Photo by Joshua Bell Photography
Krystyn Schae is a passionate artist, community leader, gamer, and creative content creator. In 2023 Schae received her Bachelor of Arts in Music with emphasis in Flute Performance gracefully with support of Dr. Meghan Bennett and mentors from Outreach & Special Programs, the Offices of Black Student Success, and of course a quiet practice room. Outside of class, Schae was grateful for family and friends that came to support her many endeavors and performances held all over central California.
Education held a lot of weight into Schae's life. Her family has always been a huge part of why it was imperative to shoot for the stars. For 5 years after graduating high school, Schae wasted no time and no opportunities to get her degree. One year of growth and experience at San Jose State University really highlighted the challenges of independence and financial stability. The pressure was real! To release some of the many burdens brewing while away from home, Schae decided to finish her Associate's Degree for Music at a community college back home and transfer one more time to the connecting university to finish out the rest of her degree.
During her final year in undergrad, she was interviewed by the university and performed Danza de la Maripoza, composed by grammy-winning flutist Valerie Coleman, in front of thousands of people. After walking the stage for the last time, it was an incredible reflection over the following years of how her impact inspired many women and children to take risks to get the rewards they want. Schae's deep involvement in Fresno State University left a lasting mark that hopefully many wont forget. She encouraged students of diverse backgrounds to enter college, taught over 200 music students discipline and dedication, proved racist professors wrong in the fact that she is a great performer and educator, and still made it all happen while grieving the loss of her dear grandfather after peak COVID-19. Growing up in a sundown town is not a journey Schae would wish upon anybody - so she worked extremely hard to reach for the life she deserved, one her family would be proud of , and escape the social anxieties of being Black in all white spaces. Because being a Black woman in America is one of the hardest tasks to ever do - Schae prioritizes giving flowers to black creators, musicians, and communities within her career as she continues to reach new heights in her realm.
Schae’s Place began in 2021 in central California as an Instagram presence and made its vending debut at an Art Hop market event shortly after. The tables were super bare - starting with resin keychains, a few ashtrays, and some water because it was 100 degrees outside all summer! Friends and family came out to support this very successful first market, which became one of many thereafter. As inventory expanded, this hippie hollow had products on different platforms like Etsy and a black-owned app called Miiriya, to eventually come here, with her own domain and Shopify website.
After venturing to North Carolina, Schae really focused on building her brand. Through trial and error she discovered that music was a huge part of her but not the only part that deserved to be showcased. Art, reading, and gardening have all been Schae's hobbies since she was a child. Her grandmother taught her how to sew by hand, how to speak French, the power of reading, how to plant vegetables and cook a fabulous meal. There was just not enough time in the day to do everything all the time in high school, but Schae certainly got close. Schae was a dedicated musician first and athlete second. Tennis, throwing for Track & Field, and being a part of the dance program were major commitments that required discipline and practice as well. Academics were naturally easy, so being the top of her class was no surprise (if she wasn't, Mom would have never encouraged extracurriculars!)
|
Schae Butta |
In this journey of business ownership, artistry, and community building, there is truly so much to learn. Schae moves with the intention of embracing creative individuals and sharing the most intimate parts of her artistry. By purchasing handmade art, sharing or engaging on social media, you are contributing to a network that yearns to serve communities that foster spiritual wellness in mainly black-focused spaces. Schae's Place can be a safe haven for earthy individuals, readers, gardeners, gamers, musicians, lgbtq+, and of course the hippies, fairies, and stoners too! |
Musical & Educational Achievements Summarized:
Twitch Achievements summarized here
For business inquiries, collaborations, interview requests, and other questions please contact info@schaesplace.com
