Meet Tauri Janeé | Creative Writer & Digital Artist

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

Hi Tauri, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My grad school and undergraduate experienced trained me to be consumed with work. Even in the moments in which I wasn’t working, I was obsessing over the work I should be doing. I’d be at a house party at 3am, twerking on somebody’s couch, thinking about how I could get ahead in Psych 401. I was always trying to split myself down the middle. It was exhausting but that was my skewed perception of balance. I now know that balance is never really 50/50. The scale will always tip towards what you’re prioritizing at that moment and that’s okay. True balance happens in a rotation, spinning circumstances from one open door to the next. As long as I can commit my attention towards the present moment I feel balanced because I know that my priorities will continuously shift. It’s okay to live a life that is sometimes 60/40. Everything will receive its time when it’s time. It can’t be forced.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Black, femme artist who uses various creative outlets -including writing and design- as tools for wellness and self exploration. My work encourages transparent communication around the lived experiences of intersectional identities.

My introduction to becoming a full time creative was more of a push than a leap. The recent pandemic threw me into entrepreneurship, something that always intimidated me in the past. Initially I was terrified, unsure of how I’d turn m creative interests into something sustainable. I’m still figuring things out, but I’m coming up on a year of doing creative work full-time, and I am in awe of the opportunities I’ve created for myself. I’ve worked on a social campaign with Häagen-Dazs, appeared in an HBO series, modeled in a fashion documentary beside Bethann Hardison. All of which would’ve never happened had I not been brave enough to express myself and my ideas. I’ve learned the value of putting your work out into the world at every stage. You never know who it will attract.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of favorite spots in New York is the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Simply put, the vibes are never off. I’ve missed it dearly during the pandemic shutdown and look forward to the day I can dance in the dark with that crowd again. I’m also looking forward to the return of BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn festival, they’ve had such dope line-ups in the past. In the meantime, I’ve been exploring galleries and restaurants. Swivel Gallery had dope exhibition about a month ago called Basket House that really spoke to my inner child. Aunt et Uncles has also been a hotspot for me. They are a Black owned, plant based cafe and bar. I could eat their roasted cauliflower and “lobster” roll everyday.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out Cadienne Obeng (@cadienne) who is representing for Black American Girls with her web series BAGS. Cadienne is an actress, script writer, and all around dope creator. She’s been committed to exploring and celebrating the Black diaspora through her work and it’s been exciting to watch that work evolve. I’d also love to spotlight Brittany Adebumola (@_lolabritt), another phenomenal actress who is grinding ever so gracefully. Last year she was casted in the Grand Army Netflix series, This year it was announced that she’ll be a series regular on a show in the works at CW. I’ll be rooting for these women always. Their continued success brings me immense joy.

Website: editaurial.com

Instagram: @editaurial

Linkedin: Tauri Janeé

Youtube: editaurial

Other: Tiktok: @editaurial

Image Credits
Tauri Janeé