Meet Sharde Hawkins: Entrepreneur & Dancer

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

Hi Sharde, what is the most important factor behind your success?
If I had to say the most important factor behind my success it would be staying true to myself. I’ve always had a really strong personality, and it’s not for everybody. It got me in trouble.. a lot. With the people I didn’t know, even with the people I love. But I never changed, that’s who I was. What you see is what you got. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a dancer and teacher at Soundbox Studios and I also own a cosmetic line named Shawté Cosmetics based in Houston, TX. Mainly what sets me apart from everyone is me. There is only one me and it doesn’t matter what I do because can’t nobody do it like me. I got to where I am today through hardworking of course but also taking those risk and not putting a limit on my creativity. Another way I got to where I am today is through my friends and everyone that supports me. I would be lying if I say I’m a “one man band” or a “one woman show”, yes I am the only one who owns Shawté Cosmetics, and yes I am the one who put in the training to become the dancer I am today, but without all the support? This wouldn’t even be as great. I have had a lot of help along the way, and I am extremely thankful. It is something I would always love to say. Nothing is ever easy. Plus, who really wants the easy way out these days? I am also not going to say it was rocket science either, everything has it’s process. You just have to find what you’re willing to go through.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm, I would probably take them on a road trip to be honest! We could drive all around and site see, try new places, and visit different cities. Why not get a little bit of everything while you’re here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For starters, every single person who has supported me along this journey. My friends, those who share, buy things, has taken my class, collaborated with me, or showed me any type of love! Also, Galing Cru and Soundbox Studios, without them I wouldn’t be the dancer or teacher I am now. Thank you for the constant pushes and for giving me a chance. Sin City, of course, I would have never believed in myself fully if it wasn’t for y’all. I love all of y’all so much and y’all give me constant hope. To name a few I’d like to thank Calvin Eata, Wes Holloway, and Holly Austin, my dance parents. Thank y’all so much for giving me a chance when no one else would. Perla, Michaela, Ellie, and Devontae.. thank you for being my people. Y’all bring the love out of me and I appreciate y’all more than words can say. Lastly, I have to give thanks to the man above. I am forever reminded that I’m not lucky, I’m blessed.

Instagram: @shardeee_ @ShawteCosmetics

Image Credits
Kevin Nguyen Khoadratic