#kaishainspires

[kaishacreates]

I paid off one of my student loans today! I no longer have any loans with Sallie Mae. Those loans are PAID IN FULL! 🙌🏽⁣ ⁣ The words “student loans” have been a really sensitive subject for me over the past year or so. When my various loans most recently went into repayment, my student loan companies were not very kind or accommodating, to put it lightly.⁣ ⁣ I spoke with just about every single person in their customer service departments in an effort to secure a doable payment arrangement. Each time, I was met with “Naw sis, we’ll take $1,200 a month.” (That’s the payment amount one of my student loan companies was actually requesting.)⁣ ⁣ I’m the kind of person who ALWAYS pays my bills on time (I don’t miss payments for anything), so these kinds of conversations and negotiations have been extremely stressful to endure. What’s crazy is, I’m not even trying to avoid my student loan payments. I’m just trying to make payments I can actually afford.⁣ ⁣ All of this back-and-forth has led to a great amount of anxiety. There have been nights where I didn't sleep. Days where I didn’t feel like eating. Moments where I saw no light at the end of the tunnel.⁣ ⁣ My therapist and my CPA have both ensured me over and over again that I’m going to be okay and get through this. However, for some reason I’ve allowed this financial stress to take over.⁣ ⁣ I wasn’t even going to post about paying off this loan today, but I decided to because I know I’m not alone in this. I know someone else needed this message today. Also, the Holy Spirit is not playing with me y’all. The Holy Spirit was like, “You know God is bigger than your student loans right?” ⁣ ⁣ *collapses on the floor* - It’s the conviction for me 🤯😅😭⁣ ⁣ Happy Friday Gram Fam 😌⁣ ⁣ 📸: @dag_images ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #studentloan #studentloanpayoff #blkcreative #blackcreators #blackcreatives #blackcreatorsmatter #nyccreatives #blackgirlswhowrite #browngirlbloggers #lifeofanactress #lifeofanartist (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4hiPljRX2/?igshid=1cr7rn6lyoekf

[kaishacreates]

During this time of quarantine, it’s been challenging to stay motivated to work on my craft. ⁣ ⁣ As I continue to train, some days it feels like I’m just going through the motions. However, some of my simple practices have helped me shift my mindset.⁣ ⁣ Keeping my goals in my sight lines gives me that extra push to keep going. Changing my Zoom background is something so simple that continually reinforces one of my career goals, which is to play Elphaba Thropp in @wicked_musical 💚⁣ ⁣ I have at least 10-12 Zoom calls minimum each week for work/class which allows me to see this background often. ⁣ ⁣ Almost every time I have a Zoom meeting, someone will ask me: “What is your background of?” And my reply is consistently some variation of, “This is the stage I will perform on one day. I want everyone to get use to seeing me on it.” 😎👏🏽⁣ ⁣ Photo and video are two of the most powerful mediums. Find creative ways to use them to manifest your dreams. ⁣ ⁣ Now of course, putting in the work is the other piece of this right? Check out my IG story to read how I’ve been delving deep into this Wicked material.⁣ ⁣ I hope this simple tip helps to love on and nurture your creative souls! As artists, we are all really missing the theatre with everyday that goes by, but Broadway will be back y’all. It’s #OnlyIntermission 😉✨⁣ ⁣ Thank you @zoom for the virtual background feature which is helping me to manifest my goals into existence 😉✨⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #wickedthemusical #elphaba #elphabathropp #broadwaybound #boundforbroadway #lifeofanactress #musicaltheatrelife #musicaltheatre #newyorktheatre #manifestingdreams #nycactress #nycactor #blackactress (at Manhattan, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD36b3oDp9G/?igshid=ylce2jel7ifx

[kaishacreates]

I feel guilty for taking vacations 🥴⁣ ⁣ Since graduating from college in 2012, I’ve just felt this fire to grind. For the past few years, I haven’t traveled much (for leisure) or taken many vacations because I’ve been working and if I’m being honest…I love working, y’all (probably a little too much 🤭).⁣ ⁣ With that being said, I’m coming to realize that work time is just as important as leisure time. Hubby and I are taking a few days away from NYC right now and it is absolutely LOVELY! 🥰⁣ ⁣ Just because I’m working hard doesn’t mean I need to stop living. Sooo….Hubby and I just booked a 15-day international vacation for the top of the year to celebrate 5 years of marriage and his 30th birthday 🥳⁣ ⁣ Can you guess where we’re going? 🤔⁣ ⁣ Hint: We went with a suggestion that was submitted via my IG story.⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blkgirlmagic #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #nycactress #nycbloggers #nyccreatives ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #dreambigworkhard #beconsistent #biggoals #dreamchasing #dontquityourdaydream #discoverunder2k #nyblogger #nyyoutuber #blackbloggersunited (at DUMBO, Brooklyn) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1MP8VOhvp7/?igshid=1uy04hgk95677

