We recently connected with Nya Harris and have shared our conversation below.
Nya , 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?
I spend a lot of time working on my craft and being specific about what I want my art to be so that when I step out and perform I can be proud of what I’m doing. I also try to surround myself with supportive people who constantly build me up. Confidence is hard, and it’s an ever evolving journey, but I take each day as it comes and I try to find something to be proud of myself for. Self doubt is a cycle, but so is confidence. When you’re confident you become a little bit bigger and bolder, and the things you do become that too. Each day that you become bigger you get more confidence and each bit of confidence makes you bolder. It’s a skill that takes time, but if you work at it, it really does make you a better performer, and person.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been a dancer all my life, dance has always been a comfortable and passionate place for me to exist as an artist. I’ve gotten to see my choreography performed at Disney World, and at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Recently though, I’ve been spreading my wings and focusing on other loves as well. I’ve always loved acting, and right now acting is one of my main focuses. I have also recently spend more time directing and I’m grateful to have worked with some super talented artists. Art is such a beautiful way to express emotions and thoughts and I’m so grateful that I have to many ways to do that. Being a woman of color I’m intentional about the way I use my art and the stories I’m telling. For marginalized voices it’s especially important to use our art with intention, and with pride.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Knowing myself has been a very important part of discovering myself as an artist. Art reflects life, so it’s important to know who you are to make decisive art. As I’ve grown as a person I’ve also grown as an artist. Often artists can romanticize giving up everything for our craft but the truth is we need both sides of ourselves.
Thick skin, has been very important. The opinions of and criticisms of others are important, but they cannot be more important than your own. Your voice and your belief in yourself must always be the loudest.
The third is a piece of advice I was given by one of my teachers. “It’s not what you do with the pencil, it’s what you do with the eraser”.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As an artist who has so many passions, I’m excited to collaborate with passionate people, that’s when great art is made. I’m specifically focusing on acting, choreography and directing right now, so I’m excited about working in either of those areas! If you’re looking for an actress, choreographer or a director you can email me at nyaharrisny@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nyaharrisny.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: Nya_.nyc
- Youtube: Diaries of an uptown girl
- Other: TikTok: nya_.nyc
Image Credits
The black and white photo and the ones with the pink background are done by vibeography.
Ig:Vibe_ography
The photo with the man on one knee and the photo of the girl in the purple dress were taken by Benny Pham
Ig:Benny_e_pham
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
