We were lucky to catch up with Christina Jimenez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first time I had a performance job where I was paid a weekly salary was back in 2015. It was with Blue Gate Musicals in Shipshewana, Indiana, for a summer performance contract. I was thrilled! I packed up my 2012 red Toyota Corolla and drove myself up to Amish country. They provided housing where I got to live with another performer, and we got along great! The show was Josiah for President, which is about what would happen if an Amish man was the President of the United States. I was his Amish wife in the show, and I had a big solo number near the end. I have great memories from that contract, and I’ll never forget the joy of being paid to do what I love. It lit a fire under me to keep performing for a long time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sure thing! I am a charming badass with a clever perspective and a calculating wit. I’m a singer, actress, music teacher, and a cantor for a church. When I’m not performing, I’m teaching private piano and voice lessons as well as various group music and theatre classes with Grosso Music & Fine Arts. I have a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Furman University and a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory.

I have known since I was young that I wanted to perform. It all started with the Disney Sing-a-long VHS tapes when I was 2, and I was hooked on singing ever since! Throughout my life, I have struggled to understand what I was going through emotionally, but music helped me learn about myself. I was a shy child, but I was never scared to perform in front of people. I used to be told that I became a different person whenever I sang solos in school. I’m proud to say that’s not the case anymore! That’s the beauty of music and theatre: it has the ability to foster self-confidence, empathy for others, and personal growth, even if you don’t become a professional performer.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This is unrelated to music, but it has made an impact on my life. When I was a teenager, I earned my black belt in American Karate. While learning, I had to spar with various students in my class in order to earn my next belt. There weren’t many students who were at my level, let alone other girls, so I had to fight my older brother often. He was an excellent fighter, and let’s just say that sparring was not my strength. I will never forget this moment where I had a rest in between rounds before I had to keep fighting him. My mother was there on the sidelines, and I told her that I wanted to quit the fight. I was losing, and I was out of breath and overwhelmed. However, she gave me a pep talk, and she encouraged me to at least finish, which I did. And yes, I lost, but that’s ok. And later on, in order to earn my black belt, I had to spar my instructor and my father, who is also a black belt.

This is what sticks with me today: Persevere through the tough moments. You’ll make it out the other side. And don’t forget to breathe.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Especially for my students, but also for my castmates and crew in whatever project I’m working on, I do my best to foster a safe and warm environment. I want them to know that I care about them, and that they are not alone. I try my best to respect and love everyone I encounter, and I’m also working on treating myself as kindly as I treat others. Some of us may feel broken, but we can be like the phoenix and rise from our ashes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christinakayjimenez.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/christinakayjimenez
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinakayjimenez
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCz6r8yu2m5sl9jf8myh3kGQ?app=desktop
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@christinakayjimenez

Image Credits
Shay Frey Photography; Maxine Bowen Photography