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

Hi Kristen, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our hope is that Finding Hope Music Festival will have a unique impact on the world by improving people’s mental health. As the name states, we put on a music festival, but our mission goes much deeper than that. Our nonprofit was founded because of a shared passion about music AND mental health. For me personally, I’ve wrestled with depression, anxiety, abuse, and grief during my childhood and adulthood, but God used music to bring me out of that darkness and into His church both for my own healing and so I could help others. In the past, that has looked like leading and mentoring women in my church’s recovery ministry, and now that looks like helping the other Finding Hope Music Festival board members plan and promote a festival where people can hear good, hopeful music and get connected with local mental health and recovery nonprofits/ministries. Our hope is that people who attend will have their spirits lifted by the music, hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, and discover an organization that can help them or a loved one thrive in this broken, often heartbreaking world. Whether someone attended our festival on August 28, 2021, or just follows us on social media, they’ll see that they are not alone in their struggles and that they can truly have hope no matter what.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work fulltime as a Content Manager for a global cosmetics company, but Finding Hope Music Festival is a passion project that brings together two big parts of my story. As I mentioned before, I’ve gone through some really difficult things in my life that have helped me have compassion for others, but I also have a lifelong love for music that influenced my journey. When I was younger I played music, organized concerts, judged battle of the bands shows, reviewed concerts, and interviewed bands off and on for several years. God has used that passion for music combined with about ten years of creative and marketing experience and to give me a unique set of skills that help me support the music festival!

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?
I love eating out, so most of my Dallas-area must-haves are restaurants. For a unique date night, I’d suggest Rise for an intimate dinner of soufflés. The herb and spicy sausage one is my favorite, and when you pair it with the marshmallow soup and a dessert soufflé, you can’t go wrong! If someone needs a yummy breakfast or brunch spot, I’d take them to Coffee House Cafe for a lavender vanilla latte and some beignets or lemon ricotta pancakes. They’re so good! If they’re looking for a fun night out, I’d try to find a good concert at somewhere like Trees, invite them to Cidercade for an evening of games and yummy beer, or give them a vintage bowling experience at Bowlounge. Of course, if their trip included a weekend, I’d invite them to come to church with me at Watermark Community Church for a morning of moving music, truth, conviction, and authenticity!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The recovery ministry that I mentioned is called re:generation. It’s a 12-step Christ-centered recovery program that you can attend whether you’re wrestling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or pride. Completing and leading in this program early in my life as a Christian was instrumental in helping me overcome difficulties from my past and develop healthy practices for dealing with my current and future struggles and difficult times by faith. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Website: https://www.findinghopemusicfestival.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findinghopemusicfestival/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findinghopemusicfestival

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_aFVsjNtI-EfhI5IDnuhQ

Image Credits
My headshot was photographed by Danielle Marie Porter. The photos on the flier and owned by the musical artists depicted.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.