From TV Screens to Business Dreams: Shanice Shrestha on Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Staying Authentic

From a successful career as a TV actress to becoming a digital creator and entrepreneur, Shanice Shrestha has seamlessly transitioned across industries while staying true to her authentic self. Today, she balances motherhood, her clothing brand ShanznNikkz, and a thriving digital presence. In this candid conversation, Shanice opens up about her journey, the challenges of juggling multiple roles, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
1. Your journey from acting to becoming a successful digital creator and entrepreneur is inspiring. What motivated you to make this transition, and what have been some pivotal moments along the way?
Being a mass media student majoring in advertising, I felt that both acting and content creation were two sides of the same coin—I was simply exploring my love for art and creativity. I enjoyed every bit of my 4.5-year acting career, but transitioning to content creation felt like a natural next step when the opportunity came along. It was still a new field at the time, and I loved the creative freedom it gave me—to express my thoughts, showcase my talents, and be the director of my own show on YouTube. That sense of independence is what really motivated me to make the shift. I’ve had many pivotal moments throughout my journey. My acting career certainly helped me build an initial audience on Instagram and YouTube. As I became a regular vlogger, I started crossing major milestones, winning numerous awards, and collaborating with over 1,000 brands across industries. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.
2. You’re balancing motherhood, running a business, and maintaining a digital presence. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you manage to juggle these different roles?
My days now look very different from how they used to. Before, my schedule was fairly relaxed—most of my time was dedicated to content creation, with plenty of room for leisure. Now, with an infant and a toddler to care for, every day requires careful planning. It’s hectic, and some days, motherhood takes over completely. On other days, I carve out dedicated hours for work because, in our field, staying relevant through regular posts is essential. Thankfully, I have a dedicated team managing the business side of things. I’m involved in brainstorming new ideas and reviewing weekly reports, but much of the operational work runs on autopilot now. Having an efficient team has been a game-changer in managing everything.
3. ShanznNikkz stands out for its commitment to the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement. What inspired you and your husband to start this brand, and how do you ensure it supports skilled artisans while staying true to your creative vision?
My husband and I previously ran a merchandise brand for his YouTube channel called LabelMN, which became one of the largest creator-led merchandise brands in India. Building on that success, we knew we wanted to create something bigger—something beyond merchandise. That’s how ShanznNikkz was born. Our vision was to create a brand that catered to a broader audience while championing local artisans. Most of our ethnic wear for men and women is crafted using high-quality fabrics sourced from Surat, Rajasthan, and Delhi. We work closely with artisans, blending their traditional craftsmanship with our creative ideas. This collaboration allows us to maintain our brand’s authenticity while supporting local talent.
4. Mothers are often boxed into specific roles, but you’re redefining that narrative. How do you challenge societal expectations while embracing both your professional and personal identities?
It’s never easy to break free from the stereotypical roles society assigns to mothers, but it’s also incredibly empowering. I believe that if you care less about what society expects and focus on being the person you want to be, it reflects positively on your children. I want my daughters to grow up knowing that they can pursue their passions without limitations. If their mother can balance multiple roles and break stereotypes, so can they. That belief fuels my motivation to keep going, no matter how challenging it gets.
5. Your audience resonates with your authentic, everyday content. How has your content evolved over the years, and how do you maintain that sense of relatability as your life continues to change?
I think authenticity is the heart of what makes my content relatable. As a vlogger, I’ve always shared my life’s different phases exactly as they are—without worrying about making things look ‘aesthetic.’ I believe in capturing raw, unfiltered moments because that’s what resonates with people the most. Over the years, my content has naturally evolved as my life has changed, but I’ve remained committed to keeping it real. Whether it’s the joys or the struggles, I share it all.
6. What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur, and how has this experience shaped you differently from your acting and content creation journey?
Entrepreneurship is a lot like parenting—it teaches you patience and the importance of making calculated decisions. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that asking for help is crucial if you want your vision to grow. In acting and content creation, I was a one-woman show, but entrepreneurship taught me to trust and rely on a team. Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for burnout. Delegating tasks allows you to focus on the most important aspects of the business. If you try to sail on too many boats at once, you’ll drown—it’s as simple as that.
7. What advice would you give to someone looking to transition from a conventional career path to becoming a digital creator or starting their own business?
My best advice is to transition gradually. Don’t give up your conventional career until you’ve found some level of stability in content creation or your business. Once you have that foundation, you can make the switch full-time without worrying about financial insecurity.
Also, understand that the early years are crucial. Give it your all from the beginning—whether it’s content creation or running a business—because once you establish yourself, success inevitably follows. Do the hard work today so you can enjoy the rewards tomorrow.