Meet Cymandye.

Cymandye Russell is a seasoned creative professional, cultural strategist, and media visionary with nearly two decades of experience across storytelling, branding, and design. She is the founder of Art Riche LLC, a boutique creative firm, and the creator and host of The Bridge Podcast (@ConnectWithTheBridge), a podcast that brings together impactful voices from music, entertainment, and personal development. Through honest conversations and cultural insight, the show bridges the gap between generations and communities, offering listeners both inspiration and education.

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Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, Cymandye serves as Design Manager for Virginia Food Group, where she leads creative direction and brand development for a portfolio of reputable snack brands including The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, FERIDIES, Virginia Diner, and Red Rocker Candy. Her creative work and media contributions have been featured in XXL, The Virginian-Pilot, Daily Press, Billboard, WYDaily, VPM/NPR, RESPECT Magazine, Spin Magazine, HipHopSince1987, and more.

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Cymandye is the co-founder of the multimedia department at Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, an iconic studio known for shaping the sound of hip-hop legends such as Outkast, Goodie Mob, Ludacris, Gucci Mane, T.I., and Future. She continues to serve as Patchwerk’s Senior Graphic Designer, helping lead the studio’s visual identity and digital storytelling.

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Her design expertise spans across industries and mission-driven causes. She served as the lead graphic designer for the nonprofit organization of Grammy Award–winning recording artist Lupe Fiasco, supporting its evolution from the Lupe Fiasco Foundation to M.U.R.A.L. (Magnifying Urban Realities and Affecting Lives), and has created impactful work for the United Way of Greater Williamsburg. Her reach continues to grow nationally, with the grand reveal of her logo design for the West Side of Chicago’s first children’s museum, One Lawndale Children’s Discovery Center, currently underway in 2027.

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Deeply committed to arts education and youth engagement, Cymandye has provided children’s ARTivities programming since 2021, beginning in Atlanta, Georgia, and expanding through partnerships across Virginia. Through the Contemporary Arts Network, she has produced and facilitated ARTivities for City of Newport News festivals, creating accessible, hands-on creative experiences for children and families. She has also led an art show and competition in collaboration with Ripley’s Believe It or Not, blending creativity, imagination, and community engagement in innovative ways.

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A former music journalist and award-winning radio personality, Cymandye has interviewed notable voices including Nicki Minaj, LaRussell, KRS-One, 2 Chainz, Kool G Rap, Malice (Clipse), Trey Songz, Cam’ron, and more. Her work is rooted in authenticity, purpose, and cultural preservation, with a passion for amplifying underrepresented stories across every platform she touches.

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Cymandye has been an active member of the Recording Academy since 2016, grounding her work within the professional music community. In January 2026, she was named a MusiCares Ambassador, further reflecting her commitment to supporting and advocating for members of the music community. She also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Virginia Hip-Hop Foundation, where she supports the organization’s mission of preserving, educating, and advocating for Virginia’s rich hip-hop legacy while helping bridge cultural, generational, and creative communities across the state.

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In addition to her creative leadership, Cymandye is an active speaker who has shared her insight and experiences on panels at Pharrell’s Mighty Dream Forum, TimbalandWay, Norfolk State University, the College of William and Mary, and Hampton University, inspiring the next generation of creatives to lead with purpose, courage, and innovation.

 

Her mission is to empower and encourage the youth to use their creative abilities through music, art, and multimedia. Her business Art Riche is a platform to do just that, allowing people to get the tools and education they need to successfully pursue their dreams.