The Artist Pivot Ayana Major Bey

As creatives, many of us have faced the internalized shame that comes with taking on jobs outside our artistic passions. In this solo episode, I'll be sharing my own experiences, from working side gigs like flyering in Times Square to navigating a career shift during the pandemic. We'll explore the necessity of creating our own artistic ecosystems and the importance of embracing all parts of our journey with dignity. Plus, I'll reflect on some industry shifts due to the 2023 writer and SAG strikes and how they've impacted us all. So, let's pivot, adapt, and maintain our creative vision—it's all part of the artistic journey.

Patreon: http://patreon.com/theartistpivotpodcast
Podcast merch: https://www.ayanabey.com/merch
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtistPivotPodcast

Ayana Major Bey 
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

Show Sponsors: 
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 
Editor: Kieran Niemand 
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Boundless Audio Network

Today, we have a very special guest, the one and only Tara Tagliaferro. In this episode, we chat about all the ups and downs of working in theater—think crazy performance schedules, dealing with vocal and physical exhaustion, and the financial rollercoaster that comes with it all.
Tara and I reflect on how our values have evolved over time, leading us to prioritize wellness and self-respect over the relentless hustle. We'll also discuss the impact of the pandemic on our identities and the importance of finding fulfillment outside of the stage. From creating virtual communities to exploring alternative sources of income, Tara sheds light on the resilience required to sustain a career in the arts.
It's a candid and heartfelt conversation about the realities of the entertainment industry, the challenges of maintaining mental health, and the journey to finding balance and self-worth amidst the chaos. This episode promises to be a revealing and inspiring look at what it truly means to pivot in the world of performing arts.

Patreon: http://patreon.com/theartistpivotpodcast
Podcast merch: https://www.ayanabey.com/merch
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtistPivotPodcast

Tara Tagliaferro 
Website: www.taratag.com
Instagram: @taratagtickles 

Ayana Major Bey 
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

Show Sponsors: 
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 
Editor: Kieran Niemand 
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Boundless Audio Network

I am thrilled to have the incredibly talented Queen Chyna West join me for what turned out to be a deeply enriching dialogue. Throughout the episode, Queen Chyna West shares her unique journey in entertainment, beginning her career on Broadway at just 16 and growing into a multifaceted artist and manager. She discusses the seeds of resilience, planted from a young age in Harlem and Brooklyn, that have allowed her to navigate the pressing challenges of both professional and personal life. The conversation also delves into her admiration for influential figures like Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson and the powerful impact of her grandmother.
She highlights her shift from aspirations of acting to directing and writing, driven by empowerment and the solace she finds in spirituality and comedy.
Complete with reflections on hardships, the triumphs of her multifaceted career, and her thoughts on legacy and late-blooming dreams, this episode is a powerful look at artistic resilience and the profound strength drawn from familial and cultural roots. Queen Chyna's stories are a testament to the life of a true artist.
Patreon: http://patreon.com/theartistpivotpodcast
Podcast merch: https://www.ayanabey.com/merch
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtistPivotPodcast

Queen Chyna West 
Website: h2sentcafe2.wixsite.com/h2sentcafe2
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/QueenChynaWest10

Ayana Major Bey 
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

Show Sponsors: 
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 
Editor: Kieran Niemand 
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Boundless Audio Network

On this episode we're joined by the multi-talented Jillian Vitko. Jillian is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, balancing an impressive array of talents from acting to producing. We get candid about the often unpredictable path of an artist, where there's no guarantee of a finish line and the only constant is change. We'll talk about the courage it takes to create your own work, the perseverance needed when knocking on doors, and the personal revelations that come from the journey itself. Jillian opens up about the hurdles she's faced and provides insightful advice for those brave enough to take things one step at a time toward believing in their voice. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the importance of creating your own opportunities, facing fears, and tending to your career goals, just like pots on the stove. We aren’t just talking about following a career but creating an ecosystem where your artistry can thrive on your own terms. It's time to challenge the inner critic and celebrate the individuality of your artistic journey

Patreon: http://patreon.com/theartistpivotpodcast
Podcast merch: https://www.ayanabey.com/merch
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtistPivotPodcast

Jillian Vitko  
Instagram: @jillianvitko 
Website: https://www.jillianvitko.com/

Ayana Major Bey 
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

Show Sponsors: 
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 
Editor: Kieran Niemand 
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Boundless Audio Network

Today's episode features none other than the talented Sani—a Nigerian-born recording artist, producer, and entrepreneur with a range of talents spanning from fashion to painting and of course, music. Sani shares his heartfelt gratitude for life's journey and the artistic paths he's walked down. His story is one of resilience and continuous self-improvement. We unpack the layers of Sani's creative process, and touch on the very real emotional and financial roadblocks artists like Sani face—like the initial skepticism from friends and the sting of unresponsive potential collaborators. And let's not forget the leap of faith from a successful fashion venture into the pulsing world of music, driven in part by a big move from Nigeria to the city of Amsterdam. It's all about celebrating these shifting tides and understanding the power of persistence, collaboration, and the willingness to embrace change. So let's dive in, and who knows—you might just find a piece of your own artistic puzzle.

Podcast merch: https://www.ayanabey.com/merch
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtistPivotPodcast

Sani 
Instagram @saninogie
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Dasani2k
Youtube: @Sani4k
Spotify: @Sani   

Ayana Major Bey 
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

Show Sponsors: 
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 
Editor: Kieran Niemand 
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Boundless Audio Network

Today we have a return guest! My friend James Roberts IV is back for episode 602. He was on the show before in season 1 and his episode was 102. How fitting! It's been four exciting years since we last talked on the podcast, and oh, how the tables have turned and twirled for both James and me! James has had his fair share of pivots – from musical theater stages to the tranquility of yoga studios, and back again to his love for performing. We talk about the balancing act of personal life, navigating the world of creating your own space to express yourself, and the struggle with imposter syndrome that many artists, including ourselves, can relate to. James and I also share some of our cruise ship escapades – the beauty, the politics, and how it's expanded our world view, shaking up our American sensibilities. Now through it all, James stands by the poignant realization of the importance of being true to oneself, and sharing art that reflects one's genuine experiences.

Podcast merch: https://www.ayanabey.com/merch
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtistPivotPodcast

James Roberts IV 
Website: https://www.jamesrobertsiv.com/
Instagram: @jamesroberts96
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/robja96

Ayana Major Bey 
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

Show Sponsors: 
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 
Editor: Kieran Niemand 
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Boundless Audio Network