Gabriela Arroyo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Gabriela, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I feel like this year I’ve finally found the path that God has be calling me to. As much as I love my music, I have also found a passion in nursing. God has called me to heal people in a way that I never thought I could. I have been officially enrolled and attending nursing school for the last month and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m walking in my purpose and I look forward to healing other through my healing hands as well as my music.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Shii isn’t just my artist name. It is the embodiment of women empowerment. A few years ago I created POESHII to really bring motivation to women locally and internationally with the power of social media. It has been a big goal of mine to do local empowerment events and it’s something I look forward to doing very soon. This year I made a big career pivot into healthcare. It’s something that I hope to combine with my music so that I can bring healing to people.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A few years ago, I unfortunately lost my grandmother. She’s a big part of who I am today and one of the biggest motivators I have to keep going for my dreams. I remember still to this day the very last conversation we had. She told me that no matter what, she just wanted me to be happy. I’ll be honest, I don’t think I truly know what happiness looks like. I know moments and figments. But the reality is that there has been a lot of struggle and the work is not yet done. As much as I have grown through what I’ve been through, I am not yet who I truly want to be. That’s something I really hope to find in this journey of me becoming a nurse and doing what God is calling me to do, heal others. Through healing others, I’ll be healing parts of myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has a way of becoming a quiet teacher, revealing truths that success often hides. In our hardest seasons, we’re pushed beyond comfort, forced to face parts of ourselves we might otherwise avoid. We learn resilience not just as a skill, but as a lifeline. We discover the depth of our empathy when we’ve walked through our own darkness and can recognize it in others. We come to understand the value of small moments, peace after chaos, joy after grief, and love after loss.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I wear my heart on my sleeve. I always have. The public version of me is still me. Just the side that moves in the sunlight. It’s the laughter that slips out easily, the warmth I offer without hesitation, the way I speak truth while keeping certain pages of my story close. I don’t wear a mask; I simply choose which parts of my soul to place in the open. What you see is my heart in motion, my values taking shape in how I treat others, my spirit showing itself in moments big and small. The private parts of me aren’t hidden to deceive, they’re tucked away to be nurtured. But every smile, every word, every glance you see in public is real, because it all comes from the same place within.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Most people think my legacy will be measured in milestones, titles, or the noise I’ve made along the way. But what I hope they’ll one day see is that my legacy is quieter, woven into the lives I’ve touched, the kindness I’ve given when no one was watching, and the moments where I chose compassion over recognition. It’s not in the size of my accomplishments, but in the ripples they’ve made. My legacy is not a monument; it’s a living thread, stitched into hearts and carried forward in ways I may never witness, but always hoped for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiimusic
