Today we’d like to introduce you to Shining Rae.
Hi Shining Rae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Some people call me a multifaceted “unicorn” and “Rae of Sunshine” who brings light and “joie de vivre” (French for joy of living) to everyone around me. My faith in God and deep love for humankind has taken me from a small town of 10,000 people in Arkansas to life-changing experiences that shaped me into a brilliant, resilient, and innovative black woman.
Surrounded by artistically gifted parents and grandparents made it inevitable for me to fall in love with art. My grandfather was a legit genius with a fascinating photographic memory, a sculptor and painter, and owner of a very successful homebuilding and carpentry business. My mom and dad are both singers, musicians and former business executives so it was the norm for me to admire multifaceted/multitalented people in my life. I was raised to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to and that my gifts will always make room for me. It definitely shows.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think I should be honest and say that the biggest obstacles have typically surfaced in people who operate of out jealousy but still try to control and industry. There’s a weird energy that comes with jealously that I’ve seen in both industries that create so many unneccessry problems. I do believe all of us are born with gifts and talents, but it takes a lot of confidence, determination, and resilience to discover and protect those gifts and talents. I believe no-one can stop what’s meant to be, but allowing negative people to make us feel discouraged can certainly make the road rocky. I think if more people had good mentors early on in live and along the way there would be less of that mess
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What makes me a “unicorn” is that I have professional expertise and success in two industries that do not typically cross paths. I am a Board Certified and licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist & Consultant and an award-winning professional singer/songwriter/celebrity vocal producer. I am a voting member of The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), philanthropist, youth mentor (Jammcard Mentor and GRAMMY U Mentor), and music advocate.
I’ve worked with the most brilliant minds in medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital (i.e.Dr. Ben Carson) and also collaborated with and sang with some of the most legendary artists and songwriters in the world (i.e. Mariah Carey, Diane Warren, Leon Thomas, John Debney, and more). I’ve written, recorded, and released songs and EPs that have garnered coverage in Associated Press and received national and international radio play. Notably, my county song “I Can’t Help Who I Love” went number 1 on aBreak/iHeart radio in 2024 and earned me the 2025 World Entertainment Award for Best Vocal Performance and a Hollywood Independent Music Award for Best Country Crossover. I co-wrote, performed background vocals, and co-engineered the song “Lucky,” featuring Grammy winning artist Leon Thomas, which went viral on social media platforms since 2023.
Currently, I hold two award nominations for my R&B single “Discretion (They Don’t Need to Know)” produced by Diamond-selling/Grammy winning producer MyGuyMars. This song earned a 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Award for Best R&B Song and the 2025 World Entertainment Award for Best R&B Song.
Back in March of 2025 I co-produced a huge “Rae Day” birthday collaboration with iconic lifestyle/fashion brand GUESS in the flagship store located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA. It featured a western wear dress code that was perfectly on theme with my hit country song and life performance, signature drinks, celebrity appearances, a live DJ, and exclusive early access to the new season of clothing for my guests. It was the talk of the town and even made the Banner-news.
I was recently featured in the November 2025 Holiday Issue of Gladys Magazine, a nationally distributed inspirational magazine currently on newsstands now. This Jenny and the City exclusive feature by Jenny Leeser marks my first printed magazine full page feature about me as a recording artist. The last few years have definitely been a whirlwind of amazing career milestones for me as in independent artist.
My name “Shining Rae” is my Native American name given to me as a baby to signify my purpose which is to bring sunshine to all the world in all the work I do both professionally and in the community. I’ve dedicated so much of my life to community outreach and charity, so much that I was honored with the Student Service Award by former President George H.W. Bush. I currently serve as a Jammcard mentor, member of the global anti-domestic violence charity Mission Onlus, worked with United Nations UNESCO, and serve as a Grammy U Mentor ever since 2021. Because I am professionally “cross trained” in both the medical and music industries I am uniquely positioned to employ important aspects of music and science to give back to everyone, especially youth who are our world’s future leaders. I truly feel I’m more than prepared to change the word on an “Oprah Winfrey” level.
What I am most proud of is my ability to carry enough light in my spirit to bring out the best in others. I find joy in helping others dig deeper within their own strengths to navigate obstacles in life whether it’s through just being a loyal friend, mentor, teacher, advocate, business collaborator, or medical information source. In whatever I do my ultimate goal is to change their lives in a positive way that brings them more joy. Life is so hard, but if I can make it even a little bit better I believe I am serving my divine purpose.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be brave and ask. As my dad taught me “A closed mouth don’t get fed” meaning you will never get anything if you don’t ask for it. I’ve gained the most amazing mentors just by being genuine, communicating clearly how they’ve inspired me, stated what my goals are, and flat out asked if they’d offer me some guidance. Mentors are good and sensing when someone just wants a hand out versus someone who is already working hard/willing to work hard and just needs extra guidance to reach success.
I advise others to practice communicating clearly what it is you want in life with yourself before you communicate that to a potential mentor or collaborator. Also, when you get the fortunate opportunity to work with someone you admire, always show gratitude and ALWAYS SHOW UP! If someone makes time for you, the least you can do is commit and follow through, especially if you ever want to work with them again. Reputation is everything
Pricing:
- $200/1 hr – Jammcard Mentorship (1-on-1 Video Session)
- $125/ 3o min – Jammcard Mentorship (1-on-1 Video Session)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiningrae.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiningrae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shiningraemusic
Image Credits
1. Album cover: Photographer – Rajan Shandil
2. Photo owned by Shining Rae
3. Photo owned by Shining Rae
4. Rae on Guitar: Photographer – Rajan Shandil
