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

Hi Christi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think that taking risks is the key to identifying what you are built for. Often times we avoid risk because we are afraid to fail. One of the reasons that I keep moving forward is primarily because of my failures. It is my greatest teacher. I would have never started to design If I was not afraid to mess up or worry if people would like my designs. I remember when social media was getting really popular, I was scared to get an account on Facebook and start posting my clothes. I remember a co-worker encouraging me to just do it! I cried at first because of the fear of putting myself out there. However, I threw caution to the wind and went for it. It was so liberating to be free from judgement of not only me judging myself, but also releasing any thought of what others would think or say. To this day, I still live by the idea that it it’s not worth risking, it won’t be worth having…JUST GO FOR IT!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been in corporate for more than 25 years. I have held many positions in various industries, but mainly in the Global Operations space. I am currently an executive for a large International company, while also maintaining my creative side that I pursue after work and on weekends. I hustle after hours so I call it “Netflix and Create”. I squeeze in creativity where I can and that gives me more energy because its not work. I enjoy designing, sketching, sewing, writing, podcasting and so much more. There are some people that are born with multiple abilities and I am one of them. I am blessed to wear many hats, but it is not always easy balancing a career and entrepreneurial endeavors.

My advice would be to use what you have. What skill, gift, talent or ability do you have? What do you dream about? What gives you some sense of purpose? What scares you? All of these are questions that I have asked my self. Once you begin to answer these questions, you will find opportunities that present themselves to you. Take the risk, try the thing that scares you. You will start to form your brand as you go. A brand is more than a phrase or a slogan, it is your intrinsic makeup and is formed over time holistically. Don’t be afraid to be you, because God made you unique, so go and be great.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite places to visit in the beach. I live 5 minutes from the beach so I love to visit and walk/hike the less tourist spots along the coast such as Torrance Beach or some secluded spots in Palos Verdes or Long Beach. There is an amazing vegan Italian restaurant across from the Redondo Beach Pier called Pura Vita! Definitely try the pizza. I also love to take a ride a few hours outside the city and visit the mountains in Big Bear or Idlewild. It’s so great to hike the trails, and visit the small town restaurants and just have a fun Sunday.

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?
First off, I give all glory and credit to God who has been so good to me. None of my gifts talents or life experiences would be meaningful without grace. My Mom who and husband who I lost in and 2005 and 2007 were my biggest advocates. My kids who I adore have given me the strength to keep showing up, and showing what I looks like to get knocked down and keep getting back up like a champ. I am surrounded by an amazing group of women the Designers Of L.A. my sisters who are all kind beautiful partners, And last but not least, to every person along this path and journey of life have all taught me lessons, both good and painful. All of this has shaped me, and every ounce of creativity has been formed in the pressure of life, and I am truly a diamond gaining more brilliance and shine with every passing day.

Website: www.shopchristivynece.com

Instagram: @christivynece

Linkedin: Christi Vynece

Youtube: Christi Vynece

Other: Spotify: boldmovemakers2.0 Blog: boldmovemakers@wordpress.com

Image Credits
@jkopics – Javohn Oddie

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