Shanequa Dasher stands out as a multifaceted force, seamlessly weaving her journey from the classroom to the crafting table, all while donning the hats of an author, creative educator, and self-described craft expert. Having embarked on her professional career as an educator after graduating from Florida A&M University, Dasher’s life took an unexpected turn when motherhood beckoned in 2012. What emerged from this new chapter was not just a break from the traditional classroom but a blossoming of her innate creativity, giving birth to Dasher Creations.
Tell us a bit about your journey and how you became an author and creative educator.
When my daughter was born in 2012, I was blessed enough to be able to stay at home with her and take a break from the classroom. Though I paused my career as an educator, I was still driven to do more. Out of necessity, I tapped into my creative passion for my daughter’s first birthday to create her custom tutu outfit. From there, Dasher Creations was born as a handmade Etsy shop specializing in tutus and custom shirts. After about eight years of successful business, I was burned out and decided to lean back into the very field that I had both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, education. I began designing curricula, books, and workbooks that bridged the gap between education and creativity; thus, the creative educator and author was born. Through this professional rebirth, I have showcased my expertise on television and news outlets, as well as in partnership with several major brands like Crayola, Brother, and Beacon Adhesives as a craft expert.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
My podcast, “I Wish A Mutha Would” premiered on the Grown Woman TV network this fall on Oct. 23, alongside six other dynamic podcast titles, and the response has been amazing. “I Wish A Mutha Would” was created to help millennial moms navigate motherhood in the 21st century. The show provides quality time activities as well as actionable advice on topics like organization, money matters, and time management. On Nov. 4, the Grown Woman TV network premiered as the first Black woman-owned podcast network with its own Roku channel on Roku TV. All episodes of “I Wish A Mutha Would” are now streaming there, as well as on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
How do your children contribute to your creative endeavors, and what role do they play in your craft projects?
My children are the biggest inspiration for my business, or should I say — our business. My eldest, Kayla, researches crafts that she finds interesting, and then I typically remix them to make them my own. My son loves to help prepare crafts and test them out before we film them. They both act as on-air talent with the child-centered brands we work with, and we always have a great time.
What advice do you have for moms who may feel overwhelmed by their daily routines?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, like most mothers feel or have felt, pick one thing you despise doing and delegate it. If you can’t afford to delegate it, trade the task with a friend or a child in your household.
