Styleaholic of the Day: Shoniqua Shandai
Talented, determined and powerful are just a few words that describe up and coming star, Shoniqua Shandai. Easily being labeled as a triple threat, Shoniqua has perfected her craft in singing, acting and dance. Hailing from the bustling city of NYC the young star was actually raised in the cozy city of Richmond,Virginia. Not wasting anytime in pursuing her dreams, Shoniqua began taking African dance classes at the early age of 5 years old. She went on to study at the School of Performing Arts.
Soon after school she joined the worldwide competition troupe, Comedy Sportz Improv where she was able to both travel and perform. Still hungry to reach her full potential, Shoniqua relocated to the glamorous Hollywood Hills where she went on to graduate from the American Musical & Dramatic Company. Shoniqua had her first film debut in the Jennifer Lopez hit movie The Back Up Plan. You can find this multi-talented woman now gracing the stage at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills where she plays Mitzy in “Strictly from the Westside.” This story line is a unique twist on the original 80’s classic “The Westside Story.” Shoniqua is steady on the rise!
Let’s get to know her a little bit better….
You’re a woman filled with talent! What first sparked your interest in acting, singing, dancing and ultimately musicals?
Surprisingly musicals came first. Some of my most fondest memories are of my grandmother singing “Home” from “The Wiz” to me. I didn’t have access to Broadway shows growing up, but movie musicals were my obsession. I studied “What’s Love Got To Do With it” and knew every riff, kick, and hair flip to a T. Then of course I was in every school choir and play throughout elementary and middle school. It wasn’t until later I began studying acting.
Performing in numerous musicals and plays from “The Wiz” to “Strictly from the Westside,” which role has been your favorite and why?
I’ve had a lot of great opportunities thus far so that’s hard to answer. I really enjoy roles where I can lose myself be it dramatic or comedic, the more intense it is the better. I have such a big personality with my friends and family so my goal is for them to see a performance and/or film and forget they’re watching me. I’ve been blessed, that I’m able to do that in just about every role I’ve been in.
What was the reason behind creating Operation Household Name?
Operation Household Name has been a way for me to chart my growth as an artist and track how productive I am from month to month. I created it last November or December when Los Angeles is at its all time slowest. During the Holidays, everyone goes home and Hollywood shuts down so, in an effort to keep my creative juices flowing I started up Operation Household Name. That way even if I’m without a gig I still have an artistic outlet that’s dependable and consecutive, because it’s mine. Look for this month’s upload coming soon. It’s all about “Strickly From The Westside”! 
Transitioning from the state of Virginia to the glamorous Hollywood Hills, how did the move open up opportunities towards your career?
I won’t hate on Virginia, the theater scene there is pretty nice. It’s not New York or even Atlanta for that matter, but you could build up a pretty nice following there, but LA!! There are countless opportunities. I’ve been able to experiment artistically in ways I never imagined. Here you can do anything you want. I’m 5′2 & 3/4, thick if I say so myself, and I model. WHERE THEY DO THAT AT?! Haha! Apparently in LA. Here I can do anything I want, there’s always a need. There’s so many projects going on it’s impossible to not work. And if you’re not being hired you can always create your own, the possibilities are endless.
What advice would you give to any young person wanting to follow in your steps?
Find something that reminds you who you are and why you do what you do and hold on to it. This business can be mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. It’s a constant go, and you’re going to need a good foundation and support team. Find something concrete be it church, your mom, or journal writings. Remember who you are and do not forget it. Now that I’ve scared you a little bit… GO FOR IT!!! Life’s too short to spend it doing something you hate. If you truly love it, do it! Exhaust all possibilities! You spend your whole life waiting on something and then you die. Don’t wait! Live! Love! Create!
Where can we see yourself in the next 5 years?
On top of the world! Or well on my way. In 5 years I want the brand of Shoniqua Shandai to be clearly defined and ATLEAST nationally known. I want to have already worked with the amazing Robert Townsend (The Five Heartbeats is one of my favorite movies). I want to be producing a theatrically released film starring moi, have an album in stores, and to have guest starred on all the TV shows that I love. Haha. First one up is 90210! I looooooove that show.
What makes you a Styleaholic?
I am me. No matter what I’m wearing or who I’m with I do my best to be indefinably Shoniqua Shandai. Greatness comes in individuality and I am embracing my queendom. Besides, no one can tell you you’re doing you wrong.
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