We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Saniya Selby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Saniya , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Growing up, I was very shy and to myself. I found out that I could sing when I was around 6 or 7. My cousin had a band set in her room so when everyone was outside playing I wanted to stay inside and play with that. My uncle found me in her room singing and playing the instruments and he went and told my mom that I could sing. So then my mom took notice, she played all the greats in the car and we would sing along together. She put me in lessons and I started singing everywhere that I could. Then in high school, this was a significant time; I was performing for the senior inauguration. When I was on stage singing, I heard the crowd singing back the song and they put their flashlights up, waving it side to side. And in that moment that’s when I knew this was going to be my life. Fell in love with theater short after and I knew that I was going to tackle being a musical actor/singer, film/tv actor, and take over mainstream radio.

Saniya , 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?

I’m Saniya Selby and I’m a 21 year old R&B singer/songwriter and actress from Brooklyn, New York. Music helped me break out of my shell and stand out. Also helped me through some tough times that young girls go through growing up. With changes, body issues, relationships. Though I was shy and reserved growing up, I knew that I had a spark and singing helped me push my inner diva out. My goal is to make music that’s going to help people in tough times and help them know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m very passionate and ambitious and I strive hard for what I want. And everything I have, I’ve worked hard for because I know I’m destined for greatness and will live my dream life. And I want to make sure that my growing fanbase knows that anything is possible and I’m a product of believing in yourself.

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

The most rewarding thing would be learning that my song helped somebody out of a tough time. There have been so many times people young and old telling me how my songs helped them through a breakup. The songs helped them learn how to set boundaries and know that they don’t have to put up with certain types of people. It warms my heart because it lets me know that people are hearing me and getting the message.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The main lesson I had to learn is success isn’t linear and you have to stop comparing yourself to other people. Also learning that you are not less than somebody who was privileged enough to get better proper training in the field your’e going into. Before going to theater school, I had no clue about it. All I knew was mainstream radio. But my teacher at the time had to shake me up and say that you’re not less than people who know more. Your’e going to get there and it’s your job to continue learning this industry if you felt like you were called to it. So I had to learn to run my own race, put in the work, and believe in myself .

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmisssaniya/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEVurCkUfWhLPfruifaHQQg
• Other: TikTok: @itsmisssaniya01

Image Credits
Pics by: Isaiah Headrington