Today we’d like to introduce you to Anaya Chris.
Hi Anaya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From the time I was a little girl, I knew I had to be in the arts—some way, somehow. I grew up during Disney Channel’s golden era, when shows like Jessie, Good Luck Charlie, and Descendants, along with magical movies like Twitches, were practically part of my DNA. My brother and I would drive our mom crazy performing around the house—dancing, stomping, singing, and quoting entire movie scenes. Looking back, it was inevitable.
We even taught ourselves lifts and turns, which eventually led to dance classes (okay, I may have begged a little). I was especially inspired by my cousin Kyla’s dance skills, and soon enough, I found myself at 8 years old performing with K.Y.P.E. (Kuumba Youth Performance Ensemble), led by the incredible Mama Vivian Watts.
Under her guidance, I trained in West African dance through the Dunham technique, and learned Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, Tap, and Contemporary. Summers were filled with musicals, and in just my second year I landed the lead role in Annie. Picture this: a sandy brown fro and some very bold vocals—maybe not Billboard ready, but full of heart and soul!
I still miss the buzz of weekly rehearsals and the adrenaline of weekend performances. That drive to push myself creatively never left. By high school, I was choreographing, writing, and bringing my own artistic visions to life—including an attempt to turn The Princess and The Frog into a full stage production. (By the way, if any producers reading this want to invest in a frog suit and a stage with a trapdoor for quick changes—let’s talk.)
The arts weren’t just a passion—they were, and still are, my home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up in St. Louis, I’ve seen things—lived through experiences—that I sometimes wish I could unsee or unlearn. Though I was technically a “county brownie,” life was always a little strange, a little unpredictable… but honestly, a lot of fun, too.
Still, there’s a heaviness that comes with it. Many of the people I grew up with are no longer here, and that reality hits hard. It makes me wonder about my own time—whether there’s a target on my back simply because of where I’m from. In my city, it doesn’t always matter what you did, how old you are, or even your gender. That’s a truth you learn early.
But don’t get it twisted—I love my city deeply. I’ll always ride for St. Louis because I know the kind of huSTLers it breeds. We’ve got the best food, the realest audiences, incredible music, gifted hairstylists, and some of the most authentic artists I’ve ever seen. There’s beauty here, even in the grit.
Growing up wasn’t always smooth, especially since I didn’t always make it easy on my parents. I hung with the wrong crowds, wasn’t honest with others—or myself—and that had me drifting down the wrong path. But I thank God for giving me parents who, while not perfect, were patient. They let me fall, bump my head, and learn from the mess I made.
Every scar, every stumble, helped shape who I am now. And for that, I’m grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I take pride in calling myself a performing artist—but honestly, even that title feels like an understatement now. Growing up, I was often recognized as a “triple threat,” but over the years, I’ve evolved far beyond that label. I don’t just perform—I create. I build. I breathe art in every form.
I dance and choreograph. I create dynamic visuals through movement. I sing and write my own music, even producing beats that capture exactly what I’m feeling. I’ve directed a choir, acted on stage and screen, written screenplays, short films, and plays. I direct, film, and edit my own projects with a clear vision in mind. I even bring my creativity into hair—braiding intricate, original styles that are just as much art as anything I do on stage or on camera.
People know me for my energy and my welcoming spirit—unless you’ve caught me on an off day, of course. I’m praised for being coachable, for taking critique and quickly applying it, and for pouring my all into every single project. Some call it being a perfectionist; I call it being passionate.
What sets me apart is my commitment to technique and my intentionality. Every move, every word, every frame matters to me. Don’t let the pretty face fool you—I’m deeply educated, focused, and not chasing clout. I’m chasing excellence.
I don’t just want to be seen—I want my work to speak for itself.
How do you define success?
I absolutely love this question, because so often, success is narrowly defined by money or material gain. But to me, success is much more personal than that. It’s about finally achieving that one thing you’ve fought for with everything in you—whatever that may be.
Success could be financial freedom, yes, but it could also be peace of mind, genuine happiness, a fulfilling career, a dream home, or even the joy of finally getting that pet you always wanted. If you’ve poured real, raw emotion and hard work into a goal, then reaching it—truly reaching it—is success in its purest form.
It’s not about what it looks like to others. It’s about the sense of joy and purpose that comes from pushing through and persevering for something that matters deeply to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ncstyles.square.site/
- Instagram: Anayaxchris
- Facebook: Naya Chris
- Youtube: Anaya’ White
Image Credits
Pix 1-3 – Siarra Wise @swisephotography
Pix 4,5,7 – Dasir Northern @uptown__dot
