Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina (Iridescent) Gaines.
Hi Christina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
From the earliest moments of my childhood, creativity has been the foundation of my life’s journey. Growing up between Georgia and the lively streets of New York, I was surrounded by a vibrant mix of music and culture. My grandfather, a singer in a band, and my uncle, a music producer, infused my early years with melodies and rhythms that set the stage for my artistic journey.
During those formative years, I found fulfillment in entertaining family and friends, whether through singing, rapping, acting, modeling, or dancing. My mom, always with a camcorder in hand, captured every memorable moment. Eventually, being in front of the camera became second nature, but it was when I picked up the camera myself that my passion for creating videos truly flourished. At the age of 9, I leaped into the world of video creation by starting my own YouTube channel. Through this platform, I showcased a variety of content, including comedy skits, song covers, and short films, pouring my heart and soul into every upload.
My early efforts started to pay off as my content gained traction and recognition. People enjoyed watching my videos, and some even caught the eye of film festivals and the mayor! It felt surreal seeing my work showcased on the big screen and receiving praise from judges. These milestones encouraged me to keep exploring creativity during my grade school years. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in film and video production, I found my way onto professional sets, where I had the privilege of working alongside industry veterans, absorbing invaluable lessons along the way.
However, it was the journey to South Korea during my college years that truly shaped me. During my studies in Seoul, I had the chance to attend Seoul Fashion Week as a model, an experience that instilled confidence in me. I then decided to audition for the dynamic dance and singing groups at my university, which marked a pivotal moment in my journey because it gave me the opportunity to perform solo in front of hundreds of people for the first time. Despite the initial nerves, the overwhelming support from the audience reassured me and solidified my commitment to my artistic path.
Upon returning home, I brought with me a renewed sense of purpose and a strong determination to turn my passions into tangible achievements. Since immersing myself in the entertainment industry, I leveraged every opportunity to channel my experiences and creative vision. A significant recent milestone in this journey was the launch of my own UGC (user-generated content) creation business, Iridescent Media, aimed at inspiring audiences and empowering brands through my content. Overall, with each step forward, I evolve as an artist. One thing for certain is my deep gratitude for the support and defining moments that have shaped me.
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 road I’ve been traveling has certainly not been smooth at all, but I don’t think anyone truly is. Alongside my creative pursuits lie painful tribulations I’ve endured, but learned to transmute into beauty. Whether it’s through writing lyrics in moments of despair, dancing to cleanse my energy, or diving into creative endeavors, I’ve learned to channel challenges into sources of inspiration and growth. While confidence in my talents and identity has been inherent, many of my struggles have been internal battles.
I’ve confronted and dismantled narratives that hindered my progress, shedding self-limiting beliefs to embrace the fullness of my potential. The whispers of “you’re not enough” haunted me, dimming the light of my talents before they could shine. Sharing my creativity and emotions with the world is vulnerable. It’s a relentless struggle against fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism. This struggle evolved into a process of reprogramming my mindset through affirmations and spiritual introspection, nurturing my talents to finally be seen. That’s why I chose the alias Iridescent. Iridescent means showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.
My alias, “Iridescent,” encapsulates the multifaceted nature of human identity and experience. Like the shifting hues of iridescence, it symbolizes the beauty of authenticity and uniqueness from every angle. This serves as a reminder that I don’t have to conform to perfection in anyone’s eyes and neither does my art. Each person perceives me differently based on their experiences of me, and that’s okay. What matters most is staying true to myself embracing my luminosity and continuing to shine no matter how I am perceived.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I focus my energy on several branches in the creative field: modeling, music artistry, acting, and UGC/Content creation. In each of these areas, I maintain fluidity and an open mind, exploring new styles, genres, and roles. Likewise, for my UGC business, I’ve partnered with brands from various niches, showcasing my versatility and adaptability. What sets me apart from others is not just my unique spirit, but my intentions. My primary intention is to empower others to embrace themselves fully. My work isn’t solely about visibility or financial gain; it’s about making a positive impact and leaving a legacy of self-love and empowerment.
Also, it might be hard to tell from this interview, but I’m usually a really quiet person. So I am most proud of the noise I have been making for myself! I’ve embraced personal growth by stepping into the spotlight and putting myself out there. Amplifying my voice and sharing my creativity with the world has been a testament to my resilience and willingness to challenge myself. Each moment of visibility and every opportunity to make an impact serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown by embracing discomfort and stepping into the light.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis has taught me the importance of human connection in our lives. I love face-to-face interactions more than anything like attending events or collaborating with others. But during Covid, all of that and more had been stripped away from us.
While physical interactions may have been limited, I learned that it’s during these constraints that our creativity truly shines. We often believe that freedom breeds creativity, yet it’s within boundaries and restrictions where we’re compelled to think outside the box, innovate, and adapt.
Contact Info:
- Website: Iridescentmedia.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.iridescent?igsh=Z2FoY3h4bGNyd3du
Image Credits
Shane Hall, Daniel V., and Miranda Kai (@Eikonikimages)
