Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanon Jordan
Hi Shanon, 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?
I moved to Atlanta in 2023 to continue my education at Spelman College. Before I moved, I lived in the Inland Empire in Southern California and spent all my time playing basketball. I played basketball for ten years and did everything under the sun within the sport. I captained teams, coached, worked tournaments, won championships, recovered from injuries, and recovered again. It wasn’t until my last two years that I realized being a basketball player wasn’t my passion. I spent half my life playing and gained so much; lifelong friendships, discipline, and work ethic. I greatly respect the game but knew it wasn’t my passion. Moving away from home, across the country, allowed me to start discovering my passion.
When I moved to Atlanta, I was ready to pursue all the things I have always been scared to do. I started writing poetry my sophomore year but didn’t stay consistent until I joined the poetry club on my campus, Next Great X Poets (NGXP). In NGXP I was able to express myself in a way I was never able to. I had a safe space where I was able to be as real, raw, and honest as I could. I never thought of myself as a shy person but I realized there were parts of my voice I was scared of expressing. Through poetry, I have been able to uncover and investigate these parts of myself and it has been so healing. I think poetry is such a great outlet so I am glad I get to serve as NGXP’s volunteer chair. Every Friday I host poetry club meetings at Booker T. Washington High School, where I help students work on their writing techniques, public speaking, and community building. All the students in NGXP Jr. are so talented so my club and I have been working on a scholarship for three students for the end of the semester.
Along with poetry, another creative outlet that I have been pursuing is modeling. I have always loved taking pictures and expressing myself through clothing. Atlanta has been the perfect place for me to continue this passion. Over this past year, I have been working with photographers in Atlanta to build my portfolio; I recently shot a commercial for a Black woman-owned natural hair care brand that will be announced soon. I will be walking in a Valentine’s show in February for the designer Stacy Lawes. I’ve been making strides in my craft that I have been so proud of.
I recently started a YouTube channel to document my journey of modeling, writing, and just living through my 20s. I feel like telling your story and sharing your ideas with others is so important. I am very big on community and I feel like that’s what grounds me in everything I do.
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?
The journey has definitely had its challenges. The most valuable lesson I have learned over these past four years has been letting go of the need to be validated. I realized so much of my life I have needed my coaches, parents, and peers to give me confidence and agree with everything I wanted to do. There was a point where I wasn’t being supported in my endeavors but I knew I wanted to do them. I learned that it doesn’t matter if others can’t see your vision, it’s your vision for a reason and you have to be the one that has enough confidence and trust in yourself to bring it to fruition.
Another challenge I am still going through is having to rediscover who I am. I think every young adult goes through this; having to redefine who they are, decide what they value and what they care about. This is the first time I am living on my own and I can do and be whoever I decide. It’s both freeing and terrifying. I think the most beautiful part of rediscovering who I am is I know I’ll keep growing and evolving and have to figure myself out all over again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been modeling for about a year, writing poetry for about two years, and recently started a YouTube channel. I don’t ever want to put myself into a box so I think of myself as a content creator. In terms of modeling, I have been focused on expressing my authentic personality. I love my natural afro, I haven’t done any shoots that center on my hair but that’s something I want to do next. This year I want to do more brand shoots and collaborations. I recently shot for a natural hair brand and being on set with all the photographers, makeup artists, and stylists working on a common goal was so fulfilling.
I love expressing myself through writing; I’ve been described as a “LoverGirl” because so many of my poems center on love and yearning. I have a poem called “Real Lovers” which is about how no one is yearning anymore. It seems like everyone is trying to be the most nonchalant even though the prize is being alone in the end. I rather yearn and talk about how much I love my friends, my family, and myself. Poetry has allowed me to romanticize every aspect of my life.
On my YouTube channel, I do a little bit of everything. I make vlogs, hair tutorials, poetry, and podcast-style videos. I want to capture myself being me. I am really big on authenticity and I want my channel to reflect that. I want it to be a space where I can build a community where others can see me and know that being their authentic self is the best way to be too!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 didn’t impact where I am today. I was a junior and senior in high school during the pandemic. I am a completely different person now than I was then.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snjordan0012.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shxnxnj/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanonjordan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shanonigansx
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/shanonigansx/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/tjbakerstudio/
T.J. Baker
