Story & Lesson Highlights with Anya Dessalines of South Fulton

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anya Dessalines. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Anya, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Music makes me lose track of time, all the time. When I’m writing or singing, hours disappear without me even realizing it. It’s like the world gets quiet and it’s just me, the melody, and whatever truth I’m trying to say. Performing does it too. The lights, the energy, the way a crowd interacts with you. That’s when I lose track of time and find myself all at once.
Music is where I feel the most honest, the most alive. It’s my escape, my therapy, and my reminder of who I am when everything else feels loud.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Anya Dessalines, and I’m a 23-year-old R&B artist from Atlanta, Georgia. Music has always been my way of expressing my emotions and what I’m experiencing in my life. My sound blends honesty, vulnerability, and soulful storytelling rooted in real-life experiences. I’m inspired by love, growth, and self-discovery, and I aim to create music that feels both personal and relatable, especially for people navigating their own journeys.
As an artist, my brand is about authenticity and emotional connection. I want my listeners to feel seen, understood, and empowered through my music. Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a songwriter and performer, releasing new music, and building a community that values creativity, self-expression, and mental wellness.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was always a dreamer. I wanted to be everything. A singer, a dancer, a hairstylist, an actor, you name it. I believed anything was possible.
As I got older, that belief started to fade. I began feeling like those dreams weren’t realistic, and I tried to fall in love with the kinds of jobs society says make you “successful,” even though they never truly felt like me.
Now I’m finding my way back to that dreamer. I’m learning to trust myself again, and choosing to pursue music full time is my first step in honoring who I’ve always been.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of not being perfect held me back for years. I was always extremely hard on myself in school and in everything I touched, constantly afraid of messing up or letting myself down. I’ve always been my own harshest critic.
But stepping into this field has changed my perspective. I’ve learned that mistakes aren’t setbacks, they’re building blocks. Every failure and every win matters. They all shape your journey and help you grow into who you’re becoming.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to believing in myself and my dreams, no matter how long it takes. For a long time, I rushed my journey because I felt like I was behind or needed to have it all figured out. Now, I understand that growth isn’t a race.
I’m committed to my music and to building a life that feels aligned and true to who I am, even if it takes years. Showing up, staying consistent, and trusting the process is the project I’m choosing to stand by for as long as it takes.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was honest and fearless in my truth, that I lived with a big heart and loved freely. I want to be remembered for helping others, staying true to myself, and following the path God set out for me. I pray that I do everything I was meant to do and leave behind a story of courage, love, and using my voice to make others feel seen, understood, and less alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anyadessalines.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyadessalines?igsh=N290c3N4Z21zZGFt&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anyadessalines?si=QbeatFE5TXeEVtqh
• Other: TikTok:
  https://www.tiktok.com/@anyadessalines?_r=1&_t=ZP-92J7eqgDfod

Image Credits
Justin “Henny” Henderson: HennyThaBizness

FunTimeMedia: Elliot Freeman