Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Kirby.
Hi Andrea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Recently I took a step back to reflect on how far the Lord has brought me in my journey as a writer, creator, and performer. My experience in the performing arts industry began at about 2-3 years old when I joined a modeling agency, began dancing competitively, and started acting in theater productions, television, and commercials. From a very young age, I also had an enormous passion for writing, which is still my greatest strength presently.
2020 was an extremely difficult year for people all around the world. I personally underwent several obstacles that prepared me for where I am in my life today. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Cinematic Arts/Film during the pandemic, I had no idea as to where my life and career was going. Taking the risk to create Poised with Purpose Co. as an uplifting, entertaining, and educational business platform has been an enormous blessing to not only myself but people all over the world!
Initially, I could only afford to create personalized digital poems for my followers on social media. With assistance from my loved ones, I began producing prayer cards, encouragement cards, and journals with all of my own poetry on my Etsy Shop. I also decided to launch my own YouTube channel to create inspirational and entertaining visual content. Some of my most popular series include the “Style Like” series (paying homage to my many style influences), the “Etiquette Series” (teaching on basic manners, respect, and charm), and “The Faith Series” (sharing and spreading faith, encouragement, and the gospel). With my YouTube series playlists, my goal is to uplift and encourage people from all different walks of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always roadblocks, mountains, hills, and valleys throughout each season and journey I walk in. The biggest reminder I have to tell myself when faced with struggles is that my God is bigger than the mountain I am facing.
I am a perfectionist with high expectations. There have been several videos, photographs, and product launches that I have put an immense amount of effort and funding into that do not do well, aren’t seen, or do not sell. That can often make me feel as though I myself have failed, but I understand now that that is not the case. In order to succeed and grow, we must fall, fail, and make mistakes.
Competition is also a struggle I have been faced with. Sometimes our minds (and the enemy) try to trick us into believing that we have to compete with others in order to succeed in a certain industry. Believing these lies will create stress, insecurities, and stagnancy. That is still an obstacle I am growing through presently. There is room for all of us to create, and the only person we are in competition with is the “you” from yesterday.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It has always been difficult for me to stick to one specific profession or career title. I have been blessed with many gifts, talents, and skills that I utilize to serve others. I suppose most people who know me or have heard of me remember my style and modeling skills, though none of the gifts I have are what define me as an individual.
Prior to graduating college, I never called myself an artist. I could not draw, paint, or design. I was attending an art school, but I was not familiar with the kind of art being taught in my classes. I grew up in the Performing Arts, but I still did not see myself as an artist…not until one of my professors expressed to me that I indeed am an artist. This professor noticed that I was not only a talented writer but I also had an eye for detail, costume styling, set design, sound design, and producing. I had not thought of these practices to be considered an art, and this professor helped nurture me in my artistry.
I enjoy location scouting and creating sets to film and/or photograph in. I love styling and deciding how a character should or would be dressed. But I also love to write poetry, stories, and articles. There is more to what I do than just for entertainment or aesthetically pleasing purposes. I create to inspire and uplift, so in all that I do, I absolutely must tie in my faith.
I am certainly the most proud of Poised with Purpose Co. This a platform where I can put all of my gifts and talents into one place! There really is an art to creating a versatile platform that falls into several niches, and I believe that truly sets me apart.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
𝐴 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 © est 2020.
Poised with Purpose Co. is a faith-based business platform to uplift, encourage, and inspire people around the world through elegance, style, etiquette, and literacy. I am the Founder of Poised with Purpose Co. with a bachelor’s degree in Cinematic Arts/Film and an extensive background in modeling and the performing arts industry. I have been a featured model and creator in magazines such as J-14 Magazine, Brio Magazine, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Underground, Canvas Rebel Magazine, and Fiber Art Now. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and my faith is implemented in all that I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poisedwithpurpose.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drea.cierra.5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@poisedwithpurposeco
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/poisedwithpurpose.co/
Image Credits
Parisha Janelle Shiann
Andrea Kirby
Madeline Anson
