Meet Tai Kathine | Creative Director for ChoZen Arts, MSW, H.Y.R. Accessories

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tai Kathine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tai, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
“Let your light shine” is a motto of life I live by. Everything I do, I am mindful about letting the light inside, outshine the darkness, tragedy and hardships that life surrounds us with daily. I believe that the arts has a way of helping people to express their light in ways that words may not always allow. With ChoZen Arts and ChoZen Arts Global (Jamaica Chapter), dance is the vehicle that is used to promote healthy self-esteem, self-confidence and self-care. I also teach others to connect with the spiritual side of themselves. Dance can be used as a prayer, worship, praise and as a way to communicate the innermost feelings of reverence or pain. Behind Closed Doors is the adult version where I teach relaxation and self-care techniques through movement which encourages therapeutic healing of any mental or emotion wounds; especially those created by childhood sexual abuse or trauma. H.Y.R (Helping You Release) is a line of hair accessories to help people embrace their inner beauty by wearing handmade head pieces in their hair. It is through each of these elements that I live out my motto and assist others in becoming the brightest shining stars they already are!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a high school social worker (MSW) who also holds a BS in dance. I hope to use dance as a method to bring healing to the world through a sort of innovative dance therapy, in essence bridging both of my degrees together. I am proud of my journey which has taken so many twists and turns along the way but I am in a position now where I believe I can soar! My name Tai means, talented in Japanese and terrace/support in Chinese. I have a daily determination to live up to the meaning of my name (in each language). I have learned that there is ALWAYS a silver lining in the darkest clouds. There are beautiful moments that we have the opportunity of having everyday, so I look for them and take advantage of them when they present themselves. Smiles are free and simultaneously freeing. At the end of it all, I want the world to know that it is okay not to be okay, but you don’t have to stay in that place. There is a way out and it is up to you to find a way to come out and overcome the darkness, by letting your light shine!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday-Lakefront walk
Tuesday-Escape Room
Wednesday-Pepper Pot Jamaican restaurant
Thursday-Movies
Friday-Club/Hookah Lounge for dancing
Saturday-Paint and Sip
Sunday-Preparing a meal together in my home

In truth and transparency, I am a homebody. I spend a lot of time doing so much for others that whenever I have the chance it is usually a Netflix and Chill situation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This may sound a bit cliche but my shoutout goes to God! Throughout my lifetime, I have encountered quite a few hardships and difficulties however, consistently my faith in God has carried me through every situation and instance in which I could have given up, given in and thrown in the towel. HE has been an integral and stable force in my life for which I am eternally grateful for. I will say that all the kids and adolescents that I have had the honor and pleasure of working with has also shaped my world and life! My son Jairus is who I live for and do everything for and is my motivating force in this world! He is such a great kid and I appreciate all that he is and all that he brings to my life.