Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaneika Booker.
Shaneika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had graduated from college and remained living in my college town for another year because I had not figured out my next move. I mean for the last two years, I had been freelancing for online publications (beauty and fashion blogs as well as hip-hop magazines and blogs). I did enjoy writing but I absolutely loved writing about music and entertainment.
So, I decided to research Chicago blogs and entertainment companies and I came across one that had an opening for a blogger. After securing the position with them, I decided it was time to move back to Chicago. Once I moved back, I immediately started working with the company. I would accompany the producers, hosts, and videographers out to multiple events and develop a recap write up for the website.
After about five months of blogging for the company, I got my big break! One of the hosts didn’t show up for an interview and I was asked to step in. I had watched it happen multiple times and it was now my time to shine. I was sweating bullets but I successfully interviewed the talent at least that’s what I was told… lol!
From that day, I became one of the main show hosts for the company’s TV show and event host for their events!
The phrase “stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready” is definitely something I live by!
From there, I was offered a small on-air role where I provided a weekly 60-second entertainment recap. The role expanded when a part-time on-air co-host opportunity became available with an old colleague. After the 1st show, she moved to NYC and I had the radio show all to myself. I stayed in my on-air role for about five years interviewing both A&B list celebrities, musicians, rappers, and the who’s who of Chicago.
During my five years of my on-air career, I began hosting many open mics and musical events. I fell in love with the stage and after radio, I moved into my next stage of entertainment; consulting and event hosting.
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there have been struggles. Anything worth having isn’t easy. There was rejection, there was actually A LOT of rejection!
I remember reaching out to artists’ managers and being told that my platform wasn’t big enough for their artist to interview with me (and that hurt). However, I didn’t let that stop me from continuing to reach out to others, interviewing, and building on Shaneika Speaks.
There were events that I wasn’t invited to and shows where they chose other people to host over me. All the rejection and “No’s” only made me stronger, I took it all as a life lesson.
My goal was and still is to “work hard until I no longer have to introduce myself”.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Shaneika Speaks story. Tell us more about the business.
I am my brand! I am an Entertainment Journalist, Published Writer, Public Speaker, Event Curator, Host, Music Consultant and all around Media Creative. I specialize in everything from event curating and hosting to providing consultation for musical talent.
I held an on-air show titled “The Tuesday Takeover” with WindyCityUnderground.com for five years and I have hosted more than 300 open mics, talent showcases, and private events throughout the US. I have also hosted Major and Official Event Stages for Nationally known Music Festivals such as #SXSW in Austin Texas, and #A3C Music Festival in Atlanta.
September 2017, I launched my 1st official website ShaneikaSpeaks.com which features my blog “Tha Spotlight”, which shines a spotlight on all types of talented individuals. I currently have a weekly series called “Speaks Pick of the Week” where I feature visual and musical projects from both unsigned and signed talent on my website. I also curate an annual event titled: IssaVibe where I allow artist to showcase their talent on stage in performance setting. This year was my 2nd annual and I definitely can’t wait to do it again next year, Bigger and Better!!
I am very proud because while using my own media platform, I have interviewed many artists at both the beginning and the peak of their careers a such as recording artists Tink, Dreezy, Rich Homie Quan, Atlantic Records recording artist Seyvn Streeter, Def Jam’s own Lil Durk, former Interscope artist Chief Keef, popular Roc Nation rapper J.Cole and SoSoDef producer and founder of kid talent Jermaine Dupri just to name a few.
Coming up Fall 2019, I will debut my new Podcast titled “Point. Blank. Period” which will feature interviews with talented artists, Up Lift and Encourage people with my personal Motivational tips, Life Goals/Advice, and Unapologetic Pep talks.
Overall, what sets me aside from other is that I am me! Someone can do the exact same thing I do but they cannot do it like me! My main goal is to dominate the entertainment world, one platform at a time!! So if you’re in need of an Event Host, Content Creator, Speaker or all around Media Creative, Let’s Speak!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
With the way technology is advancing in the next five-ten years, I see social media being an even bigger entity. Sadly I see human interaction becoming a thing of the past. However, social media isn’t all bad because it allows us to interact and connect with people on the other side of the world in just seconds.
There will always be things to celebrate and therefore, there will always be room for curating and hosting new events. I look forward to finding new ways to engage people at events and creative ways to reinvent myself on each stage!
Contact Info:
- Website: shaneikaspeaks.com
- Email: shaneikaspeaks@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ShaneikaSpeaks
- Facebook: ShaneikaSpeaks
- Twitter: @ShaneikaSpeaks
Image Credit:
@MavenMonarch, @RawRulerImages, @BookRayLouie
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
