We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaya Phillips. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaya below.

Kaya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope to create a legacy that transforms the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through innovation, advocacy, and love. My vision is to design groundbreaking technology that makes everyday life easier for the Deaf community and create apparel that ensures they feel truly seen and heard. I plan to take the world by storm and be a trailblazer for those to come. I dream of establishing a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art audiology clinic that addresses the full spectrum of their needs: identity, financial burdens, access to hearing aids, speech therapy, and beyond.

I want to create opportunities that lighten the load for Deaf individuals, empowering them to thrive without being weighed down by societal limitations. My ideas are vast and interconnected, and I’m committed to seeing them come full circle. At the core of my work is a deep love, passion, and dedication to the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

The legacy I will build is one where every Deaf and hard of hearing person feels their needs are met, and where socializing and connection happen without barriers. My goal is to bridge the gap between the hearing and Deaf worlds through fashion, education, and unique events. I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against me—someone who turned lemons into lemonade and even lemon pie.

As a Black Deaf woman navigating the challenges of marginalized communities, I want to leave behind a legacy that uplifts others and continues to inspire long after I’m gone. I hope people remember me for my resilience, my ability to give back, and my unwavering determination to create a world where Deaf and hard of hearing individuals feel valued, included, and empowered. I won’t stop until those goals and aspirations are achieved. I will become a Black Deaf woman audiologist who has and will continue to defy all odds.

Kaya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Kaya Phillips and I am CEO and Founder of Drizzle_Nd_Deaf. I am a Deaf Black woman who created a brand designed for Deaf, Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals and their hearing supporters. My journey started when I graduated with my first degree, but my connection to my Deaf identity didn’t happen until high school. Growing up in a mainstream school, I didn’t learn sign language until my senior year through a theater sign language class. That experience opened my eyes to a part of myself that I didn’t know I was missing. It wasn’t until then that I fully embraced my Deaf identity. After graduation, I felt a calling from God to create a brand that would ensure Deaf and Hard of Hearing people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. I didn’t experience that growing up, and I wanted to create something meaningful that would fill that gap for others.

In 2021, I officially launched my brand, which focuses on amplifying the voices of the Deaf community and bridging the gap between the hearing and Deaf worlds. My brand includes a clothing line featuring designs incorporating sign language, where every piece tells a story of empowerment and representation. I also teach sign language to individuals and groups, making the learning experience fun, engaging, and accessible for all ages. Through unique events like Deaf paint-and-sip nights and inclusive social gatherings, I bring the Deaf and hearing communities together in meaningful ways.

Additionally, I am pursuing a career in audiology to further serve the DHH community. My goal is to create a state-of-the-art audiology clinic that provides comprehensive support, from hearing aids to therapy, while addressing the identity and financial challenges many face. I aim to be an audiologist who not only provides care but also advocates for inclusivity and understanding within the healthcare system.

What sets me apart is my determination, creativity, and passion for lifelong learning. I’m always looking for ways to grow, innovate, and create solutions for the challenges faced by Deaf individuals. I want to ensure that DHH individuals feel empowered to embrace their identities and that hearing individuals have the tools to support and connect with the Deaf community.

I’m most proud of my resilience and ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. From being a Deaf Black woman navigating the challenges of marginalized spaces to building a brand that uplifts others, I’ve always believed in pushing through and turning life’s lemons into lemonade—and sometimes even lemon pie. My work is not just about business; it’s about advocacy, connection, and creating a legacy.

The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know is that my brand is rooted in love, faith, and a deep commitment to empowering others. I’m here to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds through fashion, education, and unique events that bring people together. I want people to feel inspired to embrace their uniqueness, break down barriers, and create communities where everyone feels valued.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My life story is a walking testimony of resilience. From the beginning, my journey has been filled with challenges, but I’ve always risen above them. As a Deaf individual, many people doubted me and said I wouldn’t or shouldn’t be able to do what I am doing today. Despite those voices, I’ve proven them wrong. I am a successful Deaf oralism student, which means I communicate primarily through spoken language, although I embrace sign language and my Deaf identity as well.

Throughout my life, I’ve participated in countless activities and opportunities that many said weren’t possible for someone like me. I graduated from college, which was an incredible milestone not just for me but for those who believed in me and for others in the Deaf community looking for inspiration. I’ve learned to advocate for myself in environments that aren’t always accessible and have worked tirelessly to ensure others feel empowered to do the same.

One moment that illustrates my resilience is when I went to the Capitol to speak directly to senators and council members. I stood before leaders and used my voice to advocate for the rights of Black people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and the Deaf community. It was a moment of strength and determination, and it reinforced my belief in the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in spaces where I might not always feel welcome.

I’ve faced doubts, barriers, and stereotypes, but I’ve turned them into opportunities to push forward and achieve my goals. I’m resilient because I refuse to let society define my limits. Instead, I use my life to break barriers and create pathways for others who may feel like they don’t have a voice. My resilience isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about thriving and helping others to thrive alongside me. I am thankful for my mother Stephanie Phillips as she taught me at an early age how to advocate for myself. I am thankful for my sister Mya and brother Landyn for learning along side with us and supporting. I have such a beautiful village and really grateful.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes, I started my brand, Drizzle and Deaf, right before the pandemic, a time when the world was on the verge of drastic change. Launching a business in those uncertain times required me to pivot quickly and adapt to an entirely new way of operating. I had to learn how to navigate social media effectively and transition to teaching sign language classes via Zoom. The shift to a fully virtual platform was unexpected, but I embraced the challenge, finding creative ways to make the experience interactive and accessible for my audience.

That wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I encountered some personal struggles during this time that affected my brand. There were moments when I couldn’t post consistently or fell behind on a few orders. It was difficult, but I handled every obstacle with grace and professionalism. I communicated openly with my customers and used these setbacks as opportunities to grow and improve.

This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. Building a business during such a tumultuous time reinforced my commitment to my mission and showed me that success isn’t about avoiding challenges but learning how to navigate through them. Despite the ups and downs, I’ve stayed true to my vision of creating a brand that empowers and connects Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and their hearing supporters. Every step of this journey has strengthened my passion and fueled my determination to keep pushing forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://drizzlenddeafkp.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drizzle_nd_deaf/profilecard/?igsh=MWs1OGhnbjillb3E2Yw==
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/share/1P6m0BLYe6/

Image Credits

N/a