With years of planning and brainstorming behind her, junior journalism major Kai Miller has finally found her niche with a blog called Gen. Y Collective, available on WordPress, a website that features artists who differ from the average celebrity.
Miller claims that her blog, has positively enhanced her life after she created it last August.
“I really try to reach out to people who appreciate different cultures,” Miller said. “I want [the readers] to get a sense of who the person is.”
Born and raised in New York, Miller grew up with two brothers and a close group of friends who she said are artistically unique. Whether it’s fashion, rapping, photography or modeling, each friend had an individual focus while Miller never found something to smile about everyday.
“Just going through high school and coming to college and seeing them grow into their talents, I kind of struggled with what I could be,” Miller said.
Miller came to UT as a biology major with every intent of becoming a doctor. After a long two years of calculus classes and challenging science courses, she eventually switched her path to journalism, which she described as the best decision she has ever made.
“I realised that [being a doctor] didn’t suit me; it didn’t make me happy,” Miller said. “I didn’t wake up every day with a burning passion or desire.”
With the inspiration of her friends, she made the move and completely changed her life direction.
The artists featured on Gen. Y Collective use their talents to express themselves by dancing, singing, rapping or even designing clothing; some have made music videos which are streamed on Miller’s website.
The blog exposes the artists with an aim to spread their ideas and lifestyle. One of the recent artists shown on the blog, Niqa Mor, is acknowledged for her music video called Sweetest Addiction. Miller explains the story behind the video, which uses a twisted technique of showing the artist’s dark fantasies.
Miller has yet to feature any UT student artists, but claims she is open to collaborating with aspiring musicians and designers. “I really want to play a major role in showcasing the aesthetic culture here in Tampa,” she said.
Today Miller is the only writer for the blog, but she hopes to expand in the near future.
“I would definitely love new ideas and new ways to get [the blog] out there,” Miller said. She plans to create an interview process for the potential writers in hopes that they are relatable. Even though she is open to new ideas, Miller wants the main ideas to continue to accommodate independent culture.
Miller sees herself following a radio or television career where she will be able to implement her ideas around the country.
Even with the resume-boosting advantages of this blog, Miller doesn’t envision building a career from it. “I just want it to be a component of my everyday life.”
She feels UT students will benefit from following the blog because it often acts as a social platform that promotes unity.
“I want to lead by example in showing how powerful one voice can be,” she said. “I want to inspire others to take their first steps in paving a unique lane for themselves and following their dreams.”