Check Out Kiana Stitt’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Stitt.

Hi Kiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My dreams to be my own boss started at the age of five years old; rather that be an actress, musician, dancer, model; I never once saw working a 9-to-5 being the end goal in my life, thanks to my parents. As kids we tend to have outlandish wild goals and dream careers, the thing is no matter how old I got those dreams never seemed out of reach. My first experience with modeling was at the age of 16, being scouted and asked to model by a wonderful mentor, Samantha Abraham. I learned right away you can’t fake confidence, which at that time I had little to none. I became more passionate about modeling to use it as a source of gaining more confidence and self-esteem. Needless to say, five years later and mission accomplished!

Growing up, I didn’t have much and learned quickly to use what I had to make the best of any situation; Which is actually how I jumpstarted my modeling career. I started building my modeling portfolio by setting up my camera, putting on the self-timer, and taking pictures of myself in my room! From there, I used what I had to find opportunities. Which eventually brought me to John Casablanca’s Modeling career center, a modeling/acting development training center. From there, I learned modeling basics, runaway walks, posing techniques, and learned along the way by trial and error with gigs and shoots. Eventually, I got a job at John Casablanca’s as a modeling instructor and coach, teaching aspiring models what I’ve learned. Although modeling is what I’m most known for, it was never the end goal for me, just a hobby along the way. Before modeling, I actually wanted to work behind the camera; as an editor, producer, and director. My passion for editing started at 11 years old when my father got me my very first laptop. Since then, I taught myself how to edit videos and have been making funny skits, YouTube videos, and more. I eventually took broadcasting classes in high school and had plans to go to college for film and digital media with two scholarships I had but decided to drop out because my ego knew I could get my dream job without a degree, which I eventually did thanks to Jerel Smith.

Jerel, CEO and owner of GenCon media, saw my potential, took me under his wing, and taught me different digital media skills, techniques and the business side of the media industry. An amazing mentor and a huge part of me starting my own businesses. Although I love helping others bring their creative visions to life, this year might have been quite hectic, but it’s given me the gift to have more than enough time to finally work on my own ideas and businesses. This year, I’ve been able to launch three businesses. The Medialogist; my digital media service, Jack of all Trading; my membership stock market course, and Souled Out club; my e-commerce store. I just want to turn this brilliance into millions and wear these lightbulbs as a crown. Eventually, I plan to start a life coaching business, which is the most important to me. My goal is to show others how to manifest the life they want and deserve, that anything you want in life, you can have if you work for it. Through almost losing my life four times, being bullied physically and verbally, years of self-harm and self-hate, and little to no money, none of these things deterred me from my path. Kiana Iman, A product of every mentor, coach, and inspiration I’ve ever met.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I’ve faced through this journey is my own internal fears, insecurities, and mental health. Since a teenager, I’ve never been a fan of being in the spotlight, which might sound crazy considering I’m a model, but I actually don’t like being in front of people and am quite the introvert. One of the biggest obstacles as a model is getting out of my comfort zone and being able to put myself out there even if I’m too scared to do so. The biggest obstacle throughout this journey has been facing myself. Learning how to appreciate and love myself without needing validation or applause from others. Especially with modeling, it can be a very ego-centered industry, which can make it a bit difficult to not be phased by the opinions of others or if what I’m doing is good enough. Keeping in mind why I started modeling, for self-esteem and confidence, not to impress anyone. Originally when I started this creative quest, I struggled with depression and anxiety. Finding the motivation and discipline to keep going when all I wanted to do was give up was probably the most difficult obstacle to face. Through almost losing my life four times, being bullied physically and verbally, years of self-harm and self-hate, and little to no money, none of these things deterred me from my path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Strong enough to admit I’m a jack of all trades and master of none. I do a little bit of everything; I model, coach models, edit videos, design logos and websites, play guitar, play piano, dance, etc. I’d say I’m best at life coaching out of anything. I’m most known for my modeling and actually most proud of it too. Most proud of modeling because it was actually the biggest bravest move I’ve made, considering when I started modeling, I was insecure, had anxiety, hated being in front of people, and had no idea where to start. Out of all the things I’ve done so far, I’m most proud of conquering my internal struggles. I’m proud of silencing the voice in the back of my head that told me I couldn’t do any of this. Having the confidence I gained through modeling, leaping out of my comfort zones, finding my passions and growing into the person I’ve become through doing all these things is what I’m most proud of.

What sets you apart from others?
I’m willing to set myself on fire if someone needs a light. I’m willing to do things that I might look stupid doing at first just to show others that they can do it too. I’ve never worried about being better than anyone because I understand we are all the same with different challenges. I never push people down to rise above them, I lift them up so we all can rise together. I’m not scared if someone is better than me, I HOPE they’re better than me. I’m never concerned about what I can gain from others to get where I need to go, my mind is set at how I can give to others to get to where I need to go. This world is centered around ego and I operate from soul, that’s what sets me apart from others.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Most important lesson I’ve learned so far is that mental health should be top priority. Without the proper mentality, I could have all the things I have right now and be miserable. Shifting your mindset is how you get the life you want. My work ethic is insane but I didn’t get what I truly wanted from all that work until I shifted my mindset.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themedialogist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blasian.kia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/blasiankia

Image Credits
@j.omorodion James O. @yiotakatsaitis Yiota Katsaitis @childishart Reggie Alexander @ethan_shulman_foto Ethan Shulman @genconmedia Jerrel Smith