We recently connected with Saydenu Tukan and have shared our conversation below.
Saydenu , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I overcame imposter syndrome by realizing that I am worthy of being in any room that I step into. While obtaining my Bachelors of Arts in Dance, I was surrounded by many talented dancers that studied dance in studios for years before college. That wasn’t the case for me, I had tons of passion, and strong technique but only studied dance in public schools. At the time that made me feel insecure about my skillset in ballet.
The dance departments prioritization of European dance forms & minimization African Diasporic forms of dance played a role in my frustrations as well. I also learned through that experience that I can march to the beat of my own drum, and create my reality.
Comparison is the thief of joy, & over analyzing and comparing my peers journeys to mine not only made me feel insecure but it also minimalized my dance experiences, which were just as enriching and informative as theirs, just in different ways. Throughout my struggles I found strength in prayer, Focusing on myself, meditation, taking care of my body with exercise, clean eating and drinking lots of water.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi Everyone!
My name is Saydenu Tukan, I am a Multidisciplinary Artist & Wellness Enthusiast with Liberian Roots. I currently reside in Atlanta Georgia, but I was raised in Durham North Carolina. I am a singer, rapper, songwriter, dance educator and a creator of delicious meals and organic body products.
One of the most exciting aspects of being an artist, is being able to be in consistent creation & sharing my gifts with the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities would be: Patience, Self Compassion, & Continuous Learning.
Its important in life to trust the process, and to be patient with ourselves and with the community around us. Self compassion is important because we’re all doing “this life thing” for the first time. As long as we learn from our struggles and apply empathy to ourselves, we are able to keep moving forward throughout all things in life. Continuous learning is important because the moment we stop learning and growing, we truly aren’t living. I read lots of books, partake in stimulating activities and engage in interesting conversations. I travel, which is a learning opportunity in itself.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m a firm believer in “the things we seek are seeking us”
I would love to collaborate with talented singers, rappers, dancers, photographers (honestly any creative) that is dedicated to consistency, the completion of projects, excellence and operating in their purpose. Whether they need guidance with vocal production, song writing, dance, event facilitation or project planning I’m down to be of service. Please contact me at saykolaofficial@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: saykolaofficial
