One of the things we're most proud of here at Urban Grandstand Digital is the content that we offer here. With each interview we do, we want to not only showcase the talent of that particular individual, but also show their human side. We want to show that they're just like us. That, in itself, is very much part of the reason we chose to feature CydneiChyan here at UGD! Surely, she was a great option in launching our Beauty & Eye Candy section of UGD, but she's definitely a great representation of what we want to offer in our pages. CydneiChyan is working extremely hard at building her career, with aspirations of being a triple threat in modeling, acting, and singing. Off to a great start already, she recently aligned herself with Amirakal Marketing for the proper boost in publicity.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me about how you got off into this business? I know you were back and forth between Indianapolis and Atlanta.
Cydnei Chyan: My mom had gotten a new job, and she basically asked me if I’d rather stay in Indianapolis and attend the Art Institute, or move back to Atlanta. She knew of American Idol tryouts that were going on, and thought I should do it. I decided to move, and actually went through the tryouts.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Wow. What was that experience like for you to try out for American Idol?
Cydnei Chyan: It was really nerve-wrecking, to say the least. A lot of people don’t realize it’s a lot of “show” stuff. People need to see the entertainment, so you end up doing a lot of things over again. I got there at 5am, and didn’t audition until 6pm. It was nerve-wrecking, and ultimately, I didn’t make it, but it was a good experience. it got me out of my shell with singing in front of crowds.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think if you can do something of that stature, and be rejected and deal with that, you can deal with anything in the industry coming your way.
Cydnei Chyan: Exactly. That’s how I feel. I’ve been rejected a few times. I signed up for The Voice, and they also said no. Just because they tell you no does not mean you’re not talented. It’s a lot of people, and it’s all strategy. Initially, I was a little discouraged, but I eventually came around.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Honestly, you’re doing good if that’s the only rejection you’ve experienced thus far.
Cydnei Chyan: True…(laughing)
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk a little about your direction since returning to Atlanta. What types of other things have you been able to get involved with?
Cydnei Chyan: I met a lady who owned a hair company, and began to model for her company. That was the first thing I did in terms of modeling. It made me realize how much I liked being in front of the camera, and I wanted to make it into a career. I began looking for other photographers for freelance work. It was good to continue getting in front of the camera. I go to different networking events as well. I’ve learned so much in the two years I’ve been here. In terms of music, my cousin has a studio so I do a lot of work there. I was in some groups, and they all were moreso learning experiences. I performed a few times at Apache cafe, but since then, I’ve just been trying to reflect, meet more people, and get out there as much as I can.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of your music, has anything been put together yet?
Cydnei Chyan: I’m putting an EP together now. I’m a perfectionist, and it’s difficult being a perfectionist when you’re on a budget. I have a lot of music recorded, but it’s just that I’m still learning and I want to perfect it. I know i’ll get better as time progresses, but I want it to be the best.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you more driven towards modeling, or music? What will be your defining thing?
Cydnei Chyan: I think it all rolls up into one career. I’m a visual person, and I want to have thousands of photos, and have my face out there. Music is a passion of mine but you can intertwine that with acting and fashion. I want to do all three and I know I can. Long term, I want to be looked at as a singer. That’s a passion of mine, and what I’ve wanted to do my entire life. Modeling has become this thing that I’m really good at. This is something I can do to really brand myself, which is so important. My modeling career is really the stepping stone for it all.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You mentioned brand, which is so important. Tell me what your brand is? What are you trying to personify?
Cydnei Chyan: I’m really a peaceful and chill person, so my brand comes with peace. I want to be able to inspire like-minded girls like myself. It’s hard to be taken seriously out her, and it’s difficult to make it without being looked at in a certain way. I want to inspire people in a positive way.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What do you aspire to do moving forward to help other models and singers?
Cydnei Chyan: I want to inspire people through my music and performances. I want it to be an experience for them when listening to my music. I want them to feel a certain way. I want it to be positive and relatable. In terms of modeling, I want to travel and enlighten people with the things I’ve done. I want them to relate to me, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m untouchable.