We recently connected with Cylla Senii and have shared our conversation below.

Cylla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

For me, I always knew that I wanted to be an artist since I was a child. I had a little scrapbook throughout school, and on the back, it would ask what I wanted to be for every grade. Since the beginning, I always wrote something along the lines of artist, ballerina, actor, movie director ever since I was a kid. Looking back, that is always a fun memento that I’ve kept over the years that would remind me of my dreams. I grew up in a family that loved the arts from music, filmmaking, and photography, so that definitely peaked my interest. I recently remembered that I used to draw, write comic strips of my friends, create short stories, and was always performing in theater in school. A creative life as an artist is something I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m grateful to be pursuing it and living in that experience as an adult.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve had a very interesting journey pursuing my creative career, and it started by me moving back to New York City, where I was born. I’ve worked as an independent filmmaker and created my first web series post college called Situationships. That was the first thing I thought of upon the first year of living in New York. I didn’t know then that that idea would go on to see great heights, and eventually, I would be able to launch 2 seasons and get it picked up on BET! It is now also available on Tubi and Amazon. I now have a full scripted television show in the works for Situationships with the amazing support of Mona Scott-Young & Monami Entertainment, along with a lot more loading that I can’t wait to share!

It was quite the journey as an indie creative, and while pursuing those aspirations, I also worked corporately at some of the best advertising, radio stations, and television networks in NYC. I am most proud of each experience and especially proud of creating my first show that I was able to create, star, direct, produce, and write. I also had the pleasure of sharpening my development chops by working at Nickelodeon, GrioTV, and A&E! The main thing I’d love for people to know about my brand and company, Featherstone Entertainment, is that I believe dreams are possible, and we all get to live the life that was put on our hearts from youth, no matter how many people may doubt it. I’m always thrilled to support others where I can, mentor students, and create opportunities through my business or by working with amazing partners.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me as an artist is to create the art and tell the stories that I always dreamed of making. I am grateful that I never lost sight of the idea as a kid to be an artist. It also helps you to live your most authentic life. It’s so important for us to tell our stories. As a creative women of color, tv & film isn’t always the easiest thing to break into, and I’m grateful to be to make meaningful content, share relatable experiences, and also create opportunities for other minorities who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Absolutely! Right now, I am finally reading “The Artist’s Way” which has been recommended to me by a casting director and a close friend. I love a great structured program to study with that also trains you to clear any doubts and fears to keep moving forward. It’s reminding me of a wonderful leadership workshop that I took in NYC, but this one is specifically geared toward artists of all kinds. I love it! Also, I love reading biographies and watching documentaries of all of my favorite artists. I’ve probably seen at least 50+ docs and read a ton of bios. I find them to be super inspirational and encouraging to read or watch. No artist’s path is the same, but I appreciate finding inspiration from those before me and also reading materials that encourage my own creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: cyllasenii.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/cyllasenii
• Facebook: facebook.com/cyllasenii
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/cyllasenii
• Twitter: twitter.com/cyllasenii
• Other: Situationships Tubi: https://tubitv.com/series/300009184/situationships Situationships Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Situationships/dp/B0B461FZFH Situationships BET: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRxBJOupy1c

Image Credits
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