Meet Xtian Aki Paige

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xtian Aki Paige. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xtian Aki below.

Xtian Aki, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

This was a good selection of questions, but this one is me all day. For one, I’m typically the only person like me anywhere I go, and because of that I stand out. I can’t pinpoint a particular moment. But I can recall a friend inviting me out to support them for a concert, but then brings me on stage and pass me the mic. And one thing about me is I can sing. Its the one thing in this world I know God gave me, so passing me a mic and letting me lose, on a stage, I’m gonna do what I do, and SING MY ASS OFF! (Which I did) but my friend was upset that the attention was now diverted towards me even after I walked off stage. Now was it my intention to so call “steal his light” or “shine” NO!! But when you’re good, you’re good! And I know I’m good! Plus I got the looks to go with it. I didn’t make me, the Universe did, and I’m just a a vessel doing what I think he or it wants of me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Well, I’ll just say, I’m at home on the stage, in front of a camera, behind a microphone or just hanging in the park vibing, I just love to entertain. I’ve been doing it since I was 6 years old, and have been blessed to sing behind some amazing artist, and on some amazing stages as well.
However, I was forced to grow up at 17 when I was diagnosed with HIV and being told I only had 2 months to a year to live. As well as being outed in my hometown by the pharmacy. I had to develop a tough skin and not let anything or anyone stop me from achieving my goals. I can honestly say, that I have lived enough for two people.
I’m now 43, and still here. Still living!! Still kicking life’s ass, even after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2012, and surviving Covid-19 in 2020 and believe it or not, I actually caught monkey pox in 2022.. But I’ve survived it all. And still trying to make it to a place where people will know my name.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Fearlessness, never settling, and never believing that I couldn’t do anything.

My advice will be to, never take no for an answer, surround yourself with people that are trying to go up with you and not hold you back anybody that does not believe in your dream is not meant for you, because I had to leave family and go out on my own, even if it meant being homeless and live it on the streets, I did it because I knew one day I would get to where I want to be. And if I did it my way, I could always stand on my morals and my own hard work and say I did it myself.
Because I’ve always wanted to live in New York City, but when I graduated in 1999, I couldn’t afford to move here so it took me 15 years from the day. I graduated to make it here, but I did it.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I have a great support system that I built over the years. Out of a bunch of different people, but I have a select few that I keep around me. I called them my six diamonds. Because it’s six people they’re my best friends in life, it includes three men and three girls,
I don’t know what I would do without these people because some of them have been there for 20 years. Some have been there for five but no matter how long they’ve been in my life they’ve earned this spot to be one of these special jewels in my crown and I don’t know.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @xtianakii
• Facebook: Xtian Aki Page
• Youtube: Xtian Akii
• Other: My name is pronounced Christian, so some publications have used “C. Paige” or “Christian Paige” but it’s all ten same person. Just different spelling. However, I will say that because I have changed my name and my monitors a couple times my personality has changed with it.

Image Credits

Jay Polite
Corey Holder
Tatianna Butler
And Myself Xtian Aki