Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Dieyi.
Cynthia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I honor a lifelong passion for storytelling through filmmaking and the performing arts. I am the co-producer on “Keith Broke His Leg,” an Indie Series Award-winning web series starring Keith Powell from the multiple Emmy Award-winning sitcom, “30 Rock.” As an actress, I’ve been seen on American network television like the CW’s “Black Lightning,” FOX’s “The Resident” and BET’s “Alieu The Dreamer.” I was also featured in Vogue Magazine, Italy last year.
My earliest memory of my current expression was when I was three years old. I participated in a cultural dance competition back in my home country Nigeria. And I haven’t looked back in pursuit of the creative endeavor since. From ages 7 through 15, when I went off to college, I was a member of drama groups as well as a lead singer in my church choirs. By the time I got to college, I was playing lead roles in live plays. Fast forward to now, I have made my network TV debut and I continue to pursue my performing artist career.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Multimedia and a Masters in Strategic public relations, both of which provide a solid background as it pertains to my craft. On the side, I am building my personal brand as an influencer, and on my page @cynthiadieyi on Instagram, I’ve been able to attract a following of over 10,000 in 100 days.
My upcoming projects include lead roles on upcoming tv series titled “365 Days,” “I Hate Everything,” and most recently “We’re All Just Getting By.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, most recently, the biggest struggle has been the global coronavirus pandemic and how it has affected the film industry. Productions are having to expand their budgets to enhance safety measures for everyone on set, which means that Indie Film without robust budgets are suffering the hardest. Consequently, indie TV series in which I starred that were slated to be released this year had to be pushed back to 2021.
In general, my biggest struggle has been deciding what path to stay true to as a multi-passionate creative. And struggling with the reality that some of my passions might not be achievable with the limited time we all have on earth.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I teach performing artists & influencers how to amplify their voices online using high-impact visual stories. Within the past three months, the sheer impact of the content I’ve been sharing no Instagram has drawn a following of over 15,000 and counting – the same number of followers it takes most people years to attract.
My proudest achievement is finding the power in vulnerability. I’ve been able to inspire people into action using my personal stories – my struggles, my triumphs and I’ve seen the power in laying it all out. I am looking to help other performing artists & influencers do the same – share their stories, be vulnerable online, take ownership of their creative magic, and find their tribes.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I subscribe to Maya Angelou’s definition of success: Success is being able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it, maintaining my dignity and liking myself while I do it. In a world where models of success are extremely narrow, happiness lies in defining what success means to you.
Does what you do inspire you? Are you able to retain your dignity while you do it? Are you able to serve a purpose that’s bigger than yourself while you do it? Those are my success markers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cydieyi.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cynthiadieyi
Image Credit:
Leo Wu
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