We were lucky to catch up with Christopher Hester recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christopher , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
When I first moved to LA, I imagined what my life would be like as a full time creative and I even put up sticky notes on my bathroom mirror to remind me of that goal. Here we are almost 4 years later to the exact date and I have been able to accomplish that! With the help of finding good representation, continuing to work on my craft and lots of failure along the way , I have mastered the art of thriving on entertainment work alone . For anyone starting out, the advice I would give would be :
1. Start slow, don’t expect you’re entire life to necessarily change over night
2. You will undoubtedly face challenges
3. Don’t compare yourself to others journeys
4. Be on time
5. Always be willing to be a student
6. Find a great support system
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a southern boy at heart, born and raised outside of Charlotte, NC.
From an early age, I took an interest in anything to do with music and performance , whether it be piano lessons, band or choir. It wasn’t until high school that my teachers encouraged me to pursue music in college, even if it was only to get scholarship money.
After getting an undergraduate degree in performance from East Carolina University, I continued my studies at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and completed a Masters Degree in Voice Pedagogy (voice science). Upon graduation, I would travel to NYC and go on auditions while simultaneously working a full time corporate job in retail.
When the world was hit by the Covid pandemic in 2019, I had lots of time to contemplate what I wanted out of my career. I realized the opportunities in Boston were limited and that I wanted to explore a different market m. After a heart to heart with my mother, she gave me her blessing to move to LA and see what the entertainment industry had for me there.
Although it took lots of hard work, i.e. working jobs I hated and going on countless auditions, within the year I landed my first agent, who has honestly changed my life.
Since then I have sang for Disneyland, Norweigan Cruise line, various regional theaters in the Los Angeles area; I have been featured on HBO Max, Netflix, and music videos for rappers and artists; and a personal favorite of mine, I even have modeled in a commercial for the full figured clothing brand Torrid, which aired at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my authenticity in who I am as a person. I’m not trying to be anyone else. I realized that being myself, as weird and quirky as I am, is the secret ingredient. Growing up, I never felt like I truly fit in or had a “group” to claim. My ability to take steps on my own without validation has helped me make the decisions that have led me here.
Now that I have officially turned 31, I feel I am experienced enough to let go of the imposter syndrome we all seem to be plagued with. I offer myself as a musician versed in R&B, pop music, music theory and vocal technique . I aspire to continue growing on social media as well as more modeling and acting opportunities . To my students, I pray that I instill in them a sense of self confidence and the notion that whatever they have to offer is not only good enough, but it is magic.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Last year, days after a painful breakup, I lost my Mother just months before turning 30. This was one of the existential moments that you hear celebrities talk about when it seems all too easy to just give up on yourself.
With the guidance of a therapist and love and support from my friends and family, I have stood my ground and made good on my promise to be a full time creative (which is so cool to say out loud!) .
If i have learned anything over this past year it would be that we walk past many broken-hearted people every day , not knowing their stories or what caused their pain. This experience has taught me compassion of the utmost degree.
I have also learned that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, eventually, you can reach the other side of what feels like a very dark place.
I know my mother would be very proud of me, and that motivates me to be the best person I can be. To that ex of mine, I wish him love, peace, and happiness.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am a closet nerd and that I LOVE to read. I read about 6 books a year, and I journal every week if not every day..its therapeutic for sure.
One book in particular that helped me even make the decision to move to LA and follow this path is,
“The Proximity Principle” by Ken Coleman.
Without giving it all away, the book follows the process and experience of someone who pivots and changes their career path with seemingly unrealistic odds. The author gives practical advice ; however, the most profound elements are that of manifestation. The idea that nothing we want is really ever out of reach.
Whenever I need a little boost of motivation I come back to this book and seek inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chris_hestaa
- Facebook: Christopher Hester
Image Credits
Mia Ballesteros