We had the good fortune of connecting with Naya Jaella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a creative in some form. My career aspirations shifted throughout my early years, from fashion designer to chef, and eventually to architectural engineer. My love for art and creating was always there; I just hadn’t found the right outlet yet. In my senior year of high school, I started a club called Express, where various performance artists could showcase their talents. I envisioned it not as a talent show but as a full-scale production.

Unaware that this passion could become a career, I initially pursued architectural engineering in college. Later, I switched my major to marketing with a minor in Music & Business Entertainment. In 2021, I decided to create a page dedicated to creatives. As a dancer and visual artist, I was always drawn to the creative realm, and this page reignited my drive to pursue my passions.

I officially founded my first production company, Creators’ Catalog, for visual and performing artists. We currently produce variety shows with a theatre style. Bringing together different types of creatives in a space where they are valued, appreciated, supported, and showcased has been a lifelong dream. Seeing my efforts come to fruition motivates me to achieve even greater things for this company.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I’m most proud of is being able to bring together so many different creatives. Seeing what can be created with all this talent is truly inspirational. Our first production under Creators’ Catalog LLC took place on April 27th, which also happened to be my 25th birthday. The production featured poets, dancers, singers, rappers, short film artists, models, and musicians. Putting together this production and business hasn’t been easy, but the fulfillment I get from it is immense.

For our first show, every creative needed something different, and I found myself constantly on the move to meet their needs. From creative directing to decorating and more, I can honestly say I love every part of the process. From rehearsals to ensuring the sound quality for musicians to marketing the event, I learned so much from this initial production. I gained insights into professionalism, the importance of securing venue space for adequate preparation time, and the many details required for a successful show.

Despite my feeling that there was room for improvement, the audience thought it was a seamless show. In the moment, I knew I had to give myself grace and aim to deliver an even better show next time. I want the world to know that if you have a dream, don’t give up on it, no matter how hard it may seem. Strive to give it your all and be proud of what you can accomplish and what you have already achieved.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places I would recommend to my friend for dining include Bartaco, Siete, and Velvet Taco, as I’m a taco lover and these are my go-to spots. For activities, I’d suggest visiting the Beltline, the High Museum, or Rock Steady, or finding a local art event happening that week. Some art organizations I particularly like are Soul Theory, Artist Forum, First Fridays at the Underground, and, of course, my company, Creators’ Catalog. Since I’m very into jazz, I’d also recommend places like St. James Live or The Velvet Note.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my team for helping me put these productions together. Special thanks to Ashley Kay, Chrishan, Terrance Griffin, Creators’ Catalog’s band Red Garage, Asia, and my mother!

Instagram: creatorscatalog

Other: Personal Instagram: Nayajaella

Image Credits
Photography by NayaJaella

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