We had the good fortune of connecting with Shydia Juanita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shydia, how do you think about risk?
I believe taking risk is an essential part of success. Although often times taking risk can be scary or feel like you are venturing out into the unknown. When you allow the thrill of the unknown to push you to your greatest heights sometimes we find that risk can pay off and pay off big. Some of my happiest and most euphoric moments came after taking risk that made me feel like maybe I could indeed be crazy. For example, in 2021 I had a dream that something was waiting for me in California but at the time I lived in Philadelphia, PA. Across the country literally ! I felt this overpowering thought and feeling to move ! So I did within 2 weeks of having that dream and within 2 weeks of moving to Los Angeles I got a job as a production assistant on a really popular show. What a crazy Risk ! I have been working in Tv/Film since I moved and all because I took a risk. Now I am living a life that I literally used to dream about. Now my first Short Film is in Post Production and I am just so glad that I took that risk and continue to take risk. So even if you’re scared , nervous , or anxious….. I say take that Risk ! No Risk , No Reward right ?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Writer/Director and I love when storytelling meets Intense amazing visuals. I have always loved a good story! . Something I can lose myself in. Something that shocks me so good. I think my style is the same when it comes to creating Art. I love to create things that will make you feel and think deeply. Something that will have you asking yourself intentional questions after you experience it. Right now I am so proud and Excited about my first Short Film which is called Therapy Session. It is a psychological thriller about a young woman discovering herself In therapy for the first time. I really can’t wait to share this with the world. I got to where I am professionally by having an amazing community that supports and believes in my work honestly. Although it was not easy it was a journey filled with love and laughter. I overcame all of the obstacles I have encountered by praying about it and sometimes you just have to keep going even when it is not perfect. My faith has gotten me through every obstacle I have ever faced in my life. I know that the stories I tell are important. The message hidden in all my work is one I am sure about. That keeps me going. Along the way I have learned that sometimes you will fail and you will have to get back up and keep going. It’s all about the get back in my mind. I want the world to know that I am a woman that has faced Foster care , childhood abuse on every level , Domestic abuse , and the death of my son , Bashir. Despite all of this pain and trauma I continue to search for joy and happiness. I just want any young girl or woman who has faced similar perils to know that you can have joy. You deserve Joy. Continue to work towards what will make you happy in your life. You are not defined by your past. It’s all about the GET BACK and every day is a new day to accomplish new goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
La Boheme is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the city! the oysters and Drinks are just AMAZING !!!! I love this place for Dinner and Brunch ! BlacHaus in NOHO has a really fun R&B brunch with a live Dj and endless mimosa’s. Of course we would have to go to Runyon for a hike. I love this place I always feel like it resets my energy and just leaves me feeling great afterwards. Hopefully Queer Aunties has an event going on! I love the space that has been curated for Black/Brown Queer Creatives.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to GOD for keeping my faith alive and guiding my journey at all times! Shoutout to All the books I read that helped me be a better version of myself. Like Sacred Woman: A guide to healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit by Queen Afua. I found This book at my lowest time and it really helped me on my path of Healing. Also, The Power of Now: A guide to spirtual Enlightenment written by Eckhart Tolle. This book really helped me make the most of my present ! Lastly, The book Ask and it is given by Ester and Jerry Hicks helped me learn the power of manifesting Intentionally. Shoutout to my younger siblings , I follow my dreams so y’all know it’s possible no matter where you come from. Shoutout to My chosen family and all my friends that show up in love, support, and laughter. My community saved my life. Shoutout to my Son Bashir- Thank you for showing me true JOY.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Mixed-Bitch-Shydia-Juanita/dp/B0CZJP5FXJ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Vkp-A92DX-qA8nb035-5GAniUnONK6bfv03l5A_LwkY.LjpQ9BHuzpX3zVN4k92Z7tAJ0Wzlt2R9PNs4TpYvNZk&dib_tag=se&keywords=THE+DIARY+OF+A+MIXED+BITCH&qid=1714761191&s=books

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youfeelinshy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youfeelinshy

Other: website is a link to my book on amazon

Image Credits
Dwayne Boyd

BreezyAli

Shydia Juanita

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