Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyra Gabrielle Morrison “Tyra The Creative”.
Tyra, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am originally from a small town outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana called St. Francisville. I am 24 years old. I have a B.S. in Theatre with a concentration in Performance and Directing and a minor in Photography & Spanish (almost Spanish, I was short 2 credits, but hey!..) I Pledged Delta Sigma Theta in Spring 2014. I am a proud alum of the Iota Mu Chapter, chartered at Northwestern State University.
In January 2016 I moved to South Jersey to pursue my culinary degree at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. I graduated June 2017 at the top of my class and quickly realized that the East Coast wasn’t for me. I outgrew Philly/New York/Jersey really quickly. In the last few months of living in South Jersey, I began switching things up and taking chances. Being an actress, I just wanted to get my face out there and practice my craft, so I was auditioning in Philly and got cast in EVERYTHING. Which was hard because I felt like there was no room for growth. I went into every audition knowing that I would get cast. But I realized that accepting every role thrown at me was for the birdsssss! I was cast in an Independent Feature that I will NOT name, and I honestly am not proud of it. I don’t think I did my best as an actress and It honestly felt like more of a “chore” than a chance to practice my craft, to put it plainly. I enjoyed working with everyone on the project, but it made me realize what I wanted out of an acting career. I also started my YouTube Channel on Oct 1, 2017. It has been a very fun ride and I am learning so much. On YouTube I post content geared towards healthy living & entertainment. It’s really an all-around lifestyle channel. I am a Plant Based pastry chef and I post many videos about whipping up plant-based meals that are good for you! One day, I hope my YouTube channel grows and I can influence people all over the world to eat healthily and know that you can look fabulous while doing so! I’m still trying to zero in on what exactly I want to focus on, but yea, I’m enjoying this journey. Being in LA has taught me so much! I moved here in February 2018, and I am still adjusting. But God has been so good to me! I’ve found a church home, some dope friends, and a community of talented actors that I love to work with. I will also be making my Netflix debut soon. I cannot name the project, but I am super excited that God blessed me with such an opportunity, I mean, I’ve been out here less than a year, got a BOMB agent, and I am BOOKING!!!!! And did I mention I am a paid Content Creator? I’m really living out here in LA without a 9-5 job. well, I had one for a few months, but the Universe Slapped some sense into me really quick (they fired me) wrongfully… but mainly because I didn’t get along with my manager too well, she had issues with working with other strong women who voiced their opinions, but that was one of the best things that happened to me out here because if they wouldn’t have happened, I wouldn’t have met my agent and I my career would not be taking off like it is! You NEVER get the short end of the stick. It’s impossible. There is nothing but abundance over here my way, I’m excited for what’s in store, because I know as long as I keep Him first, God will ALWAYS provide!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am an Actress
I am a Plant Based Pastry Chef
I am a Content Creator
I am a Photographer
I show my creativity through many different mediums. Primarily, my body is my instrument. I love making people smile, laugh, cry… just feel some type of way!!! I have been an actress since I was like 8. However old you are in 4th grade. I will never forget it, I was in a play in 2004, for Environment Day, Arbor Day, someday about Mother Nature, and I was a tree. My mom dressed me in this all brown outfit, and I mean… ya girl is very Brown! That was the most “in character” I have ever been! I got up on that stage and I was the best damn tree in the forest. It was exhilarating being up there on stage expressing myself through the art of performance. Since that day, I KNEW that I wanted to be an actress.
I am also a Pastry Chef. Since I was really little I remember being brought up in the kitchen. During the holidays, I remember watching my daddy make Ooey gooey cakes and DREAMING of one day doing the same. So, my parents bought me an all pink Barbie Easy Bake Oven. I baked in that thing so much that they stopped buying the Easy Bake Cake Packets and Upgraded me to Duncan Hinessss Boo!! So, that’s why I decided to go to culinary school. My momma taught me to learn as much as I could. So, after undergrad (where I obtained my degree in Theatre and Photography) I had to make a pitstop to culinary school.
I know it may seem like I am a “Jack of All Trades” but that’s not the case. I am a Master at being a Self-Made Creative. I know the ends and outs of putting on a full-on production because of all of the steps I took to get where I am today.
I also started this project called Tyra’s Table since moving to LA. (I promise, this is where it comes full circle) Every month, I cook an elegant 3-course meal and I invite people over to my cozy studio in Koreatown. My goal is to create a fulfilling experience for the mind, body, and spirit. I’ve Invited over people that I’ve met randomly –(people from the grocery store, different events, and even the library and we enjoy good food and conversation. It’s a safe space to talk about what you’re going through and I teach people how to live a Plant-Based Lifestyle in a city that’s full of Hustle & Bustle, using foods grown right in your backyard.
Tyra’s Table is here to promote mental fortitude, perseverance, and a healthy lifestyle in a Dog Eat Dog World. It is my dream to see this grow into something as big as, if not bigger than, Jada’s Red Table Talk. I would love to invite people from all across the globe to sit down at a table with me, Tyra, from St. Francisville, and fellowship over some good Plant Based Cooking! It may seem like it’s been done a million times, but there’s only one Tyra G, and no one can bring it exactly like me!
You guys should know that the art I create is ALWAYS from the bottom of my soul. I came out of the womb creating plays and doing a little 2 step! I was born for this and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for me.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think the biggest challenge facing artists today is themselves– individuality. We are living in this digital age where it’s more satisfying to be accepted and liked than it is to be yourself and express yourself in the way you were MEANT to express yourself.
You have so many people saying they “want to be the next “*insert famous person here*” and that’s one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Babyyyyy, you will NEVER be Famous Amos! You will be YOURSELF. It’s heartbreaking to see so many dope creatives comparing themselves to others, or using others’ life and accomplishments as a “guide” or checklist to get them to where that person is.
You will never reach your full potential by trying to be someone else! That is humanly impossible. God made one of you and one of them for a reason. Own your uniqueness.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
YouTube! @Tyra The Creative Instagram @tyraboo94 @tyrastastytreats (Tyra’s Table IG coming sooooooonnnn) Netflix, sometime next year, around spring time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tyraboo94 @tyrastastytreats
- Twitter: @officialtyrag
Image Credit:
LaDell Bligen 1 photo
Talmadge Spicer 5 Photos
Demetri Hill 1 Photo
Alexis Reliford 1 Photo
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
