By Staff
Tell us about your education.
I graduated two years early, at the age of 16 as valedictorian of my class. Directly thereafter, I then attended a community college for one year before transferring to the University of Houston (UH). After a two year stint at UH, I transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for an additional year of school.
I currently hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources Management and a Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources Management.
How do you manage being a black man in America?
My strategy for effectively managing “being a black man in America,” is based on mindfulness and self-awareness.
I believe it is counterproductive living in the past and/or worrying about the future. By focusing on the present, I’ve had the opportunity to experience life on my own terms by simply living in the moment and being hyperaware of my thoughts, emotions and surroundings. This enables me to “act accordingly” and do what’s best for me at all times.
I believe a lack of self-awareness is extremely dangerous, especially as a black man. The world is always watching, regardless if we acknowledge it or not. Thus, we owe it to ourselves to exist in a state of constant evolution and prosperity, but we can only do so once we cultivate a very intimate relationship with ourselves. My ability to reflect, perceive and understand what makes me “LaShawn” provides me with clarity regarding who I am as a person. My self-awareness enables me to speak with conviction and act with assuredness. Knowing who I am not only makes me confident but also enables me to synchronously practice humility, as I am well aware that I can always learn from another and be a better version of myself. Self-awareness laid the foundation for me to learn how to love myself, wholeheartedly.
Tell us about your health journey.
I’ve always been active, even as a child. Whether it was freeze tag at the park, tetherball during recess or AAU basketball after school, I was involved in some type of physical activity. Ironically enough, “fruit” has always been my favorite food group, so my palate has always been conditioned to eat raw, unprocessed and healthy foods.
Throughout high school and starting from ninth grade, I played varsity basketball and swim. Once I went off to college, I played competitive men’s volleyball at a national level and also began my weight lifting journey. As I was finishing school at UTSA, I started working part-time at Gold’s Gym. Little did I know, my part-time gig at Gold’s Gym would be the beginning of an almost decade-long professional stint in the Health, Wellness and Fitness Industry.
Fast forward to the present and the healthy/active lifestyle is still a major component to my overall well-being. I wake up around 5:00 AM every morning to weight train and stretch. I also still eat healthy and consume three to four servings of fruit each day.
Most men won’t embrace beauty. How do you rock with your beauty? e.g., regimen, products, etc.
This may sound funny but years ago, my mother told me I was gorgeous and that really empowered me and made me feel beautiful. My mother’s words, coupled with my clear sense-of-self has led me to a place of full embrace. This space that I currently occupy is one that I created. I made and continue to make my own rules. Beauty is what I say it is. I do not let society’s norms and standards influence what I believe about myself or what beauty should be. Those outdated norms and traditions have placed most men in a box that prevents them from embracing “beauty.” Beauty is feminine and for women, not men, right?
I rock my beauty in everything I do. I have long, curly hair. I get it done frequently in hairstyles (two-strand twists, silk press, etc.) that many consider feminine. I get my nails and feet manicured often. I get my uni-brow threaded. I have a face care regimen. I exfoliate and moisturize.
Notwithstanding, beauty to me is also intimacy and free emotional expression. I allow myself to cry. I express a wide range of emotions. I allow myself to love. I outwardly love on people, especially my male friends. I am proud in being “pretty,” and I hope my outward confidence and disregard for toxic social norms empowers someone else to rock their beauty.
How are you managing the competitiveness of the entertainment industry?
My main focus is me. My only competition is myself. As I had mentioned previously, self-awareness and mindfulness are keys components to my overall success as a person. Both elements keep me in a state of constant growth and improvement. So, to answer the question… I manage the competitiveness of the entertainment industry by solely focusing on the betterment of myself.
What does success look like for you?
Success to me, is a life where I keep ALL of the promises, I made to myself. Success to me is being my own super hero.
Where would you like to see your career in the next five years?
I would like to continue growing as a professional and work into the executive ranks at my current employer. I would also like to contract work on the side or maybe help a start-up get up and operating.
Social Media
Snapchat – @lxshxwn
