TyKaia Riley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
TyKaia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A documentary I produced and directed premiered in Atlanta on November 18! It’s about Beyoncé through the eyes of Black women. I know every filmmaker (myself included) has said their film is a “love letter to…,” but that’s exactly what this film is. From beginning to end, Flight of the Bumblebee is a love letter. I’m proud we did it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a writer-director and occasional producer. I lean more toward fictional narratives, but I also love documentaries. My subjects of choice are Black women. I am one, which definitely has something to do with it. But I think even in some alternate universe where I was born a white man, I would still write about Black women. I couldn’t love a group of people more.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom instilled a strong work ethic in me. I had to finish my homework before doing anything else, and if it looked too sloppy, she would make me redo it on a separate sheet of paper! I hated it then, but now I appreciate that she wanted me to put my best foot forward at all times. I’ve carried that with me. If I’m not giving my best, whatever that looks like in the moment, then why bother?
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I was really big on stuffed animals, so I always felt comforted having one with me, especially if I was somewhere without my mom. They helped a lot with my separation anxiety and gave me something physical to focus on rather than how sad or scared I was inside.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I have an existential crisis about this at least once a week. Yes, public me is really me. She’s not ALL of me, but I don’t think it’s sustainable to give all of myself for public consumption. Some parts are too precious to give away.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I get to share a beautiful moment with someone. Whether it be a loved one or a stranger, the privilege to witness the good, the bad, and complexity in life with someone else means more than words can describe. That’s why I make art, to share all these moments.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tykaiariley
Image Credits
Shane Hall
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