Meet Thee Teeya Skipper: Expressionist & Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thee Teeya Skipper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thee Teeya, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
This may be hard to believe because we tell people this all the time…. and it’s simple but not easy! The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was to “Be Myself!” That was difficult because not everybody get’s it, and people will talk about and separate themselves from things they don’t understand…. I”ve experienced that since I was a kid. so many times it was hard to choose myself because it also meant I would be alone, or misunderstood or even starred at. It’s uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s always rewarding. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hey y’all .. First I just dropped My 2nd Album called “Here NOW!” – it’s everything lol and its available on ALL Major Music Platforms. (http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1544440231?ls=1&app=itunes ) I can’t wait to hear what your favorite songs are because this album is raw and heart centered! I think the best way to describe. myself is as an “Expressionist” which means that I express my emotions, life situations and points of view through creative outlets. This is different from how many may define themselves… I know many people who “Want to be an Artist!” But I’ve never thought of being an artist as something to obtain or “turn into” I saw it as something I already am. So that’s one difference im aware of. Artistry is not an occupation for me, its who I am. This path has not been easy but has come with great rewards. Being different is easy! But being yourself and accepting your differences, When others don’t agree or understand it, is where I’ve felt some hard blows. You would think that just because people always tell you to be yourself that they would actually want that…. However in my experience people have said to be yourself but ive quickly come to learn that they really meant, “be the part of you that they like or agree with”…”Stay in the confines of being understood and likable and you’ll be just fine.” This is what they really meant, because anytime I’ve stepped beyond what people could comprehend or believed in, it was met with doubt, mockery and a lack of love and support! The great part about this thought, is that it taught me my own strength. It taught me that I am a visionary and most times I literally have to do the idea first before people even understand it and most times it still takes time before they get it. So I learned self- reliance early on and how to believe in myself because in many situations all I had was me! What I want the world to know about everything I write, sing, design, film or even speak about is edifying and so real… Thats one of the reason people connect to my music so easily it’s because they’ve felt the very things im talking about. Im an Encourager at heart so what I want people to take from my talks is all the wisdom and knowledge I’ve learned by being bold enough to be myself. There are so many people waiting to live FULLY….they’re just scared! I’ve gotten to where I am to do by “showing up”! Sometimes while shaking in my boots. Im Brave… not fearless. I feel fear all the time. But im also an Aires (lol) and a Leader and I don’t like when fear stands in my way. So I push through and forward with my ideas whether they fail or succeed. I really focus most of my energy on conquering the fear than I do achieving the actual goal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmmmmm (lol) this question made me smile. I love a good restaurant Chile, but considering the pandemic and the fact that I can really be a homebody any way lol this should be interesting… so here we go… Next I would ask them if they’ve ever had Thai food (because I love it) and if they haven’t and are down to try it I would take them and recommend the red curry chicken with sticky rice *mouth waters*. Buckhead has some good Thai spots. Hudson Grille would be the first stop! I love this place… they have great food and (Strawberry lemonades) lol and they stay open til 2:00am. This use to be the go to spot after my shows or just when you’ve been in the house all day and decide you want to go outside for the first time at 11pm. The next place/area I would take them would be (little 5 Points). Its such a dope spot for creatives, fashion, spirituality, piercings/tattoos, unique handmade items, boutiques and some good ole shea butter. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s still a great place to just checkout or people watch (lol). I think the week would really be full of shopping (Perimeter, Lenox.. but my favorite is Cumberland mall) and eating, I haven’t been to “slutty Vegan” or “OLG” yet and I really want to go!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my fans, friends, and family… God has always used people to let me know I could go a lot further and a lot harder. Without they’re support to keep moving forward, I don’t know where I would be.

Website: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1544440231?ls=1&app=itunes
Instagram: @Teeyaskipper
Twitter: @Teeyaskipper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teeya.skipper/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/ltM9JRoFUq4
Other: *Music* https://open.spotify.com/album/0yxU02sYosCd3UBe4p6WKm?si=7cpumELISyWDTS7BBLUzqA *Limited Edition Candles for “Here Now”* teeyaskipper.bigcartel.com *soundcloud* https://soundcloud.com/thee-teeya-skipper