Meet Kaya Phillips

We were lucky to catch up with Kaya Phillips recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kaya , 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?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me to embrace resilience, authenticity, and purpose. I am Black, a woman, and Deaf, I embody three minority identities that often place me in rooms where I am the only representative of my communities. This is especially true in a field like audiology where diversity whether race or disability is scarce.

Early on, this reality felt intimidating, isolating and overwhelming but I’ve come to see it as a powerful opportunity to create change. I hold my head high in every space I enter, knowing my presence is a statement of representation and possibility. For example, I recently attended a graduate school tour and realized I was the only Black and Deaf individual in the room. Instead of feeling out of place, I reflected on how much it would have meant for me as a little girl to see someone like me pursuing this path. That reminder keeps me motivated to be the representation I once needed. I am reminded how much it meant for me to see doctors, teachers and even dolls who looked like me. Those memories remind me of the power of representation and inspire me to be that figure for others.

This mindset was instilled in me by my mother, Stephanie Phillips, who always encouraged me to go where society might not expect me to thrive. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to walk into rooms like the Tennessee Capitol as a Black Deaf woman, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, whether they are women, Deaf, people of color, or otherwise.

My Deafness, which many see as a limitation, is my superpower. It enables me to demand accessibility, foster inclusion, and pave the way for others who share my identities. By showing up authentically, I’ve learned to turn moments of being “the only one” into opportunities for connection, advocacy, and breaking barriers. Being the only one isn’t about being alone; it is about being a trailblazer, breaking barriers and showing what’s possible when you show up authentically and unapologetically. Being in those rooms as the “only one” reminds me of the importance of creatin space for those who will come after me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Kaya Phillips, the CEO and founder of Drizzle_Nd_Deaf, a business that connects fashion, education, and advocacy to amplify the voices of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. My work focuses on creating spaces where Deaf and hearing communities can come together, break down barriers, and foster understanding through unique events, merchandise, and educational initiatives. Through Drizzle and Deaf, I curate inclusive events such as Deaf paint-and-sip gatherings, bowling nights, and interactive workshops that bring people from all backgrounds together. I also design apparel that celebrates Deaf culture and promotes awareness. A key aspect of my brand is teaching sign language in fun, non-traditional, and engaging settings, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What excites me most about Drizzle and Deaf is its ability to bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf communities in ways that are both meaningful and joyful. Every event and product I create carries the purpose of amplifying the voices of the Deaf community while educating the hearing world about our experiences. As a Deaf individual, I use my journey to inspire others to embrace their identities and celebrate their uniqueness.

This year, Drizzle and Deaf is expanding with several exciting new offerings. We are launching Sign Language Poetry Nights, where art and language intersect to highlight the beauty of ASL through spoken word and performance. Additionally, we are introducing a new apparel line featuring empowering messages for all marginalized communities, designed to reflect inclusivity and pride. We are also rolling out educational workshops tailored for schools and businesses to foster a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and the importance of accessibility.

Through my work, I aim to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and included. Whether you attend an event, wear our merchandise, or learn a new sign, you are joining a movement dedicated to building bridges between communities. Stay connected with Drizzle and Deaf on social media or visit our website to stay updated on upcoming events and launches. Together, we are not just amplifying voices; we are creating a platform where they can thrive. I’m excited to share there will be some major collaborations taking place ! These partnerships will bring together innovators, advocates, and creatives from both the Deaf and hearing communities to amplify our collective impact. Stay tuned for announcements about groundbreaking projects and events designed to foster inclusion, celebrate culture, and drive meaningful change, Big things are on the horizon

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These qualities not only helped me navigate challenges but also empowered me to create opportunities where they didn’t initially exist.

Resilience: As a Black Deaf woman, I’ve faced situations where I was the only one in the room who looked or communicated like me. It would have been easy to let doubt take over, but resilience taught me to see these moments as opportunities to pave the way for others. Resilience is about standing tall in the face of adversity and remembering your purpose. For those early in their journey, I recommend finding what motivates you deeply and using it as a source of strength. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, friends, or like-minded individuals who uplift you when things feel tough.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt has been crucial, especially as I navigate spaces that weren’t always designed with people like me in mind. Whether it’s advocating for accessibility, learning to communicate in both hearing and Deaf spaces, or building a business from scratch, being flexible allowed me to turn challenges into stepping stones. For those just starting, I encourage embracing change and stepping out of your comfort zone. Growth often happens in discomfort, and learning to pivot with grace will take you far.

Lifelong Learning: A commitment to learning has shaped my journey in profound ways. From discovering my Deaf identity later in life to pursuing a career in audiology, I’ve consistently sought to educate myself and grow. This mindset not only deepens your skills and knowledge but also opens doors to new possibilities. My advice is to remain curious and open to new experiences. Seek out workshops, mentors, and communities where you can learn and grow.

For anyone early in their journey, I would also add this: trust your unique path. Your voice, your perspective, and your experiences matter. Focus on developing these qualities, stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The most rewarding achievements often come from perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to learn along the way.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in embracing and amplifying my identity as a Deaf Black woman and using it as a foundation to expand my advocacy and entrepreneurial work. I’ve grown in my confidence to navigate spaces that are often unprepared for someone like me, whether as a professional in audiology or as the founder of Drizzle_nd_Deaf. I’ve learned to see my uniqueness not as a challenge to overcome but as a strength that allows me to bridge gaps and create opportunities for others.

One specific area of improvement has been in public speaking and advocacy. I’ve stepped into larger and more diverse audiences, including educational institutions, legislative spaces, and community events, to speak about accessibility, representation, and inclusion. These experiences have pushed me to refine my communication skills, adapt to different audiences, and advocate effectively for the Deaf community and other marginalized groups.

I’ve also expanded my business, not just in scope but in impact. Over the past year, I launched new initiatives, such as inclusive events and educational workshops, that have deepened the connections between Deaf and hearing communities. This growth required me to develop stronger organizational skills, collaborate with diverse teams, and step further into my role as a leader and change-maker.

Reflecting on the past year, I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown in owning my voice and stepping into spaces where representation matters. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and purposeful action, and I’m excited to see how this growth continues to shape my work moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drizzlenddeafkp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drizzle_nd_deaf/?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drizzleNdeaf