We were lucky to catch up with Christine Obiamalu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Christine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Last year in November, I found myself at a crossroads when I was laid off from my corporate job. This wasn’t the first time I had felt out of place in the corporate world; it was my second corporate job, and both had left me feeling depressed and anxious. Deep down, I knew my true passions lay elsewhere – in singing and teaching yoga.

The layoff was a shock, but it also presented an unexpected opportunity. I decided to take a break and went back home for the holidays in December to recharge and spend time with family. This break gave me the clarity I needed. When I returned to New York in January, I decided to take a leap of faith. The worst that could happen, I figured, was that I might fail and need to find another job or go back home to regroup.

With very little savings and a dream, I set out to pursue my passions. I reached out to yoga studios and private music teaching studios, hoping to find some students. I was fortunate to find a couple within the first month. It’s now July, and I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. I’ve managed to support myself with my “creative” salary, and while I work part-time as a social media manager for a startup, which helps financially, it only takes up about 10 hours a week. This leaves me plenty of time to sing and teach yoga.

I’ve recorded my music, performed at small festivals and open mics, and met so many interesting and artistic people along the way. Taking this risk was incredibly scary, and my family was understandably worried, but it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. You never know what will happen until you take that leap.

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?

For those who may not have read about me before, let me introduce myself. I’m a musician, music teacher, and yoga instructor with a deep passion for both music and wellness. My journey into these fields began at a young age, shaped by my family’s love for music and my own personal experiences.

I started singing when I was about eight years old, joining the church choir, and I began playing the piano around the age of five. Music has always been a significant part of my life, as most of my family members are involved in some form of musical activity. My grandma used to perform vocal concerts, and my great-grandma was one of the first piano teachers in Nigeria, my home country. It wasn’t until high school that I decided to take music seriously. I started taking singing lessons, became active in the choir and music community at my school, and was cast in lead roles in musicals. I also performed solos for assemblies, which led to my acceptance at NYU for a Bachelor of Music. This period of pursuing higher education and adjusting to a new country was filled with ups and downs.

My yoga journey began during my last year of high school when I was feeling lost and alone. I spent my final year at a boarding school in Canada to transition to the West more smoothly, but it was challenging at 15. Yoga provided a sense of home for me. Initially, it was a way to lose weight and have fun, but it evolved into a deeper practice when I was generously offered one-on-one classes at a discounted rate near my school. These classes taught me so much more about yoga and helped me reconnect with myself.

When I moved to New York, I continued practicing yoga and eventually started working as a Karma Yoga practitioner at a studio in Williamsburg. The pandemic in 2020 brought me back to Nigeria, where I experienced a significant personal loss. During that time, yoga and music were the only things that kept me grounded. This period inspired me to pursue a teaching certification in yoga, which was a transformative journey. I felt a strong desire to share the knowledge I gained, especially as a plus-size teacher, a demographic that is underrepresented in the yoga community.

I returned to New York in 2021 and started teaching at a studio in Bed-Stuy. Craving more knowledge, I completed my second certification in 2023. Now, in 2024, yoga is as integral to my life as music.

In my music career, I offer singing and voice lessons to children aged 5 to 15, as well as performance services for various events. I have a band that I can call upon, but I am also capable of performing solo with a piano. I sing my original songs and cover songs, bringing a unique and heartfelt experience to every performance.

For yoga, I offer private and group classes, specializing in Vinyasa yoga, Hatha yoga, chair yoga, and breathwork meditation. Currently, I teach every Friday at Greene Moment Studios and conduct a full moon breathwork class every month.

I am incredibly proud of myself for pursuing my passions and turning them into a career. Recording my songs, offering yoga classes, and striving to heal and connect with people through music and yoga is what my brand is all about. My goal is to help people connect with themselves, their love of music, their bodies, and their souls. Through my work, I aim to create a space where people can find joy, peace, and self-discovery.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my journey. I look forward to connecting with you through my music and yoga practice.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Absolutely! Here’s a thoughtful and detailed response to the question:

In my view, one of the most critical steps society can take to support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is to recognize and respect that creative jobs are real jobs. This means ensuring that artists and creatives are paid appropriately for their work, which acknowledges the time, effort, and skill that goes into producing creative content.

Financial support and fair compensation are essential for artists to continue creating and innovating. Too often, creative work is undervalued, and artists are expected to work for exposure or minimal pay. This not only undervalues their contributions but also makes it challenging for them to sustain their livelihoods and continue their artistic pursuits. By ensuring fair compensation, society can help artists focus on their craft without the constant worry of financial instability.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the profound connection and impact I can make on others through my work. Whether it’s through music or yoga, the ability to touch people’s lives, evoke emotions, and inspire them brings immense fulfillment.

In my music, seeing someone moved by a song I’ve written or performed, witnessing their joy, nostalgia, or even tears, reminds me of the power of art to connect us all on a deeper level. Music transcends boundaries and allows us to communicate in ways words often cannot. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my music can provide comfort, joy, or a sense of understanding to someone who might need it.

Similarly, in teaching yoga, the most rewarding moments come when I see my students experience a sense of peace, self-discovery, and physical well-being. Yoga is not just about the physical postures; it’s about creating a space where individuals can connect with themselves, find balance, and nurture their mental and emotional health. Witnessing a student achieve a breakthrough in their practice or express gratitude for the positive changes yoga has brought into their life is incredibly fulfilling.

Moreover, being able to combine my passions for music and yoga to create a holistic experience for others is deeply gratifying. I love that I can use my skills and knowledge to help people connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is knowing that my work can make a positive difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s through a song that resonates with someone’s heart or a yoga class that brings someone peace, the impact I can have on others is what drives me and fills me with gratitude and joy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @xineobi
• Linkedin: Christine Obiamalu
• Twitter: @xineobi
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCuV0hd0fkWn1C_i-FeLiYMA
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/christine-obiamalu
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4u1Y0muCn2yTH66wovzk7d?si=ZdkybzQrTXGKn5p0XVTkaw

Image Credits

@jasonle (on IG) for the Waves photo, the headshot photo and the performance photos
@reptileagent (on IG) Jeremy Mehia for the yoga photos