Our Team

History

Initiated by singer-songwriter Camila Vick, The.BlkRoom was created as a haven for artists within her circle to foster their creativity. A close friend of Camila's, Senite Barih, who was heavily involved in performing and recording at the time, sought a space for her own creative endeavors and became a frequent patron. Recognizing the widespread need among her network for a venue to rehearse, record, produce, and collaborate, Camila devised the Membership Program. Her vision involved individuals paying a modest monthly fee for unlimited access to the space, extending support beyond her immediate connections to assist a broader community of artists. Upon sharing her concept with Senite, she embraced it wholeheartedly. Following positive attention in the media, they opened membership applications, welcoming up to 15 members on a monthly rotation basis. While acknowledging the significance of physical space for artists, Camila also observed a lack of opportunities for DJs and artists in Chicago to showcase their talents. Thus, she introduced "Live at The.BlkRoom'' DJ sets, inviting DJs to apply for the chance to exhibit their work. Through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Elastic Arts, Camila and Senite broadened their collaborative network beyond The.BlkRoom's confines, and continued to do so in collaborating with AFRORACK and others to create additional opportunities for artists to have access to platforms, education, and showcasing.

Though our Co-founder has transitioned out of TBR’s administrative team, we value and thank her for all of her contributions to the founding and development of who we are. We now welcome the rest of our administrative team, Jaden, lead in marketing and audio/tech support, Eiesha, Head of Communications and research, as well as our resident food vendor. Jae’ln our in-house videographer and photographer, Meagan our event coordinator, and Taylor, our part-time grant writer and radio journalist!

Since the emergence of The.BlkRoom, through a strong partnership, The.BlkRoom Team diligently strives to enhance its success by drawing upon its shared passion and firsthand experiences as up-and-coming artists and creatives in the city. Their collaborative efforts aim to narrow the divide between opportunity and achievement for Chicago's artistic community. This began with the establishment of a safe and nurturing space and has since evolved to include the curation of workshops, events, performances, and various other avenues for artists and creatives of all stripes to thrive and succeed in their respective mediums.

  • Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Camila Vick is a multifaceted talent, excelling as a singer, songwriter, performer, and jazz musician. Beginning her journey as a vocal student, she swiftly emerged as a gifted artist and creative force in the city's vibrant scene. Alongside her band, Camila has graced stages across Chicago, showcasing her prowess as both a vocalist and performer while maintaining a steady output of original music.

    As the founder of The.BlkRoom Camila’s Professional background in brand management and business development has also led her to positions like Lead Coordinator of Outreach and the Dark Matter Residency Program. Camila remains committed to pioneering innovative approaches to effecting positive change through The.BlkRoom, and other arts and administrative positions, as she hopes to connect other BIPOC spaces, organizations, and opportunities to her community.

  • Hi, I’m Eyeisha

    though many of you might know me as @theearthyygirly! I’m the founder and CEO of Earthy Essence, a plant-based education company dedicated to empowering underserved communities with the tools to make healthy living both affordable and accessible.

    My vegan journey began in 2020 during the pandemic when I discovered how simple and rewarding healthy eating could be. In 2023, I launched my cooking page to share that knowledge, creating videos that teach people how to make delicious meals using ingredients already in their kitchens.

  • Hailing from Uptown, Chicago, Senite Barih is a versatile artist, encompassing roles as a singer, rapper, performer, and musician. Her journey began as a music student at The People’s Music School, eventually transitioning into a full-time artist propelled by the growing success of her recorded projects across multiple media platforms. Remaining active in Chicago's music scene, Senite leverages her expertise in marketing, curation, and nonprofit work to contribute to the advancement of The.BlkRoom while continuing to find ways to support her community and represent her Eritrean-American heritage.

  • Meagan St.Aubain, aka Maé, is a Haitian-American creative from New York with a passion for bringing visions to life. With a background in creative direction, music, and artistic curation, she focus on bringing creatives together. As the event coordinator at The Blkroom, she works on building community, curating dope experiences, and connecting with like-minded creatives.

  • Taylor Deshay is a Chicago-based artist and writer with a voice as raw as it is reflective. Born and raised in River Forest, Illinois, she later moved to Chicago’s West Side with her father, where the city’s pulse shaped her storytelling. A graduate of The Chicago High School for the Arts, Taylor honed her craft in creative writing across multiple forms—journalism, podcasting, poetry, and nonfiction.

    Her work explores the complexities of identity, faith, and family, often drawing from her experiences growing up as a pastor’s daughter in a dysfunctional home. Through personal essays, she peels back the layers of her past with honesty and depth, inviting readers into her world.

    Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago on a full scholarship, solidifying her place in the creative landscape. In December 2022, she brought her words to life with her first poetry installation, Lately: Exhibit 1, at Elastic Arts—an artistic extension of her debut single, Lately.

    With an unwavering passion for storytelling, Taylor continues to carve out spaces where art, music, and personal truth collide.

  • Jae’ln DA’LIGHTBEAM is a multidisciplinary artist and curator who works to build community and heal through various forms of creative expression. As the dedicated photographer for the BLK Room, he helps capture memories made by the many creatives who grace the space during their events and gatherings.