We recently had the chance to connect with Chyazia and have shared our conversation below.
Chyazia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Oh my goodness! I recently finished reading this Japanese horror/mystery called Strange Pictures by Uketsu. I loved the twists and turns of the story and how the bigger picture is all connected. So good i finished it in two days. I didn’t realize it was so popular before checking it out but I’m really excited to read the other one. I definitely recommend to my peeps who like a good story but a shorter read.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, I’m Chyazia pronounced (shy-asia)! You’d be surprised how many people butcher it. I am a singer/songwriter and performer. I believe most know me from being a longtime background vocalist with Jamogi and the Jammers; but not for long 🙂 I’m finally recording demos and eventually will be putting my own passion projects out. In the past year I had gone through a horrifically toxic relationship with someone that dampened my creative light mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m sure many can relate to being down in the dumps and not necessarily being able to block out that noise. It was really hard to create and feed that piece of me that otherwise, I’ve always nurtured. Through healing and growing I’m finding myself in ways I wasn’t familiar with before. I’m ecstatic to get back into the swing of things and finally let the music speak for itself.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Being a people pleaser!!!
Is it good to have empathy, consider others, see different perspectives outside of yourself, and contribute to someone else’s quality of life? Yes. Is it okay to violate your own boundaries and wellbeing in order to achieve those things or appease others? Definitely not. The problem I used to run into is wanting to make everyone happy or caring about opinions of those who sat on the sidelines while I sweat on this journey. I leaned into my quirks, my style, and myself because I made a silly little discovery. On the contrary, people will talk regardless of what you do. The system is rigged! Do what you want and be content with that !! The confidence will come just trust the process.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The security of being solid within yourself is priceless. The way life works, something will go wrong eventually. Relationships/friendships end, you outgrow environments, and chapters close but being able to say “I may not be okay right now but I will be” has carried me in so many ways. I stay prayed up and do my best to leave things or people where they’re at when it’s simply not for me anymore. Grieving your losses is normal but what is important is how you use that to nurture who you’re becoming next. The hard stuff teaches me that I am capable of overcoming even when it feels impossible. The hurt doesn’t define me, but it is a testament to my patience, strength, and determination as an individual. I carry that with me everyday and therefore no one can tell me who I am, because I know who I am.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As a Black queer woman, it’s my belief that I exist in all forms. I’m not a monolith and am able to exist outside of the boxes that society would like to place me in. I can cry, laugh, be loud, or quiet; and exist unapologetically without consult. The greatest service I can pass to my communities is to be all those things and more unapologetically always.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Honestly, I’ve been doing a poor job at singing to my full potential. It’s so weird that we can get in our heads and essentially talk ourselves out of pushing ourselves to our fullest potential. The more I perform the more I realize that I’m able to do things with my voice that any other time I don’t think is possible for me. Self doubt makes me pull my punches but lately I’ve been working through it! Practice makes improvement for sure.
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