She is Black Culture: Meet Dr. Sheniqua Johnson
Tell us about the journey that led you to your current creative endeavors.
My current journey as a creative has me serving as an accountability coach to assist others to create for themselves efficiently with a new level of grace that unlocks ease. What led me to this endeavor was my deep desire to do more. I’ve never been one to complain about my life, God has been good and so gracious to me but I’ve always had the taste for more. Through my prayers and communication with God, I realized there was so much more to the abundant life He was showing me. I had grown content with living on the surface when there were depths of greatness I hadn’t chartered yet. That passion, drive, trust, and commitment to living the life God desired for me led me to relinquish my 6-figure salaried job and pursue my true purpose. What a crazy endeavor to take but I knew that if I did, I would reach the depths of potential and greatness God has designed. As I journey into the deep, I realized that my testimony strengthens me and also encourages others to leap into the deep.
How does your identity as a Black woman influence your creative work?
Being a black woman by birth has granted me the genetic fortitude of resilience and strength. It adds to my beauty and my complexity. Although society attempts to use it against me at times, I’ve discovered it is my unique superpower that opens the door to my endless possibilities. Being a beautiful God-fearing, God-ordained woman allows me to add my unique spice to the world. Whether through my voice on my show The Black Girl Encourage-Her Podcast or when I hit the global stages as a powerhouse speaker, being a black woman is like adding hot sauce to your favorite dish. It allows me to add a flare of creativity, sensitivity, boldness, resilience, and faith.
Can you describe a project you are particularly proud of and explain why it holds significance to you?
I am particularly proud of how my continuous leaps of faith always unlock an abundance of opportunities for me. From being bestowed with the prestigious Honorary PhD degree, to receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, to gracing the international TED-X stage in South Africa, the endless opportunities continue to bless me every day. It is a reminder of what I can achieve, it’s a reminder that there is a deeper place of abundance that I can reach if I so desire. I no longer have to be content with the mediocre or accept the crumbs “society” says that a black woman who grew up in the projects of New York City can have. These endeavors have shown me that I can beat the defying odds and win if I continue to bet on myself.
What advice would you give young Black women aspiring to enter your field?
There are many words of wisdom that I would offer young or even seasoned Black women. The short version of the advice would be to follow God with your whole heart and not your limited budget. Do not allow your lack of faith in yourself to jeopardize your faith in God. Remember, you can do all things through Christ. I stand on that promise like my life depends on it. Trust God and trust yourself to get past the surface blessings and journey into the deep.
Share how readers can support your efforts this season:
I would love for every reader to subscribe to my YouTube channel Sheniqua Inspires. Here, you can check out how I use my voice as my tool to venture into the deep. My podcast Sisterly Sundays Podcast, The Black Girl Encourage-Her podcast and all of the creative spin-offs will offer you the inspiration you need to continue through life’s journey. If you desire a blueprint and reliable guide on your journey, I’d love to be your accountability coach!
Connect with me on my website www.sheniquainspires.com or send me an email to admin@sheniquainspires.com.
