We had the good fortune of connecting with Kya P and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I come from a family of powerful, driven, and creative women. I was raised in an environment where talent and glamour flourished. From my dancing and singing mother to my seamstress grandmother, and even my cosmetologist grandmother, creativity was the heartbeat of my upbringing. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when I lost my father in a car accident.
In those trying times of grief and adolescence, the incredible women in my life rallied around me, showing me the true meaning of perseverance and strength. Their collective support planted in me an otherworldly pressure, a purpose to be nothing short of remarkable. It was then that I realized I could harness my pain and imagination and transform it into my power, my strength, and ultimately, into my very own supernova.
But like most creatives, it was not an easy path. Growing up as a darker-skinned little girl, I faced relentless scrutiny and criticism. Additionally, as a mostly closeted queer kid expressing myself uniquely, I was often labeled as different. But instead of internalizing the hate directed towards me, I stayed true to myself and embraced what makes me different. I understood that being different meant having the awareness to embrace what makes you unique. Because at the end of the day, your inner confidence and how you feel about yourself are what matter most.
As an only child, I spent countless nights alone, lost in my thoughts, exploring my creativity. From playing dress-up with my dolls to sketching, dancing, and writing songs, I immersed myself in a world of creation. Through these created realities, I discovered my true identity and grew to know myself better. I always felt like I had an inner knowing of greatness, all these gifts I possessed were meant to bring it forth.
Even in the face of adversity, I sought community and inspiration through my involvement in the church choir, dance classes, cheerleading, etc. These pursuits allowed me to channel my energy into activities that I genuinely loved. Despite the darkness that often lurked, I always maintained a positive outlook on life. I always knew that all of this was meant to teach me and show me ways to become more in tune with myself than I was before.
Then, in ’09, I got access to the internet, a whole new realm of imagination and aspirations at my fingertips. I am part of the generation caught in that weird transitional phase between the time when we had VCRs and rented movies from Blockbuster during my childhood, to the point where I could endlessly watch my favorite music videos on a computer. Fashion runways, makeup tutorials, DIY projects, comics, artists, drag shows, and all kinds of media captivated my attention, igniting my imagination even further. I began sharing my own looks and creations on social media, mostly Instagram, in 2014. The positive responses I received for my unique looks online affirmed that I was onto something. That’s when I realized, “This is it. Have fun with this because you’re good at it.”
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve seen so many people in my life who are creatively talented but under capitalism and societal pressure of needing to survive, raising children, and in general not being the most lucrative thing especially at first to support your creative career I have seen them lose touch with their creative self.
For years, I found myself following the same path – conforming to norms and sidelining my love for art. But, deep down, I always knew that art was an inseparable part of who I am. And almost coincidentally right before the pandemic hit, I decided to fully commit to pursuing my artistic dreams.
Since that moment, art has proven to be a lifeline, an integral part of my existence. Despite the challenges and doubts, I have chosen art, but I believe that art has also chosen me.
I have been doing me for a long time and embraced those who embraced me.
I show a lot of different parts of myself creatively especially over the years it’s allowed me to not be boxed into but my audience always know I will deliver on the look or the art piece etc.
My ultimate goal is to live comfortably off my art and creations. I envision a serene and secluded life, surrounded by peace and living off the land. Creating is my core passion, and I can’t imagine a life without constantly expressing myself through my art.
On a professional level, I have set ambitious goals to accomplish throughout my career. While I strive to live the fast-paced lifestyle of touring, performing, and making music, I also intend to continue selling my paintings and making a fashion statement with my unique style. I plan to transform every idea that arises from my perspective into reality.
I am incredibly intrigued about pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve. I am aware of my identity and I have a passion for my work.My journey in the field of art and creation will be exceptional, and my ultimate aim is to inspire others who feel misunderstood. And by expressing myself people can understand me a little better too.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite thing to do in the city is go to all the Art pop ups honestly there’s one almost if not every weekend and it’s always so amazing to see other artist express themselves. Recently Dragcon and the Black Pride events have been so much fun. I like more of the popup events that usually happen
I’m not much of a club type of person but I do like going to the Marquette to be around the girls and gays.
I love love love pasta so definitely hit up Spice house their rasta pasta is so good. Other good places like Milk and Honey, MF Sushi, Home grown.
To say some of the obvious , piedmont park, underground atl and botanical gardens. popular outings for a reason.
Other natural outdoor places I really love are Gibbs garden, Bamboo forest.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All the women in my life , my mother , my grandmothers, my daycare teacher my wonderful amazing partner. Everyone who’s been here with me on my journey every like every follow every encouraging message. It all means alot to me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_aacidd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hadesbabyky
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@_aacidd?si=C__AH_YBh4CFNfvO
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_aacidd
Image Credits
Josh Wood momentsbyjosh_
Artonaacidd
Spicecamvisuals
D.annycc
Kya p _aacidd
Shutter Geeks Productions