We recently connected with Chris Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Creating this nonprofit organization has been one of the most meaningful and enjoyable projects we’ve undertaken. As artists ourselves, we recognized a lack of resources and opportunities for true growth and development in our community. In an industry where everyone talks about supporting creatives, we saw a need to take action and provide tangible support. Our goal is to foster an environment where artists can thrive, improve their craft, and turn their passion into a sustainable way of life. We founded this organization to empower creatives by offering credible resources and a nurturing environment where their talent and potential can flourish. Simple and to the point.

Chris , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Our program, Creating Creative Creatives , is dedicated to empowering young people to express themselves in positive ways and promoting positive mental health outcomes. We believe that creative expression is a powerful tool for self-expression, resilience, and emotional intelligence, and we’re passionate about providing opportunities for youth to develop these skills.

Our program focuses specifically on youth between the ages of 12-21, who are disproportionately affected by mental illness. According to statistics, 20% of youth aged 12-21 (estimated 14.4 million) have reported cases of mental illness. We believe that this is often due to a lack of creative outlets and opportunities for self-expression, which can exacerbate the impact of trauma and other stressors.

Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for young people to express themselves creatively, and to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to manage their emotions and communicate effectively. We offer a range of activities and workshops that focus on creative expression, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness.

What sets us apart from other programs in this field is our commitment to using creative expression as a means of promoting positive mental health outcomes. We believe that by providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to express themselves, we can help them develop a sense of self-awareness, confidence, and resilience that will serve them well throughout their lives.

We’re proud of the impact that our program has had on the lives of the young people we’ve worked with. We’ve seen significant improvements in their mental health and well-being, as well as an increase in their confidence and self-esteem. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our participants develop a sense of purpose and direction, and to know that we’re making a positive difference in their lives.

If you’re considering working with us or learning more about our program, we want you to know that we’re committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to express themselves. We’re passionate about empowering them to take control of their mental health and well-being, and we’re dedicated to providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Whether you’re an individual looking for ways to support young people in your community or another organization seeking to partner with us, we hope you’ll join us on this mission.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I find this question particularly pertinent, especially given the current circumstances. One statement that resonates deeply with me is “Quality over Quantity.” In the past, I was often preoccupied with numbers – the idea that our success hinged on the size of our following or engagement. While those metrics do hold significance, our perspective has shifted. We now prioritize engaging with those who genuinely value our solution, focusing our efforts on building a loyal and committed audience. This shift required us to zoom out from our narrow focus and embrace a broader strategy. We recognized the importance of collaborating with neighboring organizations, nonprofits, and groups, not only to strengthen relationships but also to engage with individuals who are equally passionate about our cause. By doing so, we’re able to amplify our impact and contribute meaningfully to the work being done in our community.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

For creatives, I highly recommend two thought-provoking books that can inspire and guide personal growth: “The Four Agreements” and “The Alchemist”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.2benjiient.com/programs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2becreativeuniversity/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-ab9918224/
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2F2benjii
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@2benjiientcreativeuniversi598

Image Credits

2Benjii ENT, Tonio TIH