Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christina Moffitino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Christina, 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.
Before I was an official on-camera host I was background for fitness and dance videos. It’s been a journey of true belief that I was fully capable of doing it. Imposter syndrome had been holding me back from my full potential and it took a few months of actually being a host before I could shake it and not have the negative thoughts weigh me down. I attribute self-affirmations and positive inner dialogue to getting over it. I think of those thoughts as if it were a mental mixtape. When my mind starts playing a negative thought, I’m so quick to catch it and remix it to something positive. It still happens occasionally but my positive mental mantras are now habit and it over rides any fear or doubt that used to affect my performance.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Christina aka Poofy is a professional dancer educator and host. She’s a powerhouse performer for live stage, music videos and commercial branding and digital platforms.
Poofy is a host for major brands leading content for dance, fitness and comedy. She has worked with companies such as FitBit, Amazon Halo, Facebook, Pop Sugar Fitness All Def Digital and Free People Movement.
Her passion for movement also extends as a fitness host for a national program called Lionheart Virtual Adventures. Currently partnered with United Health & the Boys and Girls Club she motivates kids to move and have fun while doing it.
Poofy has also been on an international tour as a singer and dancer. She’s performed on BBC Radio London, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the world-famous Royal Albert Hall in London. Other credits include DVSN & Ty Dolla $ign, Wyclef Jean, Rae Sremmurd, Ray J, Frankie J, Baby Bash, Jenn Morel & Jonn Hart.
You can stream workout videos on the Fitbit Premium App. You can also find free workout videos on Youtube under PopSugar Fitness. She holds in-person monthly community classes with Free People Movement in Studio City.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Adaptable – The only thing constant in life is change. Being ready to change and adapt to any situation has been key to my success in life and my career. I embrace challenges and always find my way to put a positive spin on things.
2. Risk Taking – As a freelancer and entertainer it was a big risk for me to take the leap of faith and not have a traditional 9 to 5. It was a rollercoaster of a journey with a lot of downs and twists, but I wouldn’t regret taking the risk to follow my crazy dreams.
3. Business Mindset – If there was one thing I wish I would’ve known earlier in my career is how to operate as my own business entity. I have my own company now, but I always encourage other creatives and artists to think and act like a business. It has ultimately been a game changer for my career and how other companies I work with see me as a serious brand.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed I always get out of my head and into my body. I disconnect from technology and take a fitness class, go for a hike, lift weights at the gym or just head to the park and tap into my breathing exercises. I find that when I take a break and let my brain and body breathe I always come back at a more grounded and ready state. My biggest advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is to breath. It’s a natural superpower we all have to tap into when needed.
Use your ocean breath. You start with a 4 count inhale through the nose and then exhaling from your mouth double the time for 8 counts. You want to imitate make the sound of the ocean as your breath out. Repeat at least 4 to 6 rounds or as many times as needed. This ocean breath technique helps turn off your fight or flight mode and will help bring your heart rate down and bring some inner peace at a time of stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsPoofy.com
- Instagram: @itsPoofy
Image Credits
Nikki Boutte