Meet Shania Du Bose | Photographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shania Du Bose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shania, what matters most to you?
Honestly, I try not to overthink it. I’ve come to really value authenticity not the polished, curated kind, but the messy, evolving truth of who we are. When we show up honestly, even if it’s shaky or uncertain, I think we naturally find ourselves in the spaces and with the people who are meant for us. Staying true, through the highs and lows, is worth its weight in gold. I’d take that over perfection any day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Admittedly, I don’t spend much time thinking about how different I am from others. If anything, I’m constantly searching for connection ways to bridge the spaces between us so we don’t feel so strange beside one another. Because truthfully, everything is everything. We’re all connected. And more often than not, we’re all after the same things. We feel pain. We love. We lose. We win. We’re not all that different.

As for whether it’s been easy to get to this space.. not at all. But what it’s offered me is worth far more than anything ‘easy’ could’ve given. As cliché as it sounds, challenges have taught me that showing up, even when I’m exhausted or fed up, pays off. Emotions ebb and flow, but the heart knows where to go. I’ve learned to trust that.

Tuning to my intuition has been key it’s how I stay grounded in authenticity and self-trust. There have been plenty of stops and not many places to stay, but I’d tell anyone: invest in truly knowing yourself. And whatever you do, don’t abandon who you are.

Through my work and my presence, I hope there’s a sense of depth a space where others feel free to be who they are, to create without shame, to feel seen. I want to keep growing in that direction. I’d love for people to experience something meaningful and lasting through what I do and to feel inspired to make their own version of that, in whatever way is true to them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Lately, I’ve been running pretty mellow and simple honestly, I love it. It might sound a little flat to someone looking for the big, wild adventure, but this season of my life is more about ease, nature, and good company.

If friends came to visit, I’d ease them in with something local probably one of the community yoga gatherings. It’s a soft way to land and start feeling into the pace here. We’d definitely have to spend time by the river, and I’d take them out to Fish Creek Falls maybe even make a full day of it and venture up to Hahn’s Peak in North Routt County.

After a long walkabout, we’d grab a gluten-free margarita pizza at Mazzola’s a Steamboat Springs staple. And if the vibe’s right, wrap the evening with mango margaritas at my favorite spot in town: SEEDZ.

Another day, we’d slow it down even more start with a perfect cup of coffee or matcha from Riverside Café, then wander through the Botanical Gardens and sprawl out in the grass for a while.

We might spend time with my friends who have horses, just being in that energy. And maybe later that day throw some lines into the Yampa River, see if anything bites while the ospreys try to beat us to it.

For dinner, it’s truffle fries and a solid old fashioned at Yampa Valley Kitchen. And if we’re lucky enough to have a few extra days, I’d take them out to the Flat Tops near Yampa, Colorado no cell service, just solitude and big, wide-open nature. Campfires, stillness, and stars.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, there are so many. I really believe we’re like a kaleidoscope shaped by all the people, moments, and experiences that influence us along the way. Off the top, I’d say it’s my friends and family who’ve seen me through the highs and lows and still know my heart. They’ve stuck by me, cheering me on every step of the way.

I’m deeply grateful for my dear friends and mentors Myles Glynn and Jeff Weir both incredible artists and humans. And I look up to Rick Rubin immensely. His book The Creative Act has become a steady reference point for me a kind of compass I return to often.”

Website: https://shaniadubose.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nias_eye/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shania-dubose-a780a1215/

Facebook: Nias Eye

Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089232631660