[kaishacreates]

One of my greatest challenges as a creative is STAYING ON TASK 🥴⁣ ⁣ With a mind that constantly generates new ideas, I have to be extremely intentional when I’m working so that I’m effective in getting various tasks accomplished.⁣ ⁣ As a creative, actor, and entrepreneur, I can definitely relate to the struggles one experiences in juggling various parts of my lifestyle. ⁣ ⁣ As a creative, what are you struggling with the most right now? How can I help? Comment below and let me know.⁣ ⁣ P.S. If you’d like to see how I get my signature twist out every week, I just uploaded a 5 minute video on my YouTube channel with all the details. Link in bio.⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blkgirlmagic #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #nycactress #nycbloggers #nyccreatives ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #dreambigworkhard #beconsistent #biggoals #dreamchasing #dontquityourdaydream #discoverunder2k #nyblogger #nyyoutuber (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1CFm2Ih-XY/?igshid=1nuqwuh1z092r

[kaishacreates]

“Appreciate where you are in your journey. Even if it’s not where you want to be. Every season serves a purpose.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⬆️⬆️⬆️⁣⁣ This quote right here though 👏🏽⁣⁣ Even though I know it’s true, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating especially when I’m having a “What Am I Doing With my Life” Moment.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Can I let you guys in on a little secret?⁣⁣ I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING 😂⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ As “put together” as my life may look, I’m really just out here trying to figure this thing out. The nature of my work doesn’t leave room for me to predict what’s coming next. That’s the exciting and “not so exciting” part about acting and entrepreneurship.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ My Hubby tells me all time - “Control the controlable.” I have zero control over the next performance/entrepreneurial opportunities that may come my way, however, I can control:⁣⁣ 🔹 How much I train (voice lessons, acting classes, dance classes)⁣⁣ 🔹 How Often I Hit the Gym/ How I Eat⁣⁣ 🔹 How I Pitch Myself⁣⁣ 🔹 How I Practice Being Consistent⁣⁣ 🔹 How I Choose to Show Up⁣⁣ 🔹 How I Discern God’s Voice and Direction⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve been quite awful with this last point as of late. The more I put that off and fail to make intentional time to connect to the Source, the more I flail. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Anyone else out there feeling like they’re flailing through life a bit? 🙋🏽‍♀️ Comment below...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blkgirlmagic #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #nycactress #nycbloggers #nyccreatives ⁣⁣⁣⁣ #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #dreambigworkhard #beconsistent #biggoals #dreamchasing #dontquityourdaydream #discoverunder2k #nyblogger #nyyoutuber (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B01Dh_RBVTM/?igshid=1o3k4e3ef3vpo

[kaishacreates]

“Last week I found myself saying I was “stressed”. This week, I said: “I am under divine pressure because I’m birthing something great.” Narrative shift.”⁣ ⁣ Your words have power, my loves.⁣ How are you using your words this week? 🧐⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ ⁣ kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blkgirlmagic #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #nycactress #nycbloggers #nyccreatives ⁣⁣ #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #dreambigworkhard #beconsistent #biggoals #dreamchasing #dontquityourdaydream #lifeunscripted #discoverunder2k #nyblogger #nyyoutuber (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-0DE7BIe_/?igshid=1uqb803m847r9

[kaishacreates]

I haven’t even made back to New York, but yet, there’s a long list of things already demanding my attention. The last thing I feel like doing is far from anything on that list (especially with this POURING RAIN 😑)...but when I think about my “why”, it puts things in perspective.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ A few years ago, I attended a conference where @etthehiphoppreacher spoke and he said this very statement. If your why doesn’t motivate or push you to keep going, your why is not strong enough. Also, your “why” just can’t be about you, because unfortunately, our tendency as human beings is to give up on ourselves too easily. However, if your why is rooted in something bigger than you as an individual, it’s more likely to resonate with you in a way that won’t allow you to quit on yourself.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve been sharing with you guys how the past few weeks has been for me. It’s definitely been a little bit of a roller coaster. Very up and down. Spending six days in my hometown around my husband, family, and friends reminded me of my why. As @kpgrizzard put it so eloquently in her recent Instagram post, my heart lives in DC, but my purpose lives in New York.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ With that - it’s time to get back to work.⁣ Happy Monday! ☔️⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blkgirlmagic #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #nycactress #nycbloggers #nyccreatives ⁣⁣⁣ #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #dreambigworkhard #getoutofyourcomfortzone #beconsistent #biggoals #dreamchasing #dontquityourdaydream #lifeunscripted (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqDFEZhsWw/?igshid=if041jdft2h

[kaishacreates]

Express in 3 emojis: How do you feel today?⁣ ⁣ Here are mine: 😑🤯🥵⁣ ⁣ Visit my IG story for the deets. Happy Friday Gram Fam ✌🏽⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #nycactress #nycactor #workingactress #workingactor #nyccreatives #nyccreative #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #blackgirlmagic (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzQxnzZhiHf/?igshid=13nr02upoiuyf

[kaishacreates]

A couple of weeks ago, I got to take my little cousin to see @hamiltonmusical here in New York to celebrate her 8th grade graduation. It’s so crazy how quickly time flies. I can’t believe she’s off to HIGH SCHOOL next year and she’s going to MY high school 😌🐎✨ MUSTANGGGGSSS.⁣ ⁣ Wishing a very special Happy 14th Birthday to my beautifully brilliant cousin, Naira! History has its eyes on you, my dear ♥️ ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #hamiltonthemusical #hamiltonbroadwaymusical #legacybuilder #musicaltheatrelife #musicaltheatrekids #familyfirst #theatregeeks #nycactress #nycbloggers (at Richard Rodgers Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOj0-shRhw/?igshid=x5axg85k5wm5

[kaishacreates]

“Stop waiting for Friday,⁣⁣ for summer,⁣⁣ for someone to fall in love with you,⁣⁣ for life.⁣⁣ Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you’re in right now.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The time is now, my loves 🌟⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #nycactress #nyccreatives #nycinfluencer #creativewomenbuild #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #blackbloggers #creativewomenrock #millenialcreative #creativeaf (at Times Square, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzMHkB4hROf/?igshid=196efoeigtczy

[kaishacreates]

I am NOT ready to come back to New York, but the time has come 😭 It doesn’t help that my train back was delayed for an hour 😑🙃🙄⁣ ⁣ Nonetheless, it’s time to get back to the grind and to go after my goals for the remainder of this year.⁣ ⁣ On my IG Stories the other day, I asked you to name one goal you wanted to accomplish before the end of 2019. ⁣ ⁣ I received responses like:⁣ 🌟 Write Another Play⁣ 🌟 Create a Webinar Teaching Social Media⁣ 🌟 Book a Regional Show⁣ ⁣ Pretty sure I heard the ancestors give a big resounding “yassssssss” as those goals were stated 🥳👏🏽⁣ ⁣ I’ll be revealing my end of year goals in my new series #ProjectBetterSelf2020 🌟More on that soon, however, one of my goals that I’d like to accomplish is to create consistent YouTube content 🎥⁣ ⁣ But Gram Fam, I want to hear from you! What kind of YouTube videos would you like to see?⁣ ⁣ Comment below and let me know!⁣ ⁣ P.S. Arms inspired by Queen @im.angelabassett 👸🏽 goaaaaallllssssssssssssss.⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blkgirlmagic #blkcreatives #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #nycactress #nycbloggers #nyccreatives ⁣ #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #dreambigworkhard #getoutofyourcomfortzone #beconsistent #biggoals #dreamchasing #dontquityourdaydream #lifeunscripted (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzGCz3KByr4/?igshid=1vo55xwcm1g2y

[kaishacreates]

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression: comparison is the thief of joy. But isn’t it though? ⁣ ⁣ You know that feeling you get after you’ve been scrolling Instagram too long mindlessly? Before you know it, you’re feeling down and you have an attitude about your life / circumstances if you think they are less than what you’ve been looking at. Yeah, that feeling SUCKS.⁣ ⁣ If I’m not intentional, I can easily find myself in those unhealthy spirals of comparison. I have to consistently refocus my attention on the goals that I genuinely desire for myself versus just wanting what I “see”. When I refocus and put things in perspective, it makes a huge difference in my attitude.⁣ ⁣ With this intentionality in mind, I’m beginning a new journey which I’m calling Project Better Self 😌⁣ ⁣ I’m so tired of living out of alignment with who I know I have the ability to become and with who I believe God is calling me to be. ⁣ ⁣ Who’s with me on this journey to become a better version of yourself? 🙋🏽‍♀️ Comment below!⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #shareyourlight #havefaithinyourself #makeyourselfapriority #honoryourself⁣ #designalifeyoulove #consistencymatters⁣ #supportblackwomen #nycphotoshoot #showupforyourself #creativeinspiration⁣ #dreamersandoers #blackcreators⁣ #blackmillenials #thecreativegrid⁣ #dccreatives (at Times Square, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/By-Vb1xB_vJ/?igshid=1mdao1cnvqkoi

[kaishacreates]

“Proactive habits don’t wait for the opportunity to make a good decision – they create an environment which makes the right choice easy.” ⁣ ⁣ -Distraction: The Purpose Killer (Plan via @youversion 💫)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #creativesculture #creativesoninstagram #blackcreativesmatter #newyorkcreatives #nycreatives #nyccreatives #nycinfluencers #dcbloggers #blackbloggersconnect #blackbloggerclique #blackbloggersnetwork #blackbloggerunite (at Manhattan, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/By0Tar_Bu8U/?igshid=15i8pgerw5h65

[kaishacreates]

Decluttering my life like Marie Kondo 😌⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #nyccreatives #nycinfluencer #blackgirlswhoblog #blackswhoblog #blkcreatives #browngirlbloggers #blackceo #sparkjoy #mariekondomethod #blackgirlmagic💫✨ (at Times Square, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/Byslu8RBISi/?igshid=pgpetjvarjzf

[kaishacreates]

Busy making improvements, not excuses.⁣ ⁣ ⬆️ This would have been a bomb caption if it were 100% true 🤭 Here’s the thing. I’m a highly motivated, passionate, and driven individual, but there are a few areas of my life where I consistently make excuses.⁣ ⁣ When I was chatting with my husband last night on the phone, I was telling him how irritated I was with myself for repeatedly setting certain goals at the beginning of each year and never doing what it takes to accomplish them. ⁣ ⁣ For the past four to five years, there’s been this small list of goals that inevitably end up on my new year’s goal list, but each and every year, I fail to make accomplishing them a priority. My other goals always become more important.⁣ ⁣ This short list of goals primarily relate to my health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. And you know what, it’s not okay that I keep tossing them to the back burner.⁣ ⁣ I’m tired of living out of alignment with who I know I have the potential to become. I don’t want to start 2020 talking about “new year, new me” with that same list of goals. I want to start 2020 already being the “new me”.⁣ ⁣ There’s 6 months left of 2019. Challenge accepted.⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ ⁣ #kaishacreates #kaishainspires #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #blackswhoblog #blkcreatives #nycbloggers #nyccreatives #nycactress #broadwaybound #nycyoutubers #blackexcellence #melaninlovers #blackceo #twistoutqueen #naturalhaircurlyhair (at Times Square, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/BypzplBB-7o/?igshid=1akbp3lp2iydo

[kaishacreates]

Almost immediately following the closing of @revelationthemusical at least 25 people asked me, “What’s next for you? What will you be working on now?”⁣ ⁣ The truth is - from where I stand currently, I’m not sure 🤷🏽‍♀️ I envisioned myself having another performance job lined up immediately following Revelation, however, that is not how things have played out (to date) and you know what - it’s okay 😌⁣ ⁣ Being forward thinking has its pros and cons, however, if not managed intentionally, it can encourage a sense of panic/worry versus a sense of peace.⁣ ⁣ A friend of mine @lbetheredge let me borrow a book called “Come Matter Here” by @hannahbrencher and one of the most wonderful things I’ve read so far is the phrase - “Be where your feet are.”⁣ ⁣ So that’s what’s next for me. What’s next is being present from day to day, moment to moment. What’s next is getting up everyday and putting one foot in front of the other. What’s next is being where my feet are 😌⁣ ⁣ The journey continues...⁣ ⁣ 📸: @thelocdbella ⁣ #kaishacreates #nyccreatives #nycbloggers #blackgirlswhoblog #browngirlbloggers #blkcreatives #nycactress #kaishainspires (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/Byk1gFGhIJx/?igshid=142419yd7mlk3