a hobby or something you want to do long-term?
Definitely long-term. Where do you see your business in 2-5 years? I want to take it with me to college or wherever I go in the next couple of years. I want to promote on a larger scale, get more clients especially returning clients, and expanding maybe into a shop. How do you balance owning your business and dealing with school life? I mostly do hair on the weekends or, if possible, after school on half-days. I make sure my client understands that I can only take appointments after I get out of school. Do you work alone or have help? If so, who are those people? I work alone but my family has really helped me with handling financials, getting around like when I need to get products, buying equipment. How do you define success? I would define success as just being happy with your work and being satisfied regardless of how much money you make or what other people think. Do you see any areas of improvement for your business? I would like to expand my clientele and advertise more for myself. What does being a black business owner mean to you? They represent their community in a positive light and build it up when they can. Who do you consider to be your role model? Business or otherwise? I consider my cousin to be my role model. She owns a business and works crazy hours, runs all over the city to provide for her customers, and works very hard and I aspire to be like her. |
What challenges, if any, has the pandemic brought to your business?
A lot of people are more hesitant to go to other people’s houses and worry about the cleanliness of the space. We make sure that everyone wears a mask and make sure the space is properly sanitized.
How do you deal with the stigma behind black/small businesses in regards to pricing and discounts?
I try to remind anyone who does that, that I deserve the same amount of respect that you would give to any other business.
A lot of people are more hesitant to go to other people’s houses and worry about the cleanliness of the space. We make sure that everyone wears a mask and make sure the space is properly sanitized.
How do you deal with the stigma behind black/small businesses in regards to pricing and discounts?
I try to remind anyone who does that, that I deserve the same amount of respect that you would give to any other business.
Taylor henderson
he/they
Visual artist
Freshman Class Of 2024
Random Fact: "I'm an aspiring manga artist"
What does your artwork represent?
“My artwork is a representation of a variety of different things! It represents my innermost emotions, and how I feel towards different topics. It represents different relationships with friends I hold to me dear. And it represents things I aspire to do or change!” Why do you make this type of art? “Hmm, I chose to make this type of art because it's how I express myself best. I'm not very good with words and expressing myself through writing, but I can pick up a pencil and doodle thoughts for hours and hours without end. It's a way for me to release things that are constantly clouding my mind such as insecurities, or negative things that loom over me.” Is there a connection between your process in making art and your artwork’s message? “For me personally, no. Each work I create has their own individual message, but my process is often the same each time.” |
What do you like most and least about being an artist?
“I think it's easier to say least, so I'll start there. I really dislike art block, and not being able to express myself through any means at all. It ends up being very stressful; wanting to draw, but not having the motivation to do so, or not having any ideas. I enjoy experiencing moments when my art makes a difference to someone else, or puts a smile on someone's face. I tend to make sure i'm not drawing for anyone but myself (not in any negative way, but just prioritizing how I feel about my art over how others feel), but it always feels good when my art positively impacts someone else.” How long have you been creating art? “I've been making art since I was really little, but I only started getting serious with my art about 2 years ago, aiming to hopefully improve my art to the point I could sell it one day as a freelance artist or as a mangaka (manga artist).” How long do you plan on pursuing artistry? “I plan on pursuing artistry till I can't pick up a pencil anymore. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!” What does your dream project look like? “My dream project is a manga series that I'm in the process of creating at this very moment, that I hope to begin drawing the storyboards for the first chapter early next month!” |
What does your artwork mean to you?
“My art, to me, is my communication with the world that cannot be expressed with words! It's almost as if it's an extension of my own personality, carefully crafted in hopes that my own message finds its way across to the viewer. In some cases it is my escape from reality that while allowing me to escape, it's the very thing keeping me grounded.”
“My art, to me, is my communication with the world that cannot be expressed with words! It's almost as if it's an extension of my own personality, carefully crafted in hopes that my own message finds its way across to the viewer. In some cases it is my escape from reality that while allowing me to escape, it's the very thing keeping me grounded.”
