Meet Shaniya Taylor Walton | Fashion Designer & Universal Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaniya Taylor Walton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaniya Taylor, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I believe in natural born leaders. I myself am one. From the beginning of my experiences I had taken to fashion, at 3 years old I would pick out my own outfits. I would be gifted art supplies and fashion illustration kits. I remember even having an easel and paint. So I always appreciated the design process and the art of experimentation. On the contrary, I was a scholar and over achiever in academia. I could really go either way career wise. But my passions never wavered and by the 8th grade my teachers and I knew I’d never work for anyone but myself. The leader in me knew that I could do both – I could be a business woman and a creator! I knew I could never limit myself. My desire to create something exceeded the idea of pursuing a ‘stable’ pathway. So when I graduated high school I decided to choose my creation over college. In a way, school affected my mental health and preoccupied my ability to self-explore, so choosing that route would’ve result the in the far opposite of stability. I am unable to be put in a box, to just do one thing, or be one way, I literally can’t. Therefore, ironically, I didn’t pursue a creative career, it pursued me and became so clear that I couldn’t deny it. It would be me denying myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
April 2022 I am launching my fashion styling business; Shaniya Chanel Stylings. I started fashion blogging on Instagram (@shaniyachanel) when I was 15 and it took a while for me to believe that I was actually creating a brand. It was not easy being that I didn’t have as many followers or likes as other bloggers so I questioned if I had real customer prospects and focused on building my business through real world connections. Analytics tell a different story though, people ARE watching, they look forward to what I share and recognized my presence as a brand. So I’m much more intentional and organized with content management, there’s lots to share this year! I am a universal artist, meaning I want to touch every sect of the visual and performing arts. Fashion design, dance, and screenwriting being my favorites. Having so many talents and ideas is great, but not when choosing which one to execute first. The difficulty arose when I urged to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, but I wanted it done right and thoroughly. So I had to learn the discipline of prioritization. ShaniyaChanel, Shaniya Taylor Walton, Shatè’s Closet (my LLC), are all me! My brand in essence is an empire that is just scraping the surface. I plan the blur the lines of business, fashion, and the arts in however many projects may arise out of my arsenal of ideas. So for now, I’m just the stylist you call for your special events, but in the future I’ll be a multi-hyphenate MOGUL!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love LA, it is really a second home for me. As far as a day at the beach, I’m biased, I love Santa Monica Pier! We can even catch a ride all the way to Venice Beach. I’m a shopper so next stop is Melrose! The strip is filled with high end and also thrift/consignment shops so there’s something for everyone. You can even get some exclusive resale sneakers. Next would be a walk around DTLA’s fashion district where there’s a host of storefronts where you can get deals on household items and nick knacks and just take in the city. The Hollywood Hills has a breathtaking view which I have a picture in front of – everyone needs a pic there. To end off the trip I’d take them to Joey DTLA simply for the great aura and Hibachi Wings they have. I still have so much to explore in LA , it’s so big, so I’d have a unseen adventure planned as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, LaShawn Walton, for instilling things inside me beyond any words can utter. Also, my late grandfather, Franklin Lee House. He paid for my passport and very first experience outside of the country with the organization Global Glimpse, which expanded my perspective on life more than he will ever know. And of course my Tribe, my immediate family and friends, they know who they are.

Website: https://vsco.co/shaniyachanelstylings/gallery

Instagram: https://instagram.com/shaniyachanel?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCF_rLdhg2Q_EYgp5VKWsvCw

Image Credits
John West, Caleb Fuery, Me’Cyia McIntyre