We had the good fortune of connecting with (Chris)tina Havis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi (Chris)tina, how do you think about risk?
Great question, risk-taking is fundamental in entrepreneurship. The risk-taking started early in my journey. For me, taking a risk was as simple as having the audacity to think for myself. The first risk I made was the decision to leave my career in law enforcement and move to LA. That first risk and leap set the foundations for where I am today. Risk-taking has always been easy for me. I always felt if you want a reward for your risk all you have to do is research and have a plan.

Haha, I guess you can say I’m more of a calculated risk-taker. I knew applying for a position at a global talent management company was risky. This is due to my lack of formal education and years of experience in the entertainment industry. If this is what I really wanted, it was risky, but a risk I was willing to take. I studied the job description for Talent Manager and fully immersed myself in the community that I wanted to represent.

 During those two years, I trained and managed an artist who opened for Aaron Carter and Lizzo. I applied for and was cast on the talk show. I took acting classes at Burg Studios and a stand-up comedy scriptwriting class which ended in me doing a five min stand-up set at The Improv. I also directed 5 music videos and was featured in a national commercial. I did all this not because I wanted to be a famous actor in Hollywood, but because that was the population I wanted to represent.

I was able to take my 2 and 1/2 years of hard grinding, the interpersonal communication skills I acquired during my time in law enforcement, and a whole lot of charisma to Next Level Entertainment Global. I applied for the position of Director of Development and Theatrical Talent Manager and was hired. Three years later, I’m able to use this example and many more while working with our 85+ clients as they navigate through their careers. As long as the preparation is made, I’ll take a risk any time there’s an opportunity!

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 am the Director of Development and Talent Manager with Next Level Entertainment Global (NLE). We have 85+ clients that include Actors, Writers, and Musicians. The first thing that sets us apart is that we are global. We have offices in LA, NY, and the UK. We have a unified roster that is shared with two other managers which means all of our clients have the support of a full team.

I’m most proud of the diversity on our roster. I understood that being a Black cis-gendered Masculines- presenting Queer woman meant I would often be the only representation for many different minority groups.

After my first Hollywood experiences, I made the choice that no matter where I went I would be sure to represent the underrepresented. This translated right into the type of clients I sought out to sign and develop. With the support of NLE I have made it my personal mission to seek out talents that are underrepresented or outright overlooked. We are proud to have a diverse roster of actors and musicians that includes those who identify as LGBTQI+, disabled persons, and ethnically diverse.

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?

Hey girl/bro/yall, WELCOME TO LA. Don’t worry about anything, I have a whole weekend planned out for us. Let’s get ready to party, check the itinerary below so you can pack right!

Friday: Let’s take a drive to Venice Beach and rent a double bike and ride it down to Santa Monica and chill on the Pier and go to the original hot dog on a stick stand! #BeachVibes
After I convince you to dance in one of the boardwalk shows we will head over to Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. We can go to the one on Pico(It’s the best one)

Saturday: I just got an invite for a Drag show at Rocco’s WEHO. Let’s go throw some dollars then walk over to (The) Abby and see what they got going on.

We can’t stay too long because today is 626 Night Market in Arcadia. Look it up because we are going tonight! LET’S EAT!!

Sunday: Let’s go shopping! No, not at the Beverly Center, we need to get a lot more bang for our buck. Let’s hit up the Garment District and the Melrose Exchange!

Monday: I know you are always talking about how much you love how creative my photos are. I set you up for a photoshoot with a few of my buddies. Today you get to play model, just sit back and get ready for a day of creative fun.

Tuesday: It’s a slow day, hopefully all the tourists went home. Let’s drive past the Hollywood stars and take a small hike up Bronson Cave. It is a cool park with a cave and is a right (across) from the HOLLYWOOD sign, the view is killer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely Kimberly Strouss with Next Level Entertainment Global. Kimberly saw the raw talent in me during the beginning of my transition. Kimberly is a hard cookie, and passionate about the work she does and the company she co-founded. She has and continues to pour her over 20 years of experience into me. Kimberly is the Mr. Miyagi to my Karate Kid, she’s my entertainment OG!

Website: http://www.nextlevelentertainmentglobal.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinahavis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christina.havis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNWWIwyA8ZkMYcpArKHKQNg

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/productionimages/

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