We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chas below.
Chas, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Growing up in Northern California my father always believed that education could level the playing field and get his children a step up in life, fortunately and unfortunately for me he sent me to school in Napa, California. There, I was often one of a handful of African-American students in the entire school. Usually, the only black kid in Honors English and math classes. I faced micro aggressions before we even had a term for it. However, I didn’t let my classmates and sometimes my teachers place their expectations or limitations on me. By being my creative and carefree self I often thrived in situations that were purposely meant for me to struggle in.
Much later in life when I attended UCLA‘s Writing for Television Program I was again the only African-American in my cohort. On our first day, we were asked what our favorite show was and naturally, I said, LIVING SINGLE. Many of my classmates had either never seen nor heard of the show. Meanwhile, I still have never seen an episode of FRIENDS to this day.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a writer in every sense of the word there is no medium that I haven’t tried, excelled, or dabbled in.
As a Screenwriter, I’ve written for shows such as The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl & GROWNish. What I love about working as a Screenwriter is I get to see my ideas move from the page to the small screen and become a part of the culture and zeitgeist in ways that touch and inspire the masses.
I’m the CEO and Founder of Yay Area Productions, my multimedia, film and television production company which aims to highlight and amplify stories from the Bay Area. Growing up in the Bay Area, not only nurtured and shaped me as a Creator but it also reflects the types of stories I wish to share with the rest of the world.
I’m currently working on a comedic self help book, a scripted podcast from a mental health POV, and a YA graphic novel.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience is my number one Skill that has kept me going over the years. In my creative journey in and out of Hollywood, there have been major peaks and valleys being able to get back up after being knocked down time after time again has been one of my superpowers. Now I’ll be honest there have been times where I have walled in a sad song much longer than I feel necessary, but having the right support system, faith and determination have always allowed me to realize that failing upward is better than not attempt at all.
Another skill of mine that I hold dear to me is self-confidence. No one‘s gonna gas you up more than yourself. I believed in me even when I was still in single digits I believe in me every morning I wake up and look in the mirror and talk to my reflection. I’m precious with myself and encourage myself as if I’m the most qualified person to step into any room- even when I’m not. I found that helps me create seats at tables for myself whenever imposter syndrome tries to step its raggedy ass in my eardrums.
Lastly, my sense of humor has sustained me. I’m able to laugh at the most awful things in life because dear God, I’m still here and if I can find the humor and lighting at all, then that can keep wrinkles and tears off my face and outta my heart.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Growing up, my parents never told me there was anything that I couldn’t do. I didn’t realize it then, but as I grew older and left the nest, I learned that several of my close friends grew up in households where people put limitations on them and told them there were things that they couldn’t do.
As a small child, I would tell my parents, the most craziest things that I wanted to do and dreams that I wanted to accomplish, and their response was always “Ok great, how you gonna do that?” And so I was charged to figure those things out.
It taught me problem-solving and tenacity from a very young age. As I started to check things off my goals and bucket list I realized that if you stay ready, you ain’t never gotta get ready.
I appreciate my parents so much for never stomping out the light in that little curly hair, black boy’’s eyes. Thanks Mom & Dad y’all the real MVP’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yayareaproduction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iAmChas
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iAmChas
Image Credits
Urban Street Photography
@urbanastreetphotography24
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