Daily Inspiration: Meet Chayla Cooper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chayla Cooper.

Hi Chayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
While attending Baylor University, I switched my major from marketing to Film and Digital Media in hopes of owning my own record label and wanting to ensure that I knew the ins and out of the business.

Upon graduating, I moved to Austin in 2005 and immersed myself in the black and black QPOC culture. From DJing to club promotions, I created valuable connections that not only allowed me to collaborate with other great artists here in the city but exposed the city to who I was at the time.

Realizing there are several gaps in Austin that showcased the strong black queer person I am and those that I know, I collaborated with a great team of individuals to bring back Austin Black Pride and champion for a seat at the table where culture, education, and art collided.

Not only a social advocate, I created my company Sleeq Productions, LLC, to allow my musician flag to fly higher. Going by the name Chay CEO, I thrive in the space between Hip-Hop and R&B. I have performed at downtown venues such as Speakeasy and The Historic Victory Grill, SXSW, Texas State University, Killeen Pride, and the LGBT Arts & Culture Music Fest. And even with those accolades, the highlight of my music career was being able to collaborate and build a friendship with legendary duo Kin4Life (The first lesbian rap duo to get on MTV, Logo, and more).

Being an all-around writer, I began to stretch myself and began to write Christian children’s books for the black diaspora. My first book Thank You God was an homage to my upbringing, as well as a forever gift for my first Goddaughter. My second illustrated book, You Belong, speaks to inclusion and self-confidence for all children and that each one of us has unique qualities that make us a part of this big thing called life. Now I’m halfway through my current book series called Cool Kid Cason™️, aimed at helping the next generation become more aware of their emotional intelligence, promote a growth mindset, cultivate self-confidence, and develop practical tools to help them communicate effectively and efficiently.

My goal as an artist and writer is to speak for those who can’t express themselves and to let them know that someone sees and understand where they come from. Whether that’s a little black girl who is unsure how to get her poetry to the world, a little black boy who is afraid to share his quirky side in fear of others, or the brokenhearted lesbian who wants music to express her pain of losing the love of her life. I see you. I’m here for you. I love you.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being myself, I already come with three strikes against me; I’m black, I’m a woman, and I’m a lesbian. The struggle is a part of my day-to-day, but so is resilience.

As a DJ and promoter, it’s hard being in a male dominate world. To not be sexualized but respected for my work. As a musician and an author, it is a struggle to be seen, heard, and break through the noise of perceived notions of what an artist is “supposed to look like”. I am a walking paradox.

When people think of a black lesbian, it’s always the loc’ed or faded, Jordan-wearing sisters, never…me. I’m not Young M.A, I’m not Lena Waithe, I’m Chay. And that will forever be my superpower. I know there is a younger me out there in the world who is waiting for me to show my unapologetic self to the world, and that’s who I keep pushing for.

This year something rose up inside of me and allowed me to be my authentic self. I write what I want, I produce what I want, I perform what I want. In that power, so many people have told me how much they appreciate my work. I’ve had parents tell me that their kids love my books and see themselves in my work. I’ve had patrons come up to me crying after a show and tell me that my lyrics spoke to how they’re feeling after a breakup. Whenever life hits me with doubt, it’s their stories that keep me going.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m CEO of Sleeq Productions, my own publishing company that allows me to publish and present my various writing. Whether it’s music, books, or scripts, I always try to share what I’ve gone through in life and how it has all worked out for my good.

I’m most known around Austin for these two titles, artist and author. As Chay CEO, I create music based on my experiences as a black lesbian woman. As an author, I draw on my Christian background and create children books that uplift children and help them understand their emotions.

I’m most proud of my ability to connect with people. Through my art. So many times, I have had people come up to me as a musician and told me that I was singing about their latest breakup and I’ve given them hope for the future. Music is a universal language, and for all barriers to fade away and for people from different backgrounds come together and resonate with me on an emotional level, it’s one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever felt.

What sets me apart from others is my that my music is that I’m an authentic storyteller with surburban swag. I’m a MBA holding black lesbian woman with high emotional intelligence. There is no one like me in the music industry. I remember growing up thinking how different I felt and how my only solace was laying in my room writing and listening to Dru Hill, BabyFace, Brian McKnight, and more. I want to be the voice and representatives for those who are like me and have no one to look up to or relate to.

With that being said, my latest single, “Never Enough”, is an ode to being authentically you. People always tell me that I’m doing too much when it comes to my ambitions, but I say…it’s never enough. There’s no such thing as going too hard for what you believe in. “Never Enough” will be available next month on all music streaming platforms.

How do you define success?
I define success as peace. I tell people, I never want to be rich, I want to be comfortable. It’s not about the fame but the impact. If my work helps raise someone’s spirit, challenges you to see life from the eyes of others, and just dance through life…then my work was truly successful.

Pricing:

• All Cool Kid Cason™️ books are 12.99 on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Email: sleeqproductions@gmail.com
• Website: www.chayceo.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thechayceo
• Facebook: Facebook.com/thechayceo
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/chayceo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechayceo?