Shevonne Chin’s love for fireworks began in childhood, watching the Festival of Light transform the night sky into a masterpiece of colour and movement. Each burst of light told a story—one that stayed with her long after the smoke cleared. But at the time, the idea that a Black Caribbean woman could one day command that sky, could own it, seemed out of reach.

Today, as Canada’s first Black woman swarm drone pilot and the only Black female certified fireworks trainer in the country, Shevonne has redefined what is possible. She has carved out a place in an industry where people like her have historically been shut out. Through her company, FLIK FX, she has turned the night sky into a storytelling platform for brands and a launchpad for the next generation of drone engineers and pyrotechnics experts.

The journey to this moment was far from linear. It was shaped by personal loss, unexpected challenges, and the kind of resilience that turns setbacks into stepping stones.

Breaking Barriers, One Explosion at a Time

The world of pyrotechnics, drones, and aerial advertising remains overwhelmingly male and white, with few women and minorities breaking into the industry. Despite these barriers, Shevonne refused to be deterred, instead choosing to shatter the status quo by boldly inserting herself into the space. With determination and grit, she carved out her own niche, proving that she belonged among the leaders in her field. And in doing so, she took it.

As Canada’s only Black female fireworks trainer, she has had to prove her expertise time and time again. Yet, her work in synchronized drone swarms pushes both creative and technological boundaries, transforming how brands engage with audiences.

Shevonne's revolutionary airspace QR codes, a groundbreaking innovation that has disrupted the advertising landscape, empower companies to project vibrant digital messages into the sky, redefining the boundaries of outdoor advertising. This pioneering technology shatters the limitations of traditional billboards and social media campaigns, which merely vie for attention, by instead commanding it.

With her cutting-edge solution, Shevonne has created an unparalleled platform for brands to captivate audiences, forge meaningful connections, and leave lasting impressions. Her airspace QR codes do not simply request attention—they demand it.

A Black Woman in a White, Male-Dominated Industry

Shevonne's rise to prominence in the fireworks and drone industry was fueled by a potent combination of skill, hard work, and a fundamental need to survive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

A deeply personal betrayal—both in business and in her private life—forced her to start over. The collapse of professional and romantic trust nearly derailed everything she had built. But walking away was never an option.

Even before that, life had tested her in ways that extended beyond career ambitions. When her daughter was diagnosed with childhood cancer, the world as she knew it shifted. Shevonne found herself navigating hospital corridors while managing the demands of entrepreneurship and family. The weight of uncertainty could have crushed her. Instead, it sharpened her focus.

In a bold move to reclaim her future, Shevonne launched a Google business account, harnessing the vast potential of e-commerce to sell fireworks, achieving a remarkable $1,000 in sales within the first six hours, a resounding affirmation of her courage, resilience, and determination to rise above adversity, as she steadfastly declared: she would not be defeated.

From that moment forward, FLIK FX transcended its role as a mere business venture, evolving into a potent symbol of Shevonne's unwavering resilience, a beacon of hope and defiance in the face of adversity, and a testament to the transformative power of determination and hard work.

Despite her credentials and groundbreaking work, resistance persists. “People do not expect to see a Black woman leading in this field. They assume I am assisting, not running the show,” she explains. Yet, with every project, she continues to challenge those perceptions.

Shevonne's mission extends far beyond the realm of representation, driven by a profound commitment to empowerment and inclusivity. With unwavering dedication, she is forging innovative pathways for Black and racialized professionals to ascend to leadership roles within the historically exclusive domains of pyrotechnics, drone technology, and STEM fields. By challenging systemic barriers and fostering a culture of belonging, Shevonne is paving the way for a more diverse and equitable future, where underrepresented groups can thrive and reach their full potential.

Owning the Sky, Building the Future

Shevonne's visionary ambitions extend far beyond personal success, driven by a profound commitment to revolutionizing the industry itself. As a pioneering advocate, she is spearheading a movement to secure official recognition of fireworks and drone work as a legitimate trade, thereby unlocking access and legitimacy for the next generation of professionals.

To foster a sense of community and support, Shevonne is creating a vibrant network for drone professionals, addressing a critical gap in an industry that has historically lacked structured support for underrepresented voices. Furthermore, she is laying the groundwork for FLIK Academy, an innovative initiative designed to train and mentor aspiring drone engineers and pyrotechnicians.

In celebration of International Drone Day, FLIK FX is hosting two inaugural events: the first on May 3rd at Burrows Hall Community Centre (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM), and the second, FLIK FLY Day, on July 20, 2025, at White Haven Park, where the community is invited to fly their drones in an open space. Building on this momentum, Shevonne is collaborating with partners to expand International Drone Day into a global initiative by 2026, ensuring a lasting impact on the industry.

Shevonne's long-term vision is nothing short of transformative: synchronized drone shows spanning multiple continents, a robust pipeline of Black and Indigenous talent in STEM, trade, and entertainment, and a fireworks event that will leave a lasting impression. For Shevonne, success is not about breaking barriers; it is about removing them entirely, paving the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and vibrant industry that empowers underrepresented voices.

Beyond Black History—Black Futures

Shevonne has ascended to unparalleled heights, leaving an indelible mark on the sky. Her groundbreaking work boldly challenges outdated norms, transforming fireworks into a powerful movement and drone technology into a revolutionary force. When the night sky erupts with one of her breathtaking creations, it transcends mere spectacle – it serves as a testament to the transformative power of Black innovators, who are not only shaping the future but also redefining the boundaries of what is possible.

A true pioneer, Shevonne Chin has mastered the art of converting destruction into mesmerizing design, silencing doubters and inspiring a new generation of creatives. With unwavering determination, she has claimed the night sky as her canvas, etching her name forever in the stars.

A woman who turned destruction into design.

A woman who took the night sky and made it hers.