Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keyanna “chai Key” Silpot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Keyanna “Chai Key”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I didn’t have a specific moment when I realized I wanted to pursue creation professionally. I wanted an “aha” moment that others seemed to have about their passions and purposes, but I experienced more of an accumulation of moments that helped show me I am a creator. Throughout high school, I had no idea what college I wanted to attend and wasn’t sure what to study after graduating. I was a good student, so college seemed to make sense.
I dual enrolled during my senior year, then completed my Associate of Arts in Studio/Fine Art after high school. Between 2018-2023, I started modeling, went back to school briefly for Film Production with a Concentration in Digital Animation, changed majors, took a break, explored different areas of arts and entertainment, and went back to school for Theatre then decided to try to focus on working. I also explored production assistance, music, and acting, juggling my hats, grief, and health challenges. While gaining experience in front of and behind the scenes over those years, I desired to continue creating visions that would keep me alive and resonate with others throughout time and space. I wanted to share impactful conversations and experiences in ways that felt authentic to me as an individual and artist.
Keyanna “Chai Key”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a Jamaican-Indian poet, writer, and multimedia artist. I’ve been writing and drawing since childhood. Around age 12, I started experiencing hypersensitivity, social anxiety, and depression. Sometimes, I turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms to get through my thoughts and emotions. Other times, writing and drawing, music, and movies helped me through.
Since graduating and getting involved in arts and entertainment, I’ve connected with gifted creators, business owners, and individuals who’ve led me to experiences I’d previously only seen on-screen. Making those connections via social media and in person has contributed to my growth as an individual, creator, and business owner.
I offer voiceovers, creative direction, scriptwriting, and production/event support virtually and in person. I also model, act, and create wellness journals and workbooks. Combining my creative abilities with my emphasis on wellness adds depth to my work and helps me approach projects intentionally.
I‘m most proud of myself for being more true to myself, sitting through the hard times, working towards being healthier, forgiving myself, and giving myself chances to change. I can be hard on myself so it’s nice feeling grace from within.
My brand focuses on creating a safe space for mindfulness, self-awareness, self-expression, and holistic health, particularly in melanated communities.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I would still be in entertainment, but I’d take singing, dancing, and acting lessons early on. I would focus on exploring my interests and my mind more.
I’ve thought back a lot and wished there were things I could change about my decisions, their effects on my health, and where I am today. Of course, I can’t go back but I can still do what I’ve been afraid to.
Someone recently sent me a post by Nneka Julia – @nnekaj on Instagram. She said, “The problem is, you think you have time. I hope you realize the problem is you think you have time. I hope you edit your life ruthlessly and frequently, I hope you forgive yourself ruthlessly and frequently, I hope you realize that what you are will never happen again”, and that resonated with where I am.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My journey is driven by my need to holistically develop my voice, identity, vision, truth, and health. For years, I’ve wanted to say and do what I feel is expected or sounds best to tend to others’ needs, so I’ve slipped away from creating what feels true and I want to get back in touch with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zenigmas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichaikey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086319382981
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackdiariesseries
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/ichaikey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ichaikey
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/keyannats
- Other: Apple Music https://music.apple.com/profile/ichaikey
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/user/keyanna.tyliah
Image Credits
@thephotoasset
@iamstlouis_
@iamstlouis_ @_zenigmas_
@fictive.mili
@danieldecius
@_zenigmas_
@letstalkchivalry
@_zenigmas_
@oasisimagery