We were lucky to catch up with Krishna Lyles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Krishna , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something that anyone can experience. I feel that those who decide to pursue a career in the creative industry, unfortunately experience this on a higher level. Overcoming imposter syndrome for me is a ongoing fight from project to project that I approach. Honestly, because my work is shared with the public so often I have to talk myself up every time sharing a big project. Whether I am releasing photos, music or any other facet of art I am always reminding myself, “You have been blessed and put in the position you are in because you are more than qualified to do this. You got this!”. Positive self affirmations and counting my talents that are constantly improving has been the ultimate tool to help me overcome imposter syndrome.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Krishna but I go by Saline. I am an entrepreneur, film maker, model, and over-all creative. I wear so many hats that honestly sometimes it fills like a laundry list when people ask me because I do it all haha! On the surface level I am a runway model, walking for a variety of designers and brands. I even had the opportunity to attend Fall New York Fashion week for the past two years and I was even blessed to walk in a few runways shows in New York last year. From model I have grown into my path as a creative director and production coordinator. I’ve worked backstage and front of house for various fashion shows such as the Houston show Fashion Night Out, by Cash McIntosh. I coordinate photoshoots, models and even the talent for productions like music videos and musical performances. I have even dipped my toe into talent management. I currently manage two amazing artists, Frank80 and TODIEFOR, which has allowed me to have fun and share my photography with the world as well. I assist in curating their images and connecting them with the people that will help to advance their careers. I recently finished my short film Love + Hate at the end of last year and finally submitted the work to a few festivals against all the fears I had surrounding it. Thank goodness that I did because I won ‘Best Short’ in the HS3FF and I secured funding to go towards my biggest project I am the most excited to announce. I have finished the first script for my new episodic limited series ‘It Gets Messy.’ We are projected to begin filming by mid 2024 and I as so over the moon to share it with those who support me! At the end of it all I am just a Texas girl trying to find her way in this big wide world.
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 have always been a creator and a as a child with ADHD I would film gory horror movies with my Bratz dolls, write out all the many worlds in my racing mind and hum the music I would hear in my head. I continued to hold on to these passions into my adult life but I was forced to grow up very quickly and quickly all of those passions took a back burner. The first quality that you have to hold on to stay true to your desires, regardless of what the world throws at you. The world we live in makes it very easy for you give up on your dreams but you must stay steadfast holding on to them even when you are told to let them go or that is not possible. Absolutely anything is feasible if you have the right mindset and work ethic behind that. That goes into the second skill you must hone. You must create a work ethic that works for YOU and not against you. As someone with adult ADHD time blindness can be a real killer, so the best work ethic for me is as soon as I think about a task that needs to be completed I do my best to do it at that time. To others, it may come off as disorganized or even eclectic as I often submit projects at odd hours of the night and complete photoshoots in the wee hours of the morning. If you are going after your desires you have to be your best self and creating your own unique work ethic keeps your work authentic. Finally, always value quality over quantity. Remember, working in a room of 3 people who are striving for the goal of all, putting their best foot forward will always be more rewarding than working/collaborating with those who half-ass for the sake of being included. Your quality of work should always come first.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that has played the most important role in my overall development has been ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is an incredibly insightful read, and actually very short with book only being about 120 paged long give or take. That book changed my outlook on the world in a way I never thought it could and improved how I viewed my own creativity. Honestly, all four agreements are worth implementing in your life but the first and last agreements have been the most helpful in my creative journey. The first is ‘Be Impeccable with your word’, as someone that was eager to get their work out the pubic I would often just say yes to everything to build and maintain the business relationship. Now although I value nurturing your creative partnerships you are only one person. There is no world imaginable that you can say yes to everything and still provide quality work. I was taking on all of these projects and because my time was split so much I could not keep up with deadlines, workflow and overall the most important thing to me, my quality of work. Every time I am trusted with a project I promise impeccable work so I only say yes to what I know I can hold my word to. The last agreement is ‘Always do your best’, which I believe coincides with the first one. Your best may change every single day but as long as you strive for greatness in your craft, you work hard and move with love you will achieve all that you dream!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @krisaline_ @simplykurated
- Twitter: @simplykurated
- Other: Love + Hate Short Film https://vimeo.com/858053600?share=copy
Image Credits
Cameron Reed (Personal Photo) Simply Kurated Productions and Usagiswonderwand for all other photos
