Story & Lesson Highlights with Shamika Strong of Sandy Springs

Shamika Strong shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Shamika, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day set the tone for everything—my music, my business ventures, and honestly, my whole vibe. I usually wake up around 8 AM, and I start with some quiet time with God. I start with prayer, maybe reading a devotional or a few verses from the Bible to center myself and express gratitude for the day ahead. That grounds me and reminds me why I’m doing all this.
From there, I slip back into bed for a bit to kiss and love on my husband. Those moments are sacred; we chat about our dreams or just cuddle—it’s our way of connecting before the world pulls us in different directions. After that, I head to the bathroom to get myself together: a quick shower, skincare routine, and picking out an outfit that makes me feel empowered and ready to create.
By then, about 45 minutes in, I move into vocal warm-ups. I have a little ritual in my living room—humming scales, lip trills, and some gentle exercises to wake up my voice. It’s like tuning an instrument before a performance; it not only preps me for any recording or meetings but also clears my mind for the business side of things, like brainstorming new merch ideas or planning collaborations. That first hour and a half is all about nurturing my spirit, my relationships, and my craft—it’s the foundation that keeps me balanced and inspired.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shamika Brown-Strong, a soulful singer-songwriter from Atlanta, pouring my heart into R&B and Southern soul music that resonates with authenticity and grit. Recently married, to my biggest supporter, and my best friend, I’m thrilled to embrace my new stage name, Strong—a name that’s more than just a surname. It’s a reflection of the resilience and strength that have defined my journey through life’s highs and lows. It feels like destiny, perfectly aligning with who I am and the stories I tell through my music.
My latest album, Center of Attention, is out now and captures the essence of my experiences—love, struggle, and triumph. Produced with soulful finesse by Tizone, tracks like “What Would You Do” and “5 Long Years” weave vivid storytelling with heartfelt melodies, inviting listeners into my world. It’s a project that demands to be heard, reflecting my unapologetic presence and passion for connecting with my audience.
Beyond music, I’m a proud mother and “glamma,” cherishing the moments I get to spend with my family, who inspire me daily. As an entrepreneur, I’m the visionary behind Nexus Vibe, a platform dedicated to uplifting independent artists like myself, helping them get discovered and amplify their voices in a tough industry. I also run Stork’s Delivery, a heartfelt business that creates thoughtful gift baskets, like “The Seed,” for expecting parents, celebrating both mothers and fathers during that special time. Through my music and businesses, I’m building a legacy of creativity, empowerment, and love.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I used to believe I had to fit into a specific mold to be successful or accepted—whether it was looking a certain way, singing a certain style, or following a traditional path to “make it.” I thought my worth was tied to pleasing everyone else, and if I didn’t get constant validation, I wasn’t good enough. Growing up, that mindset held me back from fully embracing my unique voice and story.
Now, as Shamika Strong, I know better. I’ve learned that my strength lies in my authenticity—my raw, unfiltered experiences as a woman, mother, glamma, and artist. Creating Center of Attention taught me that my music doesn’t need to sound like anyone else’s to resonate; it just needs to be true to me. Running Nexus Vibe and Stork’s Delivery has shown me I can carve my own path as a businesswoman, uplifting others without dimming my own light. That little girl who doubted herself? She’s grown into a woman who knows her power, her name—Strong—says it all.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh, absolutely, there was a moment when I almost threw in the towel. It was a few years back, right before Center of Attention came together. I was juggling motherhood, my businesses—Nexus Vibe and Stork’s Delivery—and the grind of being an independent artist. The music industry can be brutal, especially for someone like me, pouring my soul into every note without a major label backing me. There were nights I’d sit in my home , staring at unfinished tracks, wondering if anyone would ever hear them. Bills were piling up, and I was exhausted, questioning if I was strong enough to keep going.
What pulled me through was my faith and my family. One morning, during my quiet time with God, I felt this overwhelming sense of peace—like a reminder that my story wasn’t done yet. My husband’s unwavering support, those stolen moments of love and laughter, recharged me. My beautiful grandkids. They’re my why. I thought about how my resilience could inspire them, just like it fuels my music. That’s when I doubled down, finished the album, and pushed Nexus Vibe to help other artists avoid those same dark moments. Quitting isn’t in my blood—my name is Strong, and I live up to it every day.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The music industry is full of myths that can trip up artists, especially independent ones like me. One of the biggest lies is that you need a major label, a viral hit, or a cookie-cutter image to succeed. The industry pushes this idea that success only comes if you’re young, look a certain way, or chase trends. That’s nonsense. I’ve learned through Center of Attention that authenticity—telling your story with raw honesty—connects with people far more than a manufactured persona ever could. My fans vibe with my music because it’s real, not because it fits some industry mold.
Another lie is that you’re either a star or a failure—there’s no in-between. That mindset crushes so many talented artists. Success isn’t just about chart-topping hits; it’s about building a legacy, touching lives, and staying true to your craft. Through Nexus Vibe, I’m helping other independent artists see that they can carve their own path, whether it’s through gigs, streaming, or community support. The industry also whispers that you have to sacrifice everything—family, values, health—for the hustle. I reject that. As a mother, glamma, and wife, I know my family and faith keep me grounded. My businesses, like Stork’s Delivery, reflect my values of celebrating life’s milestones, not just chasing fame.
What matters most to me, in life and career, is staying rooted in purpose—using my voice to inspire, uplift, and empower. The industry might say you need to sell your soul to shine, but I’m proof you can stay Strong, keep your values, and still make waves.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in those quiet, intentional moments that anchor my soul. It starts in the morning during my time with God, when it’s just me, my prayers, and a stillness that feels like a warm embrace. That’s when I can breathe, reflect, and just be Shamika—not the artist, not the entrepreneur, just me. Another moment is when I’m wrapped up with my husband, sharing a laugh or just sitting in comfortable silence; those seconds of love and connection make the world fade away. And honestly, I find peace in the studio after a good vocal warm-up, when I’m laying down a track for Center of Attention or mentoring an artist through Nexus Vibe. There’s something magical about creating music or helping someone else’s dream take flight—it’s like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. As a mother and glamma, those times with my kid and grandkids, watching them grow and knowing I’m building a legacy for them, fill me with a calm nothing else can touch. I am blissed to have an amazing ministry family that supports my spiritual growth as well. Peace, for me, comes from living authentically—rooted in faith, love, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Shamikabmusic
• Twitter: Shamikasbrown
• Facebook: Shamika Brown
• Youtube: Shamika Brown