ABOUT
The Vybe LLC aims to create access and resources for artists of color and underserved youth. Our mission is to provide space that artists will use to create and showcase their work, socialize, and celebrate diversity in cultures. Our motto is “Art. Soul. Chill” because we make and experience Art, add some soul to it then chill! Through our mission, we enhance the visibility of BIPOC creatives and bridge the gap in diversity/representation of arts and culture from the five boroughs to Long Island. This is achieved through our event programming and collaborations with BIPOC small businesses and organizations.
Meet the Staff
Kierah Thompson
Founder/Owner/Artistic Director
Kierah is a vocalist, songwriter, educator, and entrepreneur
from Long Island, New York. Kierah has lived in multiple cities
of Long Island but resonates with the towns of Westbury and
Huntington the most. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music,
with a concentration in Vocal Performance, from thee Virginia
State University, her beloved HBCU (Historically Black
College/University). Kierah recently received her Master of Arts
in Arts Management & Entrepreneurship from The New School in NYC, where she founded and launched The Vybe LLC.
Kierah specializes in the music genres of classical, gospel, R&B
neo-soul, and musical theater. As both an entrepreneur and
cultural curator, Kierah hopes to build community, culture, and
provide equitable access to BIPOC artists to create and
showcase their work through The Vybe in Long Island, Queens,
and beyond.
Karen Gonzalez
Production Manager/Marketing
Karen is an artist-entrepreneur from Colorado Springs, CO. Karen obtained her Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Jazz Studies and Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate in 2019 and recently received her Master of Arts in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship from The New School in NYC May 2021. Karen’s work revolves around creating equitable and inclusive spaces for underrepresented populations in the performing and visual arts. Karen specializes in jazz, pop, and musical theater singing styles. In addition, she teaches private voice to students ranging from ages 5-to 50 and enjoys every minute of it in her free time. As an Entrepreneur, Karen is a self-taught graphic designer who offers her logo, website design, branding, and illustration services. Karen is excited to help cultivate arts and culture in Queens and Long Island through The Vybe, LLC by providing a platform for BIPOC Artists and Entrepreneurs to thrive in their creativity.
Brian Gonell
Promoter/Event Host/Recruiter
Brian was born and raised in Corona Queens New York. Graduate of Long Island City High School in 2015, Brian now serves as The Vybe LLC's resident host, promoter, and talent recruiter. Prior to The Vybe LLC, you may have heard Brian's voice under his alias Monk3yy as host for Behind the Callout, a podcast dedicated to Rainbow Six Siege and Esports news. Listen here. Brian also led his own team in Rainbow Six Siege playing multiple tournaments with individuals across the country. Win or lose Brian knew how to unify his team and move them to the next level. In Brian's free time you can find him watching anime, playing on his Xbox/PS5, or listening to new music by his favorite artists. Brian is enthusiastic about expanding arts and culture within the Queens and Long Island region and is committed to ensuring everyone's comfortability and experience no matter what their background is. He looks forward to seeing everyone at The Vybe.
Cici Damali
Makeup Artist
Damali, Cici’s middle name, means ‘beautiful vision’ in both the Arabic and African Swahili languages. Cici Damali is a professional New York Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist catering to the BIPOC community with sensitive or allergenic skin types. Cici first discovered her passion for makeup artistry as she was a former model & pageant competitor. However, as a Black woman with sensitive & allergenic skin, she had a limited selection of products to choose from. Very few artists she worked with were experienced with different skin tones, let alone sensitive skin. Such challenges influenced Cici to pursue a career in esthetics, completing Chic Studios NYC School of Makeup's Master Makeup Artistry course in 2019, & completing a 600-hour esthetics course, earning an honors diploma at Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics in 2020. Cici had the vision to help people of color like her with sensitive skin and allergies in skincare and makeup. That vision is Damali Artistry. Cici can't wait to bring this vision of Damali Artistry to The Vybe!
