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 in September 2024, 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!

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.

  • Jayla Trenyce is a conceptual fine art photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Chicago. Her photographic practice centers the investigation of the complexities of Black femme identity formation through intimate, symbolic, and narrative-driven imagery. This work has been presented in exhibition settings and through documentation-based practices supporting organizational marketing and archival initiatives throughout the city of Chicago, most notably at The South Side Community Art Center and The Museum of Science and Industry’s 2026 Black Creative Juried Art Exhibition. Across all facets of her practice, she prioritizes collaboration, accessibility, and the creation of spaces for Black creatives.

    She is the owner and founder of Kindred Noir, a multidisciplinary creative organization encompassing both a for-profit creative studio and a nonprofit arm. Kindred Noir is dedicated to supporting artists and creative organizations through education, digital marketing, access, and community-centered programming. The organization exists to equip artists—particularly Black and underserved creatives—with the tools and visibility needed to build sustainable creative practices and achieve long-term success.

    Joselyn Singleton is a key member of the Kindred Noir leadership team, serving as Program Assistant and close strategic collaborator. An educator by trade, she supports program development, organizational operations, and community engagement, functioning as an essential partner in advancing Kindred Noir’s mission and impact.

  • 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.