This is an interview I did with a fellow mutual Twitter friend called Kiana James. She currently has a blog and is also a campaigner for mental health. I thought it would be interesting to ask her some questions about how she found a passion in each of these topics.
Brandon: Hey Kiana! Just a quick question to start off this interview then! For people that don’t know you, what’s your full name and what do you currently do in your day to day life?
Kiana:Hi, My name is Kiana Lee James. I’m a dance fitness instructor, dance teacher, blogger and lyricist!
Brandon: Awesome! So a quick quetion about that then, how did you get into Blogging?
Kiana:I’m just passionate, and I’ve go a lot to say about what’s important. The best way to express yourself and get the truth out is by blogging.
Brandon: Ok that’s amazing! That’s why I started my blog as well to be honest. Just another question then; do you think there is a difference between ‘Vlogging’ and ‘Blogging’…if so, why or how?
Kiana:Yes of course! With vlogging you’re more vulnurable and show your true self (in a video format), whereas I think for blogging you can take your time and there’s a lot less pressue. I couldn’t imagine being a vlogger…
Brandon: Aha, why?
Kiana: Embarrassing I suppose. I like to express myself through writing and dancing.
Brandon: Ok that’s fair enough. So, I saw in your Twitter profile that you’re also a ‘mental health campaigner’. Can you explain to me what that is and how you got into the role?
Kiana: Mental health campaigns are where you share your own vulnerability and fight for change for those who are unable to make the changes themselves. Mental health problems can affect so many from slight to severe, and can be harrowing for those who are experiencing it or witness others going through bad situations. I was raised in a children’s home and experienced so much throughout my life due to other people’s poor mental health. There is not enough understanding about it and it winds other people up that don’t understand it; and shame should not be felt.
Brandon: Wow that’s really interesting! But it’s good that you’re using your bad experiences to help positively change other people’s lives. That’s what you’re doing in reality, isn’t it?
Kiana: Yes, that’s what I’m doing or trying to do! I want people to reach out and also accept that hand when it’s offered. It’s tough, but sometimes it’s needed.
Brandon: That’s fantastic! So do you work within a community of people? Or like an office?
Kiana: I just work from home; for myself by myself, and with the community.
Brandon: Alright moving onto more of a happier question. Do you have any celebrity crushes?
Kiana:Umm I’m just thinking…..George Lamb.
Brandon: Anyone else?
Kiana: …Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.
Brandon: Great! Well another simple quetion then. If you could pick anywhere in the world to live, where would you choose and why?
Kiana:Cuba, because of the beautiful music and being able to dance by myself. I want that Havana!!
Brandon: Aha that’s great! What else would make you want to go to Cuba?
Kiana: Well, the beaches are lovely, but I would also love to learn something new everyday. I can imagine the adventures and possible mischief that I would be part of aha!
Brandon: Wow! Well, before you’re able to set sail to Cuba, do you have any achievements that you’re proud of…?
Kiana:Learning to dance, read and the perks of becoming a mum! I taught myself how to read, write and dance….and cook!
Brandon: That’s amazing! Did you not go to school, college or University?? Or be home schooled by parents?
Kiana: I did go to school, but not for too long as I was raised in a children’s home. Before that I had a rather disturbing childhood so rarely went to school.
Brandon: Oh right that’s understandable! If you don’t mind me asking, what were some ‘disturbing moments’ about your childhood?
Kiana: My alcoholic mother, the violence amongst other things…
Brandon: Oh that’s horrible to hear! Well, I’m glad you managed to get through your childhood. Having a happier adult life at the moment?
Kiana: Yes for sure! We all have our moments, but life is what we make of it. Life’s too short to give up on it so easily! We must give it all we’ve got sometimes. We often don’t realise how much we have got to give until we see a difference in ourselves and/others; but keep push push pushing is the way forward!
Brandon: Yes, that’s true! Keep pushing and good things will happen. Well, do you have any secrets that you’re willing to share about yourself? Things other people may not have heard before?
Kiana:Aha, I still dance in front of the mirror and wish I was Kyle Minogue in the 80’s sometimes…
Brandon: That’s quite a funny secret to be honest! Well, my next question is linked quite closely with that! I’m into R&B and Pop music mainly, but what are your top five songs of ALL time?
Kiana:Going Loco Down in Acapulco (by Phil Collins), Hungry Eyes (from Dirty Dancing), Beat It (by Michael Jackson), Broken Stones (by Paul Weller) and Got To Be Certain (by Kylie Minogue).
Brandon: Well, that sums up this little interview! Thanks for answering some of my questions and I hope to speak with you soon!
Kiana: Thank you!
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