Fashion Designer/R&B Singer TYAHNA MARAY: Featured Artist Of The Week
Fashion Designer and R&B singer Tyahna Maray has been selected for Spectacular Magazine Featured Artist of the Week for the week of January 11, 2020. This Chicago-born emerging R&B artist, singer/songwriter showcases her multitude of artistic talent through music and fashion.
She ended 2020 releasing a much-anticipated music video for her hit single “5 Minutes.” While she was releasing new music last year, she ventured off into the fashion world and began designing ‘very dope clothing for very dope people’ under her label Unapologetically Dope.
After watching her “5 Minutes” video (scroll down) that showcases Tyahna Maray’s singing style and fashion sense, Spectacular Magazine was compelled to learn more about Tyahna Maray:
Angelica Bonds (AB): What is your current occupation?
Tyahna Maray (TM): The Ultimate Hustler. I am a singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. I currently have ownership in several businesses ranging from my non-profit organization, clothing line, entertainment venue, and an eyelash company. Coming in 2021, I plan on starting a T-Shirt printing company and starting a few more business ventures. My goal is in 5 years to have about 20 different successful revenue streams.
AB: When did you begin your music career?
TM: I started rapping at 2 years old. I know that sounds crazy but I swear I was a 2-year-old rapper, just ask my family! Around age 4, I started singing because I was inspired by Beyoncé. My music career took off at around age 15 when I met Nick Pettiford who is also a huge father figure in my life. I recorded my 1st studio record called “So Deep” and from that point, music has been my life.
AB: What is your motivation for your art?
TM: My motivation is sparked by my passion for mentorship because I feel that you can communicate a message through a song easier than actually giving a long lecture to the youth. My motivation also comes from everyone who supports me, especially my family and friends who have supported my singing since I found my voice at a young age. That’s who I do it for! My supporters, friends, and family! I will make them proud.
AB: In what ways has your music changed since you first started?
TM: I’ve grown due to everything I’ve gone through and I’m truly grateful for my team and the people I work with every time I’m in the studio. Originally, I was nervous and it would take me a while to write to the music and catch the vibe but being surrounded by great producers and writers, I can now create a song in a session.
AB: Do you have any upcoming projects, shows, or appearances? What is your next step?
TM: So far as appearances I’m constantly doing online meetings, shows, and performances due to COVID which still keeps me busy during these times. I’m currently working on my second project which isn’t titled yet however it’s about 75% done. And I have a new visual I’ll be releasing soon so stay tuned. As far as shows, due to the state of the world, no shows at this time, but I can’t wait until the world opens up and back performing for the world to see!
AB: How has being a fashion designer assisted in your singing career?
TM: I love this question! One time I had an event and I had a wardrobe malfunction! I grabbed my sewing kit and stitched some things together. Suddenly boom, the outfit was back on fleek. With my knowledge of clothing and material, I was able to save my own life and still look show-ready.
AB: What started your passion for fashion?
TM: My mom would dress me as a child so cute every single day for school and all my teachers and friends would always compliment me. Honestly, when you look good, you feel good so my passion was sparked by my mom and the tread of my family being fashionistas.
AB: When did you start your clothing line? What was the inspiration?
TM: My clothing line Unapologetically Dope was birthed due to me having a fall out with a close friend. I felt she didn’t understand me, which wasn’t fair. I shouldn’t have to apologize for being dope or being me and no one should for that matter. All of those emotions were brewing while also being inspired by other designers. I thought to myself “I can do that too!” so I taught myself how to sew in May 2020 and launched my Unapologetically Dope clothing on June 22, 2020, and it’s been a hit ever since!
AB: What’s your favorite fashion look? If you could steal anyone’s look for the day, who would it be?
TM: My favorite fashion look is a crisp white collared shirt or any white shirt with some light denim jeans and heels or fresh gym shoes (Chicago lingo for sneakers). The best outfits have the perfect accessories to bring everything together. My go-to accessories are a designer bag to match, a pretty gold watch, gold bangles, a gold necklace, and gold earrings to accent the fit. The look captures one word, FIRE! I wouldn’t honestly steal anyone’s look. I think different strokes for different folks and what may look good on someone else probably won’t look as good on me.
AB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to be more fashionable?
TM: I think dressing up is an expression! Dress how you feel. Don’t follow the trends fully, it’s a trend because it’ll eventually go out of style. The way I learned to dress is by buying items that won’t ever get old, something I can have for 20 years, and pass down to little cousins. Shop for quality and shop Unapologetically Dope because we have affordable quality items for all sizes.
You can stay up to date with everything Tyahna is doing by heading over to her website www.tyahnamaray.com, on Instagram, Twitter, Clubhouse, and Facebook @tyahnamaray. You can also follow her fashion on Instagram @udopeclothing and the website www.wereud.com.