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Conversations with the Inspiring Summer Chrissiana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Chrissiana.

Summer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born July 23rd of 1998 in Port Huron, Michigan to teenage parents. After a few months from birth, my Mother entered me into beauty pageants where I gained self-confidence in my appearance as well as public speaking. I participated in pageants until the age of 15. I moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2010 and put my public speaking skills back to the test at Sandy Springs Charter Middle by taking interest in the school televised morning news announcements. Through the school announcements, I learned the basics of producing a television show from the roles of a news anchor, meteorologist, editor and assistant to provide the news. I took my news interest with me to Mundy’s Mill High School and began broadcasting school news as an anchor. Junior year of high school was when I began to partake in modeling. I worked with multiple brands including but not limited to, Living Royalty Clothing, WisdomATL, and have features in Therteeseven Blog and Faschic Magazine. Senior year of high school, I managed to produce a fashion show for the sisterhood nonprofit organization Grace Girls for the entire school.

Entering Georgia Highlands College was a new chapter in my life. Through modeling, I had been titled the brand ambassador for Yummy Yoni Pearls and with the help of my stepfather, landed my own platform as a host for Urban Music Report: ATL on The Specialists Television aired on Comcast. Exploring the modeling and entertainment industry made me aware of the pros and cons of the industry. Sophomore year of college, I began hosting model training workshops with my team, the James and James LLC, to give aspiring models an area to learn and network with individuals directly linked to the industry. The model training workshops not only give aspiring models a safe, educational and interactive platform but currently incorporate aspiring actors as well.
Today my modeling, entertainment, and entrepreneurial experiences have led me to start my own business, Cased by Chrissi, selling customizable décor and accessories, and a YouTube Channel. Visit www.SummerChrissiana.com to keep up with my latest works!

Has it been a smooth road?
Beginning the modeling industry young has been a growing experiencing. Some of the struggles I have encountered along my journey are finding true friends in the industry as well as balancing school with my busy schedule. It is easy finding associates in the industry but finding individuals that are looking to help each other grow and give one another the support and motivation needed to build a bond is difficult. I’ve noticed that people want to get to know you to leech off you and your benefits.

School has always come first, maintaining my position on the Dean’s List is important to me. I have had to turn down some modeling gigs and hosting positions to turn in assignments and fulfill other school tasks. Summer vacation is my favorite because it gives me the ability to invest all my attention to my passions whether it be modeling, entertainment or Cased By Chrissi.

My advice to younger women looking to get into the modeling and entertainment industry would, of course, be to attend one of my More Than A Model Workshops but to also stay true to yourself by sticking to your morals and values and to do your research before you agree to work with any individual or business. If you go for any role and the odds don’t work in your favor, don’t give up because more blessings are coming! What’s meant for you will happen.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I’m most known for my brand ambassador position for Yummy Yoni Pearls, host of Urban Music Report: ATL and the More Than A Model Training Workshops. I’m most proud of being able to show that you can be successful in a competitive industry while keeping your clothes on. This is an important message to me because it sets me apart from others in the industry and is an example for younger girls watching me, including my younger sister Callie.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Starting the news announcements as a child and participating in beauty pageants formed my passion for television and modeling. The beauty pageants gave me the confidence that I will carry throughout my entire life. I thank my mother for not only encouraging me to do the announcements at a young age but also motivating me to stay active and providing a foundation for me to grow in a healthy, caring environment to be successful. I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting my endeavors and giving me advice along the road!

Pricing:

  • Custom Tote Bag $35
  • Custom Pillow Case $25
  • Custom iPhone Case $20

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Gerald Teteh, Miles Owens

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