Meet Christen Reed | Artist, Rapper & CEO

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

Hi Christen, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I always had a vision being artist from both the musical, drawing, and fashion stand point. And as I started those things separately, connecting with different individuals within the different industries, I soon realized that all 3 of them or some what tied to each other. As I explored all 3 industries, I realized all 3 had a common problem. There was limited exposure to many talented and hard working individuals in our local areas in many different fields but also all over the world. Therefore I created my business plan to open a online website that would utilize my audiences and networks to include blog articles on many different individuals and businesses in different fields to help them get exposure, for free. I also set a shop connected to the same website that sails many products, as well as business and branding services at a cheaper price for those small businesses and individuals in need. And soon to come will be the addition of small businesses clothing and products being added to my online store, as well as a music page that will feature a musical hub for local artist to connect and share music and become discovered

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My Business is named Nostalgickk. It first started off as a just a online Instagram business page to promote my customized art drawings. In 2019 it grew a lot larger in following and in services when I added videography, photography, and business branding services to my business. Recently in 2021, is when I developed a website and blog to bring attention and recognition to other individuals, brands. and businesses similar and very different than mine. Service wise, what sets us apart from others, is the price. We purposely charge cheaper rates for high quality services and products in our shops to ” level the playing field ” for those small businesses and common individuals who just cant afford the high service prices and resale prices. It was a very long road getting to where I am business wise today. It was a lot many direction changes, sleepless nights, and hard worked days. Plenty of mistakes were made and lessons were learned but the support and mentorship I had definitely helped me weather the storms of life and the storms of business to carry on but it was far from easy. But I will say that it was certainly worth it. Overall , overcoming the setbacks involved me being extremely patient. A lot of times we want to hurry up and get everything done and blown up in one night and I had to learn patience and perseverance when set backs and losses happened. Support as well always helped me. Support from those close to me but also support from those online and everywhere else that I’ve never met. Kind messages and encouragement at the right time can go a long way when times get tough. Faith in myself, my plan, and abilities i think is one of the biggest factors to overcoming. I always felt like I was capable and that if I could logically dream it or think it, then in time I could do. I’ve plenty of lessons, Its easier to succeed and move forward if you have a great support team so that you don’t have to do it alone. Research and make a plan to whatever that you plan to do so that when things get tough or the road your on becomes harder to navigate, you can remain focus and motivate yourself by locking in on the end goal. Celebrate the small wins. I recently just learned this one but you have to celebrate the little wins and achievements as well. Meeting the grand goal is the main objective but being mentally and physically healthy is even more important or you may never see that end goal accomplished. But by recognizing and celebrating the small wins, you’re telling yourself your improving, moving in the right direction and you got this. No one knows exactly how hard it is to be you. run your business and do the things you do, but you. I want the world to know that no matter the obstacle, losses, or environment , that it is possible. That’s what I’m most proud of. Living through many different situations and hard times that’s taken the lives of many of my close ones , the external battles and internal battles have been far from few but I want to be the example that if you can envision it, than you can do it. I believe we all have the ability within us, and that we just have to find it. And that’s what I want the world to know, especially for the ones whose came from situations like mine or are still going through them,

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ouu this is tough lol Depending on if they like sports, I would fur sure take them to lift at the gym and play basketball. Probably go hiking and enjoy the nature scenery and just talk about life and goals and how everything is going and what’s new. I would definitely want to catch a game or two, either at a spot like Oggis and have a bite to eat and a drink. Or invite them to my house and have a drink or two there and a bite to eat and watch the games. I would fur sure take them to sonic ( that’s my favorite spot because of the blasts ) go roller skating at a rink. I would take them to the beach, vibe out and talk , walk around or chill around the fire. Other than that I would may be take them to six flags. These are only happening after i ask what they want to do because if they have plans already for something else, then we are definitely exploring those options first. But the most exciting and interesting thing to me is really just chilling and hanging out. It doesn’t really matter the place with me, its the person. If its my folks. then we can spend anywhere just chilling and talking about anything and Ill be more than satisfied.

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?
I’ve definitely benefited heavily from the love and constant support from my mother and brothers. They served as examples , mentorship, unconditional support and love when many different hardships and life arose. I also benefited heavily from a close relationship with Raul Diaz, Heather Harvey, John Romagnoli, and David Mead, They’ve also provided mentorship, top tier friendship and love throughout the years. Most importantly, Jehovah God. Aside from the love, and comfort provided, faith and the pursuit of becoming the best possible person I can be has helped drive me to become a better person but also put myself and many others in better positions than before.

Website: www.nostalgickk.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nstlgckk

Image Credits
John Romagnoli/Raul Diaz