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

Hi Kiara, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because I’m so passionate about perfoming, making music, choreographing, and making people feel good when they see me on stage. I realized I couldn’t live without it cause it was what I would think about CONSTANTLY throughout the day.

Or I’d be up late at night thinking of what else I’d want to do with my life and I can’t see myself doing anything other than being an artist. That’s what makes me feel whole.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m going to keep this short and sweet. I love what I do, but the days seem harder and harder, but I have to remember that nothing worth having comes easy.

Proudest moment: traveling to London multiple times and Paris to perform original and cover songs

How I got where I am: God, resilience, and a great support system

How I overcome challenges/lessons learned: by being grateful for the small wins and knowing it’s a marathon–not a sprint.

My brand: I try to represent rawness, optimism, and humility

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend visited, I would take them to Maymont Garden for some fun in nature, open mics (Melodic Monday, Verses, All that Soul, Galaxy Diner, Belle Isle for a nice walk on the rocks, the club Bellos cause I loveeee their drinks and music, and The Park for some more drinks and fun games.

When I first moved to Richmond, VA, I lived in Carytown and it’s a cute little neighborhood so I’d also want to just walk around there on the weekend. There’s a lot of shops, food, and usually someone playing music outside. Good vibes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my parents for always being my number one fans. They give me great feedback and help me believe in myself on days that I don’t.

I also want to shoutout Lundstrum Performing Arts because that’s where all my creativity truly started.

Instagram: kiaraj_17

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA4WnIjIvoYSV_lVZKzAhkw

Image Credits
Instagrams: red background hysell.photo blue top: snapdat4u black outfit: sightofsabrina braids: saramontalbano

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