Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanita Dixon.
Hi Shanita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started off as a young country girl who knew she was smart but didn’t have much aspiration or ambition. I was creative, but didn’t believe there was a way for me to pursue that professionally. I found an art school and chose Graphic Design as my major in hopes of getting my parents and peers off my back.
I got there and personal things with family came up, so I dropped out my first year. It also wasn’t my calling, even though I could draw fairly well. I got a call from admissions saying they launched their new photography program, and I came back. That’s when it clicked. (pun intended, lol)
I met my first mentor there, had the honor of capturing well-respected people, and have learned so much about the craft and industry. I ended up dropping out again (this time, it was on the now-defunct school) and went into business. I’ve had so many triumphs and losses, but I’ve never given up. My work and mindset have gotten better through experience.
I got into a car accident in 2018 and into the healing space once I started working on myself. I kept that part under wraps until I invested in business coaching and found confidence in my spiritual gifts. My journey isn’t traditional, but I’m proud of who I am and where I am heading.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It absolutely was not smooth sailing! Mannn, I’ve lost/broken equipment, had a car repossessed and had to WALK to a networking event, been under-compensated, had folks give up on me, received eviction notices, went into debt and months without bookings, had to move back to my hometown for a few years, and wanted to give up more times than I can count. But I didn’t. To anybody on a similar path, please know that it gets better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer, model, Reiki energy healer, and tarot/oracle reader. Pursuing my art helped me to better understand spirituality. Entrepreneurship requires you to believe in yourself and a higher power like never before.
I’m most proud of the choice to share my spiritual side. I expected backlash, so my spiritual gifts laid dormant for years until I understood their purpose. Now, it’s all love. With my Reiki practice, I get to help people heal in person and from a distance. That’s so dope to me. What sets me apart is my personality as well as my talent. Being relatable, great at my craft, transparent, and really caring about folks is why they work with me. I’m grateful for that.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is absolutely necessary if you want to create something you’ve never seen. Nothing just “comes” to you. You have to make an effort. A major risk of mine was investing in business coaching after failing so many times. I had to trust that I could not only reach levels of success that I hadn’t personally seen, but that I was WORTHY of it.
I quit like four jobs over the years, trying to pursue photography without guidance. I lost so, so much in the process, and bounced back every time. I’d been told to give up, but I’m hardheaded enough to keep at my gift until it works. Now my business has evolved with professional support. If I didn’t go for it, I’d be out there repeating the same mistakes and winging it. I’m so glad I made that decision. I don’t have to go at it alone.
Contact Info:
- Email: shanita@shanitadixon.com
- Website: www.shanitadixon.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/nitadee
