Shani Ashley Francillon

Tell us about yourself!

I'm a Brooklyn girl, raised by two amazing Haitian parents, Pierre and Marlene, and two fabulous older sisters, Magdala and Cynthia. I love making people laugh, helping them reach their best potential, and creating spaces for artists to thrive. Like many creatives, I'm a multi-hyphenate: Producer, Actor, voice-over artist, Poet, and Writer. Recently, I've been learning the beauty of focusing on one craft instead of many, and at this stage of my life, that craft is poetry. Outside of creativity, I'm a nerd who loves science and learning about the human body. I'm also a gym lover, and sweet plantains are my kryptonite.

As a self-proclaimed multi-hyphenate, what does this term mean to you, and why is it important? Can you tell us about all the roles and talents you actively embrace and how they contribute to your artistic journey?

Being a multi-hyphenate means having an innate gift, talent, and skillset to wear many hats. You see the world as one big kitchen, and you're the head chef. You can come up with recipes and know how to put it all together. If there is ever a time in your life when you don't have help, you'll be able to fulfill many roles well. Being a Producer has allowed my many skillsets to shine because essentially, I'm taking a vision I see in my head and bringing it to life, whether I'm the actor, the poet, the writer, the director, etc. Because I'm creating it from scratch, I'm able to fill the gaps needed for the final product.

Being a multi-hyphenate allowed me to produce, direct, and star in my own one-woman show, ""Naked: An Open Letter To My Ex,"" in 2018. I wrote and cast my play ""Views From The Terminal Hotel"" Produced & Directed by Anthony Abeson in 2017, produced and hosted Da Poetry Lounge's Anniversary Show in 2023, and now I'm building my own brand, INNOVAE a production company transcending the voice of multidisciplinary artist through live events and media. I produce, host, and perform in our poetry slam competitions called High Vibrations."

As a spoken word artist, what inspires your process, and how do you typically go from an idea to a finished work?

What inspires my process is either my mood or a special performance coming up on my calendar. Often, it can be late at night, right when I want to go to sleep, and I hear God say, "Write." I might think, "Sheesh! I was trying to go to sleep!" but I obey, whip out the notes app on my phone, and begin. Other times, I might have an event coming up where I've been asked to perform, and knowing the theme of the event can inspire what I want to write about. I typically go from idea to finished work by simply asking God, "What do you want me to say?" or "Take my tongue." Often, I can write a poem in 10 minutes and then read it back, thinking to myself, "Who wrote this?" It's a very spiritual process.

In what ways does your Haitian heritage continue to inspire your artistic projects?

My mother tells me that my Aunt (Tati) Lucy was a poet. I had a phone conversation with my aunt about it, and I learned that she couldn't fully pursue her craft because, back then, being a poet was not seen as a way to "make money" or "be successful." She told me it was too late for her now, which broke my heart a little but I understand. It was her hidden talent, and sometimes I feel like it was passed on to me because my aunt didn't have parents who supported her artistic dreams, but I do. My parents are not like typical Haitian parents; they encourage the arts and entertainment industry. They always tell me I can do anything. Because of that, I know that resilience is in my blood, creativity is in my nature, and the gift I have is probably one many of my ancestors had.

Can you share a personal story behind one of your favorite pieces that you’ve written?

"One of my favorite pieces is " LA is a Cold City," a poem based on the parallels between trying to make it in LA while holding onto your soul and values. Being from Brooklyn, NY, I experienced complete culture shock moving here. Friendships were transactional, I was constantly in survival mode, and I missed my culture, my family, and my friends from home. I felt very lonely and often depressed living in LA, even while reaching moments of success.

This piece came easily to me after I had a "friend" over to my apartment. It was a very unhealthy relationship, but I was young and new to the city, so I just wanted to belong. I remember she was on my couch, talking about herself for what felt like hours. When she left, it felt like she took a piece of my soul with her. I always felt very empty after being in her presence, and at that moment, I wanted to cry, not understanding why I kept returning to a ""friendship"" like this. Instead, I began writing this poem, which would become one of my most popular pieces. I can't tell you how many people come up to me after a show, telling me how much they relate to that piece."

What role did mentorship and networking play in your journey and are there any mentors who had a significant impact on your career?

Oh yes, I couldn't have gotten here without some amazing mentors who probably didn't realize they were mentoring me. First, my parents are my greatest mentors. They've guided me through a lot, especially when it comes to navigating life, adulthood, business, and more. My acting coach Anthony Abeson who is the first person to tell me "You're a writer!" and then offered to produce a play with all my work which then became, "Views From the Terminal Hotel". Had it not been for Anthony I probably wouldn't be performing poetry live. Mentors who have shaped the last five years of my life in LA include Holly Adams, Kibi Anderson, Ian Harding, Dayna Lynne North, Manori Sumanasinghe, and more. Each person helped me through every phase of my life, from moving to this city in 2019 to now in 2024. They each had their own specialty, from acting and producing to entrepreneurship and beyond. I'm extremely grateful to have the right people in my orbit who have watched me grow and been a part of that growth.

Looking back, what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them to achieve recognition in your field?

To be honest, I haven't faced any major obstacles, thankfully. Of course, nothing in this business is easy, and there are constant highs and lows, but what I've experienced is just part of the game. I've gained recognition as a poet by honing my craft, winning poetry slam competitions, being an active member of the community, and then producing my own events. I believe that when you create your own table, people want to be a part of it, so that's what I'm doing now.

"Lakay se Lakay" – home's everywhere. Does LA have pockets of home for you? Can you share some "home" hides in the city?

"I'd say the pocket of home that LA has for me is in my apartment! This is where I feel the safest, most rested, and restored. What makes me feel like I'm back with my family is when I attend Haitian Spotlight LA events!"

For those striving for success in both their professional and personal lives in Los Angeles, what advice do you have to share from your own experiences?

I'd say to have a connection to a power bigger than yourself. If it were not for my relationship with God, there are times when I could have gone off track. Believing in something greater than yourself grounds you in your values. This city can be very tough to navigate if you're vulnerable and without a community. Also, discernment is your best friend. You have to trust yourself because it's hard to trust people and opportunities in this city. Lastly, be yourself. I have gotten very far here just by being myself. I love myself, and I don't want to change to fit in. When people see you are comfortable in your skin, they gravitate towards that.

Lastly, THE most important question: Bouyon or Soup Joumou?

WOW WOW WOW!!!! C'mon mannn (Haitian accent) SOUP JOUMOU, oui!