Tenaja David aka Kia

East Orange native Tenaja David aka Kia is a naturally skilled artist who knows no limits. Kia learned of her talents early and dove headfirst into expressing herself through art, learning how to draw at just 5 years old. “Once I sensed how much of a sponge I am to art, I felt motivated to know that I can do anything I put my mind to.” she says. With the support of her family, a group of multi-talented individuals themselves, Kia has continued to tap into her natural talents and develop them to a point of admirable entrepreneurship. The 24-year-old is a talented dancer, graphic designer and photographer who continues to expand her range and develop her visual learning style by trying and perfecting new skills often. Her most recent creative ventures include writing and performing poetry and learning how to deejay.

Inspired by many mediums, she draws her creative references from cinema, an extensive and diverse music portfolio, and most importantly, herself and her surroundings. “I appreciate where I come from as far as my ethnicity, my state, and who I associate myself with. Something sparks my creative world everyday because there’s always something new and I enjoy watching the ground work before a masterpiece.”

In addition to these, she draws influences from her favorite artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Usher, Busta Rhymes & Chris Brown. Kia is a true example of the greatness that can come from following your own intuition and allowing your truest feelings to come to fruition uninhibitedly. She is also an example of what it looks like to be truly passionate about yourself and your art. “If I force my creativity, then it won’t feel genuine to me and I know it won’t transpire the same to the world.” It’s safe to say that her authenticity has been received with open arms given her list of commendable accomplishments. Among them is earning and retaining respect as one of the best talents within the Jersey Club Culture as both a dancer and a DJ. She is also known for being a member of Emphamouz Dance Group and an all female dance group Jerseys Finest, the first dancer to grace the cover of We Are Jersey Magazine, and her mixes on soundcloud have even gone viral. She has represented Jersey with other amazing dancers on the Millennium Tour, and was the choreographer of artist Cookiee Kawaii’s - ViBE official music video. Kia also has her own Jersey Club Dance Classes every Friday in West Orange. Personally, she says one of her greatest accomplishments has been seeing her self-driven progress as she’s developed

her skills as a Graphic Designer and Photographer. Most recently, Kia has expanded her portfolio by working with VMA award winning choreographer Matthew Edwards from New York City. The pair worked together on a dance project for artist Crystal Caines for her single “BA BA BA” along with other amazing dancers from Jersey and New York. Looking ahead, she is currently in the process of refining her Jersey Club EP, Auntie Kias Cookout and doing dance promos for artists on the rise, all while working on new projects of her own. As someone who has learned how to be the captain of her own ship, Kia is intent on spreading the same message to those who come across her vivacious personality. She oozes sentiments of optimism, self-love, love for others, emphasizes having fun, being consistently grateful, never giving up, and always remembering to live in your purpose. “I feel it’s my nature to make others smile. It still shocks me how many people say that I inspire them, their children, how my dancing and personality just makes them happy. Inspiring others will always inspire me.” As for her advice to others, Kia encourages others to find what they really love to do, remain faithful, trust in God and most importantly to do the work.