Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Kumuryan.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had a string of office / administrative jobs for most of my career but I always had hobbies I was interested in. In the fall of 2017, I started doing Pin Up modeling for various events clothing companies and magazine publications. Of course through time that started to grow little by little. I now have six publications in pin-up and vintage magazines including a cover Bombshell for August 2018. Last February after losing my position at the courthouse I decided to completely switch gears in my career. Having absolutely no background in broadcasting or journalism, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own show based around the large Armenian community in the Los Angeles area. I always loved being on stage, acting, improvisation and public speaking.
I also enjoyed dressing up and being photographed. I knew that I wanted to share and be inspired by people’s stories, challenges and their ability to help the community for the greater good. After recording two seasons, I was able to make new friends and be more involved in my community, helping others, hosting events and giving back to numerous charity organizations. Every person I interviewed was a lesson in life, all the adversities we can face and how to overcome so many challenges. I’ve grown and learned so much in the past two years. I hope to continue my career as a show host casting a bigger net every time I share a story and becoming the best version of myself on the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting anything new would be a challenge for anyone. Now, when it comes to building a brand and building a channel of course it takes time to gain more and more followings, subscriptions and views. Even the episodes were a work in progress lol I am a work in progress. It’s a lot of trial and error and expanding your knowledge and ideas. Some of the more serious challenges came beforehand before I even had an inkling to start up a show. I really wasn’t happy with the way my life was at that point 2 years ago. I’m unhappy with my career unhappy with my accomplishments and lack thereof and very much going through an identity crisis. I wanted to do something I could be proud of some things that I could nourish, something that was really validating and exciting long-term. Having hit an all-time emotional and mental low I decided to flip the switch. I revved up my modeling career I took care of my mental and physical health more than I had ever done before and I used the show as a way to fuel this newfound passion for having a genuine human connection.
Please tell us about Kandid