We were lucky to catch up with Tayia Hayes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tayia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

For as long as I can remember I’ve been told I have way too much personality. That I was hard to contain. For a lot time those types of statements made me feel so outside of the norm. I’ve always felt like a spoon in a drawer full or forks. I’ve always felt out of place. The internet is the first time I truly felt “in place”. Where there was always someone who could relate to me, agree with me, or even empathize with me. I began my influencer journey in 2019 during the height of COVID. Almost immediately people were interested, so I thought maybe all this personality has a place in this world. Maybe my joy and “over expression” is okay and even welcome. So I began to share everything. I have shared poetry, photography, makeup, podcast ideas, and even lifestyle content. During my earlier life I based so much of my identity in my academic pursuits that’s the creative side was almost silenced. I love the freedom I have in adulthood to flourish in my creative self. I use my platform to exhibit creativity in every facet. I’ve chosen to pursue content as a part time career as I prepare to transition out of the classroom. Once I start my graduate studies I plan to commit full time so that my income can come from social media and I can have the adequate time to focus on my studies. I’ve always wanted a job that allowed me to make my own schedule and something I would love. Content creation allow me for both.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an academic by trade, but a creative by heart. I have immense respect for every form of art. I came to create content as a means of self expression. In my private life I share a lot of my poetry, but on my platforms I share opinions, makeup, lifestyle, fitness. Truly my platform is just my virtual diary. For every person who has ever felt out of place, every person who has too many hobbies they can’t organize, for the people who didn’t get diagnosed with ADHD til adulthood and struggled to organize their life. I make content for everyone who feels out of place to find a place in my chaos, and to possibly relate.
I am most proud of my relatability. I have felt within myself as well as have been shared with my others that I am destined to be famous. Since a child I have had the “gift of gab”. I could talk to anyone about anything. So I am most proud of my impact and influence. From the classroom to the content world what I say and do has impact. So I just enjoy having a positive influence in every way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was undiagnosed with ADHD for 22 years of my life. I have struggled feeling out of place for as long as I can remember. I actually first related with other people through TikTok which pushed me to get an assessment. My struggles with ADHD began in my late college years. Stress began to exacerbate my symptoms and I had absolutely no idea what the problem was. All of a sudden I was struggling to get things done, such as assignments , maintaining the cleanliness of my spaces, and even seeing friends. My struggles with ADHD quickly turned into depression as a result of not being able to do things I had been doing my entire life. My GPA began to suffer, my relationships began to wain, and my self worth too nose dive. It go so bad that I became ineligible for graduation. Until someone “saw” me. A great friend of mine Jhah Cook went and spoke on my behalf to our academic dean. I was offered the opportunity to meet the graduation requirements literally 3 days before walking the stage. It truly changed the trajectory of my life. Resilience sometimes only comes paired with support. I simply wasn’t able to do it alone. The steps were too steep, but with the help of a friend I was able to overcome the struggles and graduate on time with honors.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My truest goal is freedom. My mind works in circles, and squares, and octagons. It’s really hard for me to conform to the norms and schedules of the “workforce”. Through content creation I will have the opportunity to set my own schedule and thrive in the way that is most conducive to my success. Some people thrive in very structured environments. I never have. I have always done things in an unorthodox manner to other people. Being a creative is about creating your own way. It’s about making your own thing that works perfectly for you. My goal is to create my own way in my own world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@celebritayia?_t=ZT-8wGjeZv3tiF&_r=1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayia.asia?igsh=OXRtbDQxY2pneGlk&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Austin Robinson