ABOUT ME

S. Trianna, also known affectionately as Shanikwa, is a dynamic and multifaceted creative force, blazing her own trail through the world of art and community involvement. As a first-generation biracial Jamaican American, born and raised in the vibrant town of Hudson, New York, S. Trianna has been immersed in the world of arts and culture from the very beginning.

Her parents' diverse backgrounds played a significant role in shaping her artistic journey. Her mother's talents spanned modeling, cheerleading, drawing, and dancing, while her father was known for his prowess on the basketball court and his skill as a cultural DJay. Inspired by her parents, S. Trianna embarked on a path of artistic expression and movement that knew no boundaries. She harnessed her creative instincts to convey her feelings, experiences, dreams, and more.

S. Trianna's journey into the arts began at the tender age of three when she joined the Kuumba African Dance Company. From there, she continued to refine her skills at Sternfeld Dance Studio, where she performed various acts of movement, gracing not only school stages but also making her mark on the community and even off-Broadway theaters and production companies.

Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged at an early age when she launched a custom Duck Tape wallet and bag business, originally created as a fundraiser for a community involvement trip to Uganda, Africa, hosted by the local nonprofit Operation Unite, NY.

Driven by a deep passion for modeling and fashion, S. Trianna ventured into the world of modeling, participating in commercials and runway shows for local stores and businesses. Her high school years saw her intern with a Modeling and talent agency in the capital region, honing her modeling skills and learning the nuances of the industry. She also developed a love for upcycling old hand-me-downs and thrifted clothing, turning high school hallways into her personal runway.

Traveling became a priority for S. Trianna, as she sought to gain knowledge, cultural insights, and experiences from around the world to bring back to her beloved home and community. She firmly believes in the importance of a safe, loving, and supportive home and the sense of belonging that a community provides.

After high school, S. Trianna moved to Albany to attend Hudson Valley Community College but soon realized that her true calling lay in the arts. She wanted to pursue modeling, not just as a glamorous profession, but as a means to tell stories through images. Her background in dance, movement, and theater equipped her with an innate understanding of body language, posing, and direction. She became captivated by the art of creating striking images and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

Drawing from her experiences, S. Trianna began to create her own sets, style her shoots, craft garments, and even wielded her iPhone as her camera. Her self-taught photography skills opened doors to opportunities in modeling for both local and luxury brands and designers throughout New York.

Community has always been at the heart of S. Trianna's life. She has been actively involved in her community since childhood, contributing her time and talents to numerous events and organizations such as The Hudson After School Program, Hudson Black Arts and Cultural Festival, Rolling Grocer and Promise Neighborhood Community Block Party, Hudson Winter Walk, Waterfront Wednesday, and Operation Unite. Her roles ranged from coordinating activities to performing, face painting, taking photos, and being an integral part of these events.

In recent years, S. Trianna has expanded her photography skills, capturing cherished memories at birthdays, holiday celebrations, product shoots, and more. She has delved into creative direction and set design while continuing her modeling journey. In 2019, she made a move to Georgia but remained deeply connected to her community, returning to participate as a model in fundraisers supporting local organizations.

Driven by a desire to be closer to her roots, S. Trianna returned to her community in the past year, rekindling her involvement in various initiatives. She became part of the AmeriCorps Program, contributing her talents to painting murals, designing sets for festivals, and leading photography workshops. Her contributions expanded to judging the Hudson Rotary High Tea Fashion Show Fundraiser, sharing her passion for vegan and plant-based meals with the community, and handcrafting copper jewelry and accessories to promote well-being.

S. Trianna is a true Multifaceted Creative Genius. She leverages her art and experiences to surpass expectations, setting new standards for the future. She stands as a positive representation, particularly in BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) communities, where she finds her identity. 

S. Trianna believes that a strong sense of community can empower those with limited resources to achieve greatness. Her commitment to making a positive impact on others goes beyond her own experiences, and she envisions a future where everyone can experience a sense of belonging and recognition for their inherent greatness.