Meet Deandre “SipTheKid” Smith

We recently connected with Deandre “SipTheKid” Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Deandre “SipTheKid”, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

In 2018 I lost my mom and youngest brother just months apart to gun violence. I was diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2018. I was raised by a single mom and I became the man of the house early. At the age of 13 I was providing the income for my household which included me, my mom and my two younger brothers. I feel like I became a provider and a man at just a young age. While some kids were playing sports or hanging out I was worried about how I’m going to pay the light bill. I feel like life prepared me at a young age to be able to deal with life hardship as an adult. I always found a reason to keep pushing in life and that’s what have kept me going. My kids and wife is my reason to keep pushing and keep living today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Deandre “SipTheKid” Smith and I’m an actor and host from Waterloo, Iowa. I want to be one of the biggest movie and reality stars in the world. I feel like my purpose is to let others know that you can overcome anything and dreams do come true. In 2018 I lost my mom and brother just months apart to gun violence but I didn’t let that stop me from chasing my dreams. I represent that it’s possible to push pass trauma and turn pain into passion. I was raised in a small town with no blueprint or anyone to look up to as a role model in my field. I have appeared in over ten movies, four television shows, global commercials, worked with Mr. Beast, Jay Leno, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Kel Mitchell, and I am Player 181 on season one of Squid Game The Challenge on Netflix. I am proud of myself because I could use trauma as an excuse. I could have used me being from a small town as an excuse. I could have use becoming the man of my household at a young age as an excuse. I could have used all of these things as excuses to not believe that it’s possible to chase my dreams. I have some big movies that I’m starring in in 2026 and some big shows that I will be hosting.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think my spirituality , work ethic, and resilience are the skills that were the most impactful in my journey. My advice is just know rejection is just redirection to the opportunity thats made for you. Your faith , skill and belief will all be tested along your journey but it’s only to make you stronger.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most important thing my mom did for me was let me know that miracles happen all the time. My mom favorite saying was “ you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow”. There were times in my life when I wanted to quit chasing my dreams or just give up on life. I always kept going because I knew that tomorrow could be the day that change my life. My mom taught me to have faith even when things not looking like they are in my favor.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: SipTheKid
• Facebook: Deandre SipTheKid Smith
• Youtube: Deandre SipTheKid Smith
• Other: Business Email : [email protected]

Image Credits

Netflix
KCRG News
Honda