Rising Stars: Meet Christen Alexi McGruder of Chicago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christen Alexi McGruder.

Hi Christen Alexi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a fashion stylist, model and aspiring actress. I have always been interested in fashion, design and art since I was a little girl. I was raised very cultured and to be very open minded about the differences in people, which makes us who we are. I grew up around different types of art, fashion, music, and people in general that help make me the person I am today. My parents put me into modeling when I was 5 years old with Ford Models and that’s when I began learning to be in front of a camera and behind. I was never a shy child or person, and was always entertaining my family and friends at any event whether is was at school, a family party, or meeting someone new. Once I grew older I did drift away from it, but wanted to take it more seriously once school was completed and make it my main focus. Now, at 31, I have grown so much and have matured in ways where I can finally make modeling and acting my main focus and career, along with fashion styling. I do also plan to start up my own Jewlery brand called ALEXI.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be completely honest, being in the art industry can be difficult for some. When you have so much talent, just like others, you have to really make yourself stand out from others, and that can be hard at times. Especially when you don’t know which way avenue to take when you’re up against people in the same field. There have been times where I really wanted to give up and tell myself “nothing makes me stand out”, “why can’t they see my potential”, and started comparing myself to everyone else around, instead of looking deep into myself and asking “what makes me Christen?”. I have very high anxiety and OCD, so that plays a huge role in how my mind works. I start getting overwhelmed and worrying about my future and not being good enough, when in reality I AM good enough. I didn’t make it this far if I wasn’t. Regarding modeling, when I was younger there was always the saying of you can’t model after a certain age, it’s not an ever lasting career. And I want to be apart of the ones that change that narrative because to me, that’s not true. Modeling has changed so much since the 90s, even though I am a huge lover of the 90s modeling era and truly look up the true supermodels of that generation, the new generation has changed. It can create opportunities just signing with an agency and booking campaigns. Modeling can turn into something more because it’s opened up doors for influencers, designers, artists, anyone! Especially with social media growing, you can really take advantage of more opportunities to put yourself out there and take risks and connect with others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am from and based inChicago, but I am a signed New York model with MMG and have been scouting with other agencies in NYC and Chicago. My area of modeling is commercial, runway and editorial focused. Day to day, I am fashion retail associate and personal stylist. I am also an aspiring actress, currently enrolled in an acting school in Chicago, and getting acting lessons from a personal coach. My schedule is always changing and spontaneous. I have my days where I just work at the store and head home. Other days I have may have to jump on a plane that same night and head to a modeling job. Or, I spend my days on tv and film sets not only filming but learning, growing and networking with others in the industry. I love it so much because it keeps me excited focused and ambitious. I have a 15 year background in the fashion industry with knowledge in styling, design, marketing, creative direction and curating. I am very proud of who the woman I am today and I just want to better myself each and every day. I love learning more about who I am every single day. I strive to not only make myself proud, but to make my mother proud because she has been my number one supporter through everything. What may set me apart from others is – I am very true to who I am, I am unapologetically me at all times. What you see is what you get. I am always wanting to lift and build others up. I don’t judge people by anything other than their own character. I have such a huge heart that it tends to make me put others feelings in front of mine, but I love hard. I am strong willed and I will always stand ten toes down on my beliefs and morals.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always networking and collaborating with others from all over. I connect through social media, when I’m at work, filming on sets, or by attending networking and social events. I’m always wanting to support others by just simply showing up for them and sharing their projects on socials and giving a small shout out. It doesn’t take much to show support for others. A little does truly mean a lot and go a long way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/c.hristen

Image Credits
Apple J Studio
Alex Hazel (Alexus McLane)
Celestial
Hannah Schweiss