We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krystyne Escalambre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Krystyne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

At 17, Krystyne “GandaKris” Escalambre reached out to Nintendo, aspiring to join their ranks. Although she received a gracious rejection letter, this did not deter her. Instead, it fueled her determination to pursue her passion for gaming and art.

Over the years, GandaKris honed her skills as a custom amiibo artist, gaining recognition for her unique creations. Her dedication and talent eventually led to a partnership with Nintendo, a collaboration that has flourished for over seven years. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I never knew if my custom amiibo got to Reggie Fils-Aimé. Warms my heart to know it’s been sitting on his desk at Nintendo the whole time.”

Beyond her artistic endeavors, GandaKris has expanded her horizons by co-owning Vegas Inferno, the official esports team of Las Vegas, and venturing into the restaurant industry. Her story exemplifies grit and determination, illustrating how initial setbacks can pave the way for future successes.

Krystyne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a creator deeply committed to community service, I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that make a tangible difference in Las Vegas. Partnering with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, we donated five gaming stations to Summerlin Hospital, bringing joy to young patients. Additionally, we’ve organized blood drives and breast cancer awareness campaigns to support vital health causes.

Through Vegas Inferno, the official esports team of Las Vegas, we’ve extended our community outreach. Collaborations with local charities and outreach programs have been central to our mission. For instance, we’ve partnered with organizations like Make-A-Wish America, hosting events such as Rocket League tournaments to support their cause.

Our commitment to community involvement and collaboration with players and content creators sets us apart in the esports industry. By integrating our passion for gaming with meaningful community service, we strive to make a positive impact both within and beyond the gaming world.

Through these efforts, I aim to inspire others to leverage their passions for the betterment of their communities, demonstrating that with dedication and collaboration, we can create lasting positive change.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In moments of profound loss, I found solace and purpose through my art, channeling grief into creations that honor cherished individuals and support meaningful causes.

The passing of Desmond “Etika” Amofah, a vibrant presence in the gaming community, deeply affected me. To honor his memory, I dedicated months to sculpting a custom amiibo that captured his spirit, complete with angelic wings and his signature hairstyle. This tribute was not only a personal expression of grief but also a means to support mental health awareness. The amiibo was auctioned, with all proceeds donated to charity, aiming to shed light on the importance of mental health support.

Similarly, the loss of Satoru Iwata, Nintendo’s esteemed president, left a void in the hearts of many. In his honor, I crafted a custom amiibo depicting him in a heroic pose, symbolizing his enduring legacy. This piece was auctioned to raise funds for charity, turning mourning into an opportunity to give back.

These experiences taught me that even in the face of adversity, we can find ways to create positive change. By channeling emotions into purposeful actions, we can honor those we’ve lost and support causes that uplift others. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that within every hardship lies the potential for a silver lining.

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

Stoicism, particularly through the works of Ryan Holiday, has profoundly shaped my approach to entrepreneurship. At its core, Stoicism teaches resilience, discipline, and the ability to focus only on what is within our control—principles that are invaluable in business.

As an entrepreneur, setbacks and uncertainties are inevitable. Whether it’s navigating the competitive gaming industry, managing an esports team, or running a restaurant, challenges arise constantly. Stoicism reminds me that while I can’t control every outcome, I can control my response. This philosophy helps me stay grounded, make rational decisions, and not be ruled by emotion, especially in high-pressure situations.

Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way reinforces the idea that obstacles aren’t roadblocks but stepping stones. Instead of resisting difficulties, I’ve learned to use them as fuel for growth. When I face hardships—like the loss of Etika and Iwata, which deeply affected me—I apply Stoic principles by turning grief into meaningful action, creating something that honors their memory while supporting others.

Stoicism also emphasizes serving the greater good. That’s why community work is so important to me, whether it’s donating gaming stations to children’s hospitals, supporting charity events, or raising awareness for causes like breast cancer. True success isn’t just about personal achievement but about how much positive impact we create.

Entrepreneurship is a long game, and Stoicism keeps me steady. It reminds me to act with integrity, embrace challenges, and stay focused on what truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missgandakris/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissGandaKris/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missgandakris/
• Twitter: https://x.com/missgandakris
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gandakrischa

Image Credits

not applicable