Shyla, the Super-Gecko

Shyla is a poet and manages the Virtual Hotel Chelsea’s El Quiote Lounge venue, which features poets and live musicians from Second Life. Shyla began writing at a young age, including lyrical expression. She has written and produced live sketch comedy shows and performed stand up in Chicago. She is a published poet and has won awards for her poetry in Second Life.

Her work captures emotions associated with the question, ‘What does it feel like to [insert experience here]?’. Her writings range from intense to light-hearted and upbeat.

When it comes to music in SL, she says, “I’m still learning, and have a lot to learn! But Enola took a chance on me, and I’m so grateful she introduced me to all that the Second Life music scene has to offer.”

She is active in a variety of other communities within Second Life and has been featured in two films directed by Draxtor Despres. One is the full-length, award-winning documentary, “Our Digital Selves: My Avatar is Me” and a short Linden Lab production, “Poetry Made in Second Life: The Glinka Gallery” .

In the physical world, Shyla is a stay-at-home handi-capable gecko who enjoys ‘Bob’, her beautiful beta. She also enjoys writing, studying various topics, participating in handi-capable organizations and talking or Zooming (yes, she Zooms…) with family and friends.