Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawndra Onwuchekwa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career in corporate events as the Coordinator of Wellness Events for a billion-dollar company here in the city (ironically, they sell a ton of fried chicken and waffle fries). I left the role after relocating to Washington, D.C. for a short time, and decided to branch out on my own as a freelancer. Through that, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some really amazing projects with some really amazing companies. While the work was challenging, it taught me a lot about business ownership and how to produce at a high level. I refer to that season of my life as my “working MBA” and I’ve carried all that I learned into founding my creative agency, Chroma.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been as smooth as I would’ve liked it to be, but on-brand with the rest of my life, it’s taken some time to fully bloom and become the person that I’ve always envisioned myself to be. That personal journey has been very reflective of my journey in business. When I first started out, I tried my hand at weddings and then freelanced for other agencies, and even now, we (Chroma) are at a point where we are finally niching down and finding our ideal clients. After almost six years of experimentation, we’re now on the cusp of becoming the brand that I always envisioned, and are moving to the tempo of our own individual rhythm in this industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chroma?
Our greatest joy is taking ideas and making them a reality, and so a lot of the work we do involves creative project management. We are also adept, so our capabilities range from events and experiences to creative installations to brand activations. We champion diversity and feel that it is a necessity for true innovation. We’ve most enjoyed and done some of our best work with clients who align with that belief. Ultimately, we provide an excellent experience and end product for businesses and brands seeking a greater connection with their community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned in my journey is to take up space, and not shy away from showcasing my gifts and talents. As creatives of color, we don’t have to be brash about who we are and what we can offer, but we should always be confident in ourselves and our perspective. So, if you are standing in a room or sitting at a table, then you are meant to be there, and you should use that as an opportunity to show up and show out.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@chromacreative.co
- Website: https://www.chromacreative.co
- Instagram: @chromacreativeco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chromacreativeco
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chromacreativeco
Image Credits
Mary Caroline Photo
Envisioning Freedom Photography
Passion City Church
Maverick City Music
IF:Gathering
