We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chama Ataya. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chama below.
Chama, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up, I was the shy, quiet kid. During class reading time, I’d mumble my way through my section, barely audible. At parent-teacher conferences, my mum would always hear the same thing — “She’s so quiet; we never quite know what she’s thinking.” Expressing myself, especially in a room full of people, never came naturally.
But even with that, I kept gravitating toward leadership roles — in middle school, high school, and beyond. I think I started growing out of my shell in high school, and maybe being in an all-girls school helped create that safe space. I also pushed myself in weird, scary, and honestly kind of random ways — singing the Lion King intro song with an a cappella group on stage, commanding a group of Ranger Scouts, even dressing up as a clown mascot for my team on Sports Day. I still don’t love being in the spotlight, but I’ve always had this instinct to say yes first and overthink later when opportunities show up.
Still, the real turning point came during my gap year before college, when I joined the AKAD Africa mentorship program. That space changed my perspective on things. I was constantly surrounded by people who challenged each other, who saw more for themselves — and who saw more in me, too. Our lead mentor, Dr. Julius Weche, would bring in guests from all walks of life — people who’d been where we were, or where we hoped to be — and they made those dreams feel tangible.
While I can’t trace my confidence to one singular moment, mentorship played a huge role in helping me see myself differently. It made me realize I’m always growing, always capable of more. And because of that, I’m constantly seeking mentors and learning from others — everyone has a story, and every story has something to teach me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a creative currently finding my way in the world of interior design. I just completed my degree in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and it’s been such a fulfilling journey. I’ve always been drawn to artistic ventures — ever since I was little — and interior design stood out to me because of how limitless it feels. The idea that you can shape experiences through space, transform the way people feel, and design with empathy really drew me in.
What excites me most about interior design is the power it has to tell stories and build connection. My most recent capstone project was a perfect example of that. I focused on reimagining the market experience in Kisii, Kenya — specifically the Daraja Mbili Market. I explored how a market can be more than just a place of transaction. I designed with the different users in mind, creating spaces not just for buying and selling, but for growth, play, and meaningful community engagement.
My favorite part was infusing the space with materials and elements that reflect the local culture — using clay, banana fiber, bamboo, and playing with the vibrant colors of different cultural fabrics. It felt like coming full circle: using design as a way to celebrate identity, heritage, and connection.
Growing up in Kenya and later moving to the U.S. has exposed me to a variety of cultural perspectives, and I find that they inevitably shape the way I approach every project. At the core of what I do is storytelling — creating experiences that leave echoes in the lives of the people who use the space.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Like I mentioned earlier — mentorship, mentorship, mentorship! It has been one of the most transformative parts of my journey. Mentorship looks different for everyone — it doesn’t always have to be formal. Sometimes it’s in conversations, sometimes it’s just observing how someone else moves. But sharing and learning from others has consistently pushed me to show up in spaces I never imagined I could be in — and helped me express myself more confidently than I would have on my own.
Second, I’d say: don’t box yourself in. Exploring different paths has helped me figure out what lights me up. Even when something doesn’t seem directly related to your “end goal,” it often connects in ways you can’t see yet. Every experience teaches you something. So stay curious, try new things, and trust that it’s all part of your path.
Lastly, put yourself out there. As scary as it can be, saying yes to new opportunities is how you grow. It keeps you on your toes, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and helps you discover your strengths — and sometimes, your niche — in the most unexpected places.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
One of the most impactful things my mum did for me was listen to my dreams, take the time to research them, and support me wholeheartedly. I come from a single-parent household, and my mum has always been the breadwinner. Even with everything on her plate, she always took the time to understand whatever I was venturing into. She approached it with curiosity, not judgment — always asking questions from a place of wanting to know more, not to shut anything down.
When I decided to major in Interior Design — a field that some might question in terms of stability or “success” — she could have easily pushed me toward a more traditional career path like medicine or engineering. But instead, she trusted me. She went as far as researching what interior design involved, tapping into her network of architect friends to help me job-shadow professionals and get a real sense of the day-to-day work before committing to it. Having that kind of support felt like such a privilege, and it’s something I carry with me in everything I do.
Beyond my mum, my extended family has also been a huge part of my journey. We’re a close-knit, very involved family, and I don’t take that for granted. Different family members have played important roles in shaping the person I am today. Even the decision for me to study abroad at SCAD wasn’t a light one — it was a family decision. They all believed in me enough to invest in my dreams, and earning my degree feels, in many ways, like a thank-you to them. Every milestone I achieve is a reflection of the collective belief and support they’ve given me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chama.artaya/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chama-ataya-a42b311a3/
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