Daily Inspiration: Meet Chryssy Payne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chryssy Payne. 

Hi Chryssy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Dayton, OH. I’ve been writing music/poetry since I learned how to write. The arts has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Today writing and acting are my outlets. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like most 18-year-olds, I struggled with trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life. Music was the furthest thing from my mind at the time simply because college was what was expected of me. Although I was “pushed in,” I’m grateful for the experience because being on my own and away from what I was used to gave me the chance to get to know Chryssy, realize how multi-faceted Chryssy is, and learn how to balance everything. In addition to completing my course work, holding leadership positions, and working, I still found time to write and record music. Music was always there. When I graduated, I did what was expected of me, again. I went to graduate school and worked in corporate America. But it wasn’t fulfilling, it was actually draining and left minimal time for music. After being gainfully employed for a few years, I decided to build my own studio in my apartment, leave corporate, take a part-time position as an adjunct professor and give music my full attention. There have been financial struggles and tons of risks, but it was a lot of fun! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist. I’m a rapper-singer and song-writer. I’m also an actor. I’m a fitness influencer. I’m a business owner and an investor. Oh, and I’m a professor! I’m known mostly for music; fitness comes in at a close second. I’ll be on the big screen soon as well! I want to star in the movies and write the soundtrack. The message in my music sets me apart because I tell my story, and no one can tell my story like me. My ability to be me sets me apart. I’m Chryssy Payne, and I’m enjoying the journey that I’m on and elated that I get to express it in so many different ways. 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking?
I think there is almost always some sort of risk involved when it comes to meeting your goals, or becoming successful (whatever that may mean to you). When I was in my early twenties, people looked at me like I was crazy for quitting my corporate job to go on tour and pursue music. Some people said things to my face, some people talked behind my back. I came to an understanding that most of those people meant well, but much of their pushback came from their inability to see my vision/imagination, which is fine. What’s in front of you/in your imagination is not for everyone else to see. We have one life to live and our life is made up of the sum total of our choices. There’s no rule that says everyone has to be on board with our choices or even understand them. Quitting my corporate job was one of the biggest risks I’d ever taken. I’m glad I took it without looking for everyone’s “yes” and “amen.” I’m a strong believer in great things not being achieved in comfort zones. Now that I’m older, I consider taking more calculated risks, especially if there is money involved. I believe in having mentors in the fields you’re in. I asked my mentor questions and did calculations before buying my first investment property, etc. I think risk is necessary and can be a blessing either way—you either win or you learn Learning is still a win in my book because I get to write about it later. 😉 

Contact Info:

• Email: bookchryssy@gmail.com
• Website: chryssypayne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fots_chryssy/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChryssyPayne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrmbX3jz-XgnFUv6vUOCUuw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chryssypayne?lang=en

Image Credits
Chareese Robinson
Lunsford Images
Hue 12 Studio