In this episode of Every Day Is a Yay, artist and creative storyteller Shereene Manimala shares what it truly means to own your artistry, honor your identity, and create from a place of rest and intention.

Known as Upside Down Smilie, Shereene expresses her art through music, visual work, repurposed Indian saris, and cultural storytelling. She also builds creative community through Manimala Studio and supports her husband iLLEST as his artist manager. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to making art that feels authentic, sustainable, and rooted in who she is.

Her story is one of identity, creation, and giving yourself permission to expand into every version of your artistry.

🎧 In this conversation with host Jewel Ifeguni, Shereene opens up about:
• What it means to own your artistry on your own terms
• Creating across multiple mediums without losing your voice
• Rest, slowing down, and building sustainable creative routines
• Being a Malayalee American woman in the creative world
• Honoring identity, culture, and intuition in her work

✨ Subscribe for more conversations celebrating creativity, growth, and purpose.

📲 Follow @everydayisayayshow for behind-the-scenes content and upcoming episodes.
🎨 Follow @shereene.manimala and @upsidedownsmilie to experience her art and creative world.

For more information find us on everydayisayay.com
🍋Connect with us:
Instagram & YouTube: @everydayisayayshow

🍋Connect with the host:

TikTok: @jewelzofthenile

Instagram: @jewelzofthenile

In this episode of Every Day Is a Yay, multidisciplinary artist and curator Ashanti Starlight shares what it truly means to define your own path and make your own yes.

Known as the Queen of the Trades, Ashanti has built a creative career that spans design, poetry, hosting, and cultural curation. Her work celebrates self-expression, authenticity, and the courage to create without waiting for approval.

🎧 In this conversation with host Jewel Ifeguni, Ashanti opens up about:
• Building a creative career by saying yes to herself first
• Balancing multiple artistic passions with purpose
• Why authenticity is the ultimate creative power
• How she uses design, poetry, and storytelling to elevate culture
• The mindset shift that helps artists create freely and without fear

✨ Subscribe for more real conversations that celebrate purpose, creativity, and community.
📲 Follow @everydayisayayshow
for behind-the-scenes content and upcoming episodes.
🎨 Follow @ashanti_starlight
to see how she continues to redefine what it means to be a creative force.

#everydayisayay #ashantistarlight #chicagocreatives #creativity #selfexpression #artandculture #womeninmedia #creativecommunity #artistinterview #zillennialcreatives

For more information find us on everydayisayay.com
🍋Connect with us:
Instagram & YouTube: @everydayisayayshow

🍋Connect with the host:

TikTok: @jewelzofthenile

Instagram: @jewelzofthenile

“Music That Dares to Be Different.” | Joryin on Creativity, Fearlessness & Finding Her Voice

In this episode of Every Day Is a Yay, singer-songwriter and creator Joryin opens up about her journey as the founder of JoJo Kpop Chicago — a platform where music, community, and creativity collide.

Known for blending K-pop influence with her own unique sound, Joryin turns personal experiences into powerful anthems of self-expression. With singles like GHOST and EVERYTHING (inspired by Everything Everywhere All at Once), she reminds us that embracing who we are — quirks and all — is the ultimate form of artistry.

🎧 In this conversation with host Jewel Ifeguni, Joryin shares:
• The story behind JoJo Kpop Chicago and her mission to inspire fans through creativity
• How fear and comparison shaped her early journey — and how she’s breaking free
• The meaning behind her hit singles GHOST and EVERYTHING
• Why she believes in doing things differently, even when it’s scary
• How she’s redefining what it means to be a K-pop artist from Chicago

✨ Subscribe for more real conversations that uplift, heal, and inspire.
📲 Follow @everydayisayayshow for behind-the-scenes and upcoming episodes.
🎤 Follow @jojoryin for new songs, performances, and updates.

#everydayisayay #joryin #kpop #NC217 #BTS #jojokpopchicago #chicagomusic #selfexpression #fearless

For more information find us on everydayisayay.com
🍋Connect with us:
Instagram & YouTube: @everydayisayayshow

🍋Connect with the host:

TikTok: @jewelzofthenile

Instagram: @jewelzofthenile