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

Hi Chynna , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Growing up, I was always quick to fall behind the scenes and into the shadows. It took me 22+ years of playing it safe and doing only what I thought I was supposed to do, before I learned how to fully step into my power, be courageous, and build a life I wanted to see.

It’s 2021, Kamala Harris was just named VP, the world was unionizing, and we were all trying to find a post-covid new normal. I was post-grad and 2 years into my first corporate job going through a stint.

I was working for a broadcast television company, writing and selling programming. We were constantly thinking of new show ideas to pitch, and at the time, small businesses and grassroots organizations were rising with greater support.

I was so inspired by the progress, and reading stories of women from all walks of life who took risks and chased after their dreams despite all the societal obstacles women face.

All of this is happening in the background, and one day, I start reading an article about Johannes Vermeer’s painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring. This painting – one that I’m sure many of you will recognize – transcends time. It is a painting that has inspired artists since the 1600s, with references stretching into modern-day pop culture. People fantasized about the woman’s identity in the painting and were awed by her. But the truth is, the woman in the painting does not exist, she is just an imaginary figure.

I thought to myself – if across history and time, people can look at this imaginary woman with such veneration, why can’t they do that with the women who walk in and around our lives on a daily basis? Where is the appreciation and respect for them?

For the next year, I spiraled into research. What amassed, was a project framework that combined everything I love about creative expression – photography, film, a dedicated team, and sharing powerful stories with hopes of making a difference.

In March 2022, we created PEARLS, a documentary film & portrait exhibition that showcased the lives of 8 integrally diverse women. The project celebrates the resiliency of women and the power of building a life worthwhile as a form of art. During the exhibition, we raised a few thousand dollars to share amongst non-profit organizations benefiting causes chosen by each of the women who participated.

I was stunned by the community support and reception. It was my first personal project ever, and it gave me the confidence I needed to step into the producer & director role, that I previously didn’t know I had in me. The women inspired me to be fearless and inspired the community to action.

Since this project, I’ve produced and directed numerous short films, music videos, photoshoots, gallery exhibits, and fashion shows. I’ve met a community of passionate creatives who appreciate the beauty of creating art and inspire each other through it.

The 8 women of PEARLS and the mission behind it continue to inspire me today, and I hope that in participating, each of them can look at their lives with renewed courage, love, and appreciation, the same way the community does them.

Chynna , 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’ve never felt like I’m one thing, and I struggled with that growing up.

Would you rather know a little bit about a lot of things? Or a know lot about one thing? The debate goes on, and the conversation changes by generation.

I’m a strategist, a producer, a director, a writer.

I’m a marketer. I go crazy for a good promotional strategy that knows its audience.

I’m a project manager. An events coordinator.

A team builder and mentor advocate.

A community enthusiast.

My range of interests has always spanned industries and specialties.

That’s where the multi-hyphenate comes in – allowing myself to tap into a range of skills, and express myself through wearing multiple hats.

By day I am a Senior Account Manager for a full-service digital marketing agency. My role acts as the liaison between our clients & internal teams; listening to the brand and driving strategy that delivers results and improves the bottom line. My day is filled with Excel spreadsheets, presenting, analyzing, and reporting on data. My clients span from healthcare to streaming services and paint companies, and I like it that way. I think understanding brands that touch a variety of industries keeps me sharp and queued in on the pulse of what’s happening in marketing.

By night and on the weekends I tap into the creative multi-hyphenate – planning and producing short films, brand photoshoots, and events. My creative work is rooted in storytelling and brand messaging. History is one of my biggest inspirations and I’m drawn to content that reimagines something traditional in a new light.

Most often my project assignments are acquired by word of mouth. People will reach out because they know my work is rooted in holistic strategy that puts their messaging mission first. I’ve always been a big systems thinker – there are so many variables and factors with integrated relationships that need to be recognized in order to develop & launch a successful project. I help creatives bring their vision to life.

On any given day I can be behind the camera, in front of the camera, on a phone call presenting a report, or on set. What I love about what I do in both realms is how integrated they are. I can apply my learnings across fields to deliver meaningful projects for both my clients and creative partners.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Support young creatives and rising talent. Give them the opportunity to sit in rooms with leaders in the industry to learn. Give them the platform to showcase their work to a new audience that wouldn’t traditionally have the opportunity to see what they’re capable of. Could you imagine seeing an up-and-coming local painter’s art gracing the walls alongside a Matisse collectible? What a dream that would be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is working with people who are equally as passionate. It truly takes a village to make any launch strategy successful and requires a team of people who are motivated under one mission. It’s the community aspect behind creative work that I love. As much as turning a vision into reality gets me giddy, seeing all of the individual talent come to life throughout the process is what keeps me coming back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chynna_chan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chynna-chan/

Image Credits

Main Individual Photo: Caroline Herring
Photos from PEARLS event: Larry Dennis
Girl With The Pearl Earring image overlay: Clare Berringer, Andre Hinds
Others: EL