Shanene P.
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
"It's not easy for me to describe myself. I like to say that as I bring myself to everything, I bring love. So I guess that makes me a love-bearer. But I believe my self-perception agrees with the way someone I adore has observed about me. He told me that I am 'so gentle and kind.' Of course, I am also a mother, a writer, a hard worker, a dreamer, a beach lover, a travel and culture enthusiast, and an unashamed introvert who appreciates the bliss of solitude."
What is your favorite OWN show?
"Super Soul Sunday" is my favorite OWN show. In the midst of the challenging world we live in, it is an amazing opportunity to examine and develop my spiritual presence and to share in the ideas and experiences of Ms. Oprah and her guests. There is nothing like it on TV, yet such conversation about how to be better people and the inspiration to do better in our world is so needed.
What are your three favorite things?
My three favorite things are writing, dancing to music, and beaches.
What would your superpower be?
My superpower would be mind reading.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
I thank God for all blessings and wish us both a great day.
What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?
I thank God again and wish Him a good night.
What is the one item you can't live without, and why?
I cannot live without some sort of computer device (laptop, iPad, smartphone, etc.). Having access to a tool that connects me to people, information and a means to share ideas at all times has become essential to me.
What do you like that most people dislike?
Very hot and spicy foods. Although most people run from the slightest hint of spicy foods, I relish the heat and love the burn. The hotter the better.
What are you proudest of?
Tooting my own horn is not easy for me, but since you asked, I will share. I'm so proud of my children's book, We Love Our Hair, which I recently self-published. It's all about encouraging young girls to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of their natural hair. So many people have been kind enough to give me extremely positive feedback about it, and I'm just delighted to finally be able to share the book with children everywhere. I'm really very proud that I was able to accomplish that.
Who is your hero?
My mother, the strongest person I know.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have a few pet peeves, but my biggest pet peeve is people who impose their noise on others (e.g., gum popping, nail clipping, blasting music in residential areas, unnecessary siren sounding, etc.). Such inconsideration for people's right to peace and quiet at home really grinds my gears.
What would you like to learn to do?
I'd love to learn to swim, once and for all. I love the beach, pools and water in general, but I can't fully enjoy it because I don't know how to swim. So I just dip my toes in or go in no more than waist deep. For fun and safety, I'd like to finally learn.
What are you particularly bad at that your friends tease you about?
Swimming. I don't know how to swim. I've tried, but I always end up just flapping around and getting nowhere but occasional panic.
