The Art of Reinvention: From Service to Stage to Storytelling

In this intimate, funny, and deeply human 90-minute conversation, we sit down with **Shemika** — a mother, veteran, makeup artist, storyteller, and undeniable force in the DMV theatre scene. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and learning to shine from the inside out. (Yes… even when life tries to hand you camouflage instead of contour.)We open with a spark: a soundbite you won’t forget — “History doesn't have to be a mystery, if you learn it!” — before diving into the heart of who Shemika truly is. From how we met (shout-out to *Raisin*), to the way she describes herself beyond labels, Shemika invites us into a journey of identity, purpose, and reinvention.Shemika shares how she transitioned from military service into the world of performance and beauty, and how the discipline of one world collided with the chaos and creativity of the other. We dig into the emotional truth of art as healing, rediscovery, and survival.We explore makeup as storytelling — the psychology of transformation, the intimacy of sitting in someone’s chair, and the backstage disasters that become legendary memories. She reveals how her work has shaped not just faces, but her understanding of people, vulnerability, and self-worth.We also dive into her entrepreneurial venture, Miss Story’s Living History, and how she uses business, artistry, and storytelling to amplify voices often overlooked. She speaks candidly about the highs and lows of being a Black woman entrepreneur in the arts — and why she refuses to dim her light.If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of your next chapter, this episode is your reminder: reinvention is an art — and you’re allowed to begin again.