We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zayna Lorraine. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zayna below.
Alright, Zayna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
First, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share part of my journey with my brand. The main thing that drives my brand, which is myself, is God. After reaching a really low point in my life, I went on a fast. I was dealing with grief and hurt from others and myself. I desperately wanted a change and purpose. While I was in the fast, I began getting so many creative ideas. The things I was envisioning scared me at the time. It was so big, However, I wanted to be obedient. After hearing so many testimonies and meeting so many amazing people, I realized the mission is bigger than myself. I am still learning about the mission to this day.
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 background and context?
Hello, My name is Zayna Lorraine Buckholtz, mostly known as Zayna Lorraine. I am a TV Personality, Visionary & Kickboxing Trainer. My main goal in life is to use my gifts/skills to bring light into this world. I am aware that it is nearly impossible to bring joy/light in a world full of hurt people. Therefore, I created a talk show on Instagram Live called “Let’s Talk.” It was intended to hear the testimonies of those who have impacted their community. I had the pleasure of interviewing business owners, a celebrity TV Host, Muhammad Ali’s former wife, Khalilah Ali, Actress & Real Estate Agent, Theresa Bowe & her husband former NFL Player, Dwayne Bowe, celebrity event photographer & author, Ken Rochon, and local city leaders in Jacksonville, Fl. Although I didn’t get to interview her, I’ve had the pleasure of briefly meeting Angela Yee.
Why do I feel it’s important to hear others’ testimonies? Growing up, I experienced a lot of trauma which resulted in the way I behaved. I grew up scared to speak my truth. Afraid that I wouldn’t be heard or would be rejected by those I loved. I grew up with that mindset and I was trapped. I would like to say it felt like I was trapped in a cell. The older I get the more I realize there are so many out there that have experienced something similar. I realized we’re in a world full of hurt people that have given up or decided to use that pain to create change. I wanted to share the story of both.
Alongside doing interviews, I became a kickboxing coach. As a trainer/coach, I can pour into & invest in people differently. I have the privilege of meeting so many amazing people, hearing their testimonies, and watching them beat their personal & fitness goals. It brings me great joy to work alongside people that want change.
Furthermore, I consider myself a visionary. I envision a lot of creative ideas whether it’s a project idea or a movie idea. I grew up very imaginative & creative, and as I’ve grown I’ve learned how to put those creative ideas into practice. That is how I created a talk show, short films, and more. Additionally, I have created journals that are available for purchase on Amazon Prime.
I am a brand and continuously growing. I look forward to sharing upcoming projects and collaborations.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I have learned that you are your biggest critic and could be the only one holding yourself back. It’s easy to blame others for your shortcomings/failures instead of using your experiences to grow & expand. We cannot control how others mistreat us, but we can learn from it. whether it’s something that was said or something that was done to us. There are going to be many people & obstacles that will be placed in your path, but will you allow that to stop you?
The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is you are what’s holding you back. You are in your own way. People can say many things, but what matters the most is your own opinion of yourself. How do you feel about yourself? Do you give power to the negativity spread by others? Or to the positive affirmations given to yourself? Do you believe in yourself?
I am still in the process of unlearning this, but asking myself those questions put things into perspective. This whole time I’ve been giving power to others, but now it’s time to take that power back.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I am currently experiencing a pivot in my life. I made a major move from my hometown in Jacksonville, Fl to Atlanta, GA. Once I moved I noticed a major shift in my life. I am settling in, networking, and enjoying my journey. I’m in a season of “what’s next?” I’m a believer, so I’ve allowed God to guide me. My move has been so smooth it’s almost unbelievable. With that being said, I’m trusting in God to lead me in the direction to make divine connections. I’m trusting God on every project I create. I’m praying it brings love, healing & joy to the community.
I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen in this next chapter of my life, but I know it will be big. I know it’ll be transformative and momentous.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAE9nP-4U68/chIoKiukYIi1_Mbdgu_RTg/view?utm_content=DAE9nP-4U68&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=homepage_design_menu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaynalorraine/?next=%2F
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zayna-lorraine-3b9625170/
- Other: Amazon Prime Journal Collection: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AZayna+Lorraine&s=relevancerank&text=Zayna+Lorraine&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
Image Credits
Black Seed Media Network Matthew Manyak Zayna Lorraine