Meet Sheda Vours | Multi-Disciplinary Artist & Giver of Fantasies

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

Hi Sheda, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always wanted my artistic presence to be known, to be seen, to be felt. I started off in high school, with creating an Instagram account with the username “jazminnojutsu” and I would share images of my make up looks, drawings, paintings, and cosplays. I was happy with the work that I was putting out. At the time, I knew I was doing my best with the little resources I had but I’ve always wanted something grander. My next level of creation had to happen soon, so I decided to re-brand into a multi-disciplinary artist and from the depths of my deepest interests and passions, conjured the glamazon that is Sheda Vours. I went to college for an Associates degree in Fine Art and figured out after 15 years of being immersed (against my will) in academia, traditional schooling was not aiding me in my creative endeavors. I dropped out after a year and a half and went to beauty school. Within a year, I got my certification as a professional make up artist. Since then, I have been making more digital art and am currently in the pre-production phase of a visual project.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the most simplest of terms, my art is the physical manifestation of the visuals and narratives that originate from my noggin. From the things that I create, it’s noticeable, to me and hopefully to others, how much i care about aesthetics. Anything that can be done by hand or with the assistance of a tool that I have at my disposal, I’ll do it. If a garment or a prop is store-bought, I’ll do alterations to it to leave MY impression on it. If I’m working with another creative, such as a photographer or videographer, I ask them if I can have direction in the project. Having the visual realized as closely as it is in my mind is crucial to me because the original has sentiment and it’s very difficult to separate that from its realization nor do I feel I need to have a separation. I got to the point where I am currently because I decided to not cut my life short at 15 nor at 17. I finally decided to listen to the encouragement and words of the people closest to me. I’ve finally acknowledged that I am loved and just as much as my family and friends inspire me, I’ve inspired them. Aside from the visual project that I am working on, I have not much going for me, career-wise. The global pandemic dealt a heavy blow to my travel plans and large scale projects I was excited to begin production on. However, I was able to remedy those losses with intimate photoshoots, new creative ventures, and a return to spirituality. My latest venture is modeling. For the longest time, I felt unworthy of having my appearance referred to as beautiful. I always felt like the odd one out from my friend group and my family. But over time, I realized that a lot of people’s perspective on beauty is based in western colonial standards and on unhealthy expectations based in misogyny, fatphobia, colorism, and ableism. It was only until recently when I stopped caring about what others thought of me. I’ve now found courage within myself and truly started caring for my own being. It’s possible for me to be a model. I think it’d be pretty badass if a major publication had a spread on a chubby genderfluid model of 5’2” with bad teeth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week-long vacation in the greater Hialeah area should consist of: eating at Flanigan’s, Taco Shop, Miller’s Ale House, el Caribe, My Little Greek Deli, and Hormiga de Oro. For drinks, Flanigan’s again or The Bend. Amelia Earhart Park, as far as I know, is the only place in Hialeah with decent greenery and reactional activities to do. JFK Library is pretty cool. El Mundo de las Telas is an amazing fabric store with attentive staff! KnoWhere Toy & Comics is pretty rad and has a great atmosphere. Aside from these spots, everything else is kind of subpar. Going to the beach at night or conversing on a balcony not completely sober is a must, though. Whenever I end up in those scenarios, I do a lot of self-reflection and I’m always reminded that things will work out in the end.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give my sincerest thank you‘s to anyone who has ever supported my work, believed in my abilities, and encouraged me to continue creating. To my parents and sisters, thank you for your consistent support and for loving me as I am, a manically depressed 21-year-old artist with an unclear direction in their life. To Mauricio Martinez, thank you for being on my ass every time I came into class without new artwork to submit for my portfolio. In the three years that I was your student, the teachings that have always stayed with me were: to always be prepared, to never settle for the bare minimum, and to Command S (the hotkey for saving a photoshop file). To my closest friends, you know who you are, thank you isn’t enough for me to express the gratitude I have towards you all. With some of you, I feel that our relationship goes further than being friends. You are soulmates of mine and I cherish you very deeply. Thank you for not having knee-jerk reactions to my ideas. Thank you to being the first ones to comment on my posts. Thank you for believing in my creations but most importantly, in me, the creator, Jazmin.

Instagram: instagram.com/shedavours

Twitter: twitter.com/shedavours

Other: shedavours@gmail.com

Image Credits
secovement