Sheniah Menezes, a 20-year-old content and UGC creator, has been steadily carving a niche for herself in the world of social media. Currently pursuing a BA in Visual Communication in Bangalore, Sheniah hails from a family of talented musicians. Yet, she found her calling not in instruments but in the art of videography.
Discovering my passion
I was always more drawn to cameras than instruments. I guess curiosity ran in my blood, I wanted to know how films were made and videos were edited. When my mom gifted me an iPad at the age of nine, it opened up a whole new world. That’s when I started teaching myself filmmaking and editing. I eventually realised that while I might not play an instrument like my family expected, I could channel music into my work through sound design. It started with shooting and editing music videos for my dad, Selwyn Menezes, a violinist, and my sister, Sharlaine, a singer and songwriter.
Social media journey
I started my Instagram account back in school, even when it wasn’t really encouraged. My friends and I would make mock vlogs, pretending to unbox and review products, it felt like play back then, but I secretly dreamed of turning it into reality. Years later, I got a message from a brand asking me to create a reel for them. I thought it was a scam at first, but it turned out to be my first official collaboration. From there, opportunities opened up, and I’ve since worked with Maggi India, Garnier India, Zouk, Newme Asia, Vim India, Bioderma, Tetley, and Soulflower.
My content has evolved over the years. I started with comedy skits, moved to videos on social issues including my 2020 protest against violence towards women and now, my page is mostly lifestyle-focused. I like to think of it as a mix of everything under one umbrella: lighter moments, serious reflections, and brand collaborations that feel authentic.
Documenting my life
I’ve always loved being in front of the camera. My sister would vlog our daily life and I’d pounce in front of the camera whenever I could. Watching YouTubers from India and abroad also fascinated me; they made sharing your life seem exciting, not scary. I’ve never been shy about expressing myself, and I realised that if I could visualise a story well enough, I could turn it into a video. That mindset, combined with my love for editing, pushed me to start documenting my life.
Creative process
Deciding on themes or aesthetics can be challenging, but I usually start with an idea and build around it; angles, frames, colour tones, dialogue, and transitions all come together organically. I tend to use warm tones, minimal props, and my signature yellow subtitle text. I rarely script my videos unless a brand requires it; I work better knowing I don’t have to follow a paper word-for-word. Editing is my favorite part; filming myself is fun, but I enjoy crafting the story behind the camera even more.
Staying authentic
There are times when I feel like I’m lost in a sea of creators. But paying attention to my audience’s reactions helps me navigate that. Recently, I made a longer reel than usual, and I was nervous it wouldn’t work. It ended up being one of my most successful pieces because it captured who I really am. It’s not about the length or flashy transitions, it’s about being original and real.
Overcoming challenges
My biggest early challenge was myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone felt overwhelming. Overthinking, inconsistency, and worrying about others’ opinions slowed me down. Professionally, I had to build confidence in a male-dominated industry as an event videographer and social media manager. I remember being intimidated by crews with professional equipment and years of experience, but I learned quickly that being around talented people is a chance to grow rather than compete.
Balancing life
I try not to obsess over numbers or trends. Instead, I focus on creating content that feels real and relatable. I don’t follow a strict posting schedule, this gives me the space to experiment and post when it feels right. My personal experiences often inspire my videos, making my content authentic and fun.
Advice for aspiring creators
My advice? Just start. Don’t wait for perfect equipment or the perfect plan. Start with what you have and learn along the way. Observe your audience, experiment with ideas, and don’t shy away from things that scare you, they often lead to growth. Consistency is key, but so is enjoying the process. Overthinking early on slowed me down; if I could change anything, I’d care less and create more.
Looking ahead
I see myself continuing to grow as a creator, exploring film direction and sound design, and experimenting with different creative avenues. For me, this isn’t just about building a social media page, it’s about honing skills that let me tell impactful stories. Wherever this path takes me, I want to stay true to the curiosity and authenticity that started it all.
