I am a 19-year-old entrepreneur and entertainer from Atlanta, GA, who dreams of making a difference in the world. I was bullied growing up for being myself, which led to many self-doubts, negatively impacting my life. I learned to channel my feelings and created different platforms to use those negative thoughts as positive step stones for the future I wanted to build. I am a proud clothing line owner, Actor, Model, and Musician. And I Co-Founded a Successful Teen Magazine called The Defiant Ones, as well as started an award-winning Podcast stemming from the magazine as well.
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you and others?
Christian: My dream is to become the best version of myself and one day look back on my life and be proud of the challenges I’ve overcome to become a representation of Black Excellence. My professional Persona, “Kindafye,” is my current status in life; seeing as I am only 19 years old and still have so many lessons to learn and experiences, “FYE” is the version of me that I would like to strive for. I am only now “Kind of “~” Kinda” there. Accomplishing my dream would inspire others like me, race, age, and experience-wise, that anything is possible and it is never too late or too early to go after your dreams.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Christian: Honestly, my mom is Butta-B Rocka. She is an International Singer/Songwriter, Published Model, Actress, Play-write, Author, Filmmaker, Podcast Host, and Serial Entrepreneur. That is a lot of titles, so imagine how difficult it must’ve been to raise two sons while pursuing her dreams of singing on stage and creating new avenues of success for herself & her family. Seeing this kind of behavior & mentality every day growing up did nothing but inspire me to do the same and to make her proud. I also owe it to myself, and those who believe in me deeply.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Christian: It’s not easy putting yourself out there for the world to see and creating new businesses that could either fail or succeed. Learning all the steps needed to produce a clothing line, create a magazine, and host a podcast has not been an easy feat; But to have done it all and been so successful at such a young age is what makes all the difference. School, Clubs, Organizations, Jobs, and Life all continued as I pursued these different things, and I could’ve either chosen to let it overwhelm me and not start or face the challenge and work for the life I wanted.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Christian: My family has been an excellent motivation for me to keep working toward my life & career. They have always supported me and had my best interest in mind. When things did start to get recognized and rewarded publicly, it was also amazing to see that my peers were looking up to me. I had the chance to speak to some of my childhood heroes and bring something to the table with every new person I met, that was my mindset getting started, and it has only elevated. I am ready to take over the entertainment & media industry.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Christian: Dream like there is no tomorrow. No matter who you are or what place you are in your life, dream as if it could come true today, and let that be your motivation to begin building towards that dream. Starting will always be the most challenging part of the process, regardless of where your journey may lead you. So let go of your worries, your doubts, and your disbelief. Whatever you want in this world, you can have it. All you need to do is start today. Dream Big, Do Everything, and Defy The Odds!
