Meet Kinya Christian | Artist and Talent Stacker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kinya Christian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kinya, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Honesty. As simple as it sounds, honesty is the best policy. I value truth—my artistic expressions, my advice, the services and experiences at my gallery—are coming from an honest, sincere place. I believe people can feel that I am who I say I am, they trust what I’m offering is authentic, and to me, that exchange is what I call success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career as an artist resembles stepping from one large, craggy, moss-covered stone to another, in a bubbling creek, trying not to slip in and ruin a favorite pair of sneakers… The road less traveled.

Every opportunity I was given throughout my nearly thirty year jaunt down the creek I viewed as a chance to stack up talents. Commercial offset printing preflight operator—check. Tradeshow exhibit company—check. Sign company—check. Creative marketing agency specializing in working with Walmart vendors—check. A full-service ad agency, working on everything from magazines to TV graphics, to rebranding a community college, check. Each of those stones stepped on, and spurred on to the next. I’ve formed my own LLC, created art used by Broadway Publishing, been on the community theatre stage as an actress, served on several boards, and even been on HGTV a couple of times.

Each stone certainly presented a challenge. The constants, water, moss, surely plague me. Being a Black woman in a very competitive industry will always be. These constants demand patience, strength, and reliable network of support.

I’m about to take several steps along the creek. I’ve been recruited to be the Art and Production Designer for a short film; pursuing the all-elusive Court of Master Sommeliers certification exam.

One step at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In terms of Northwest Arkansas, I’d definitely share Crystal Bridges and The Momentary in Bentonville, followed by spending the evening downtown Rogers.

Because I have family in Dallas, and have been traveling to the city since middle school, it feels like a second home. I don’t know if I could name all of my favorite places, but, with a bit of arm-twisting, I’d say that I never leave Dallas without having Velvet Taco, the one on Henderson. I also love all the wine bars, with curated lists that show that someone really cares about that craft. I am hearing a bit of buzz around more Black winemakers popping up in Dallas with tasting rooms, and more places featuring Black-owned wine labels. I love to see it.

Because I have my own art gallery and studio, I’m able to offer experiences and exhibitions featuring Black-owned wines as I choose—and I’ve been able to take those opportunities outside of my gallery as well:

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Emory Christian. He is my home field advantage.

Website: www.KinyaChristian.com

Instagram: @kinyachristian; @theartfulsomm; @intoviewgallery

Linkedin: Kinya Christian

Twitter: @KCfromKCMO

Facebook: Kinya Christian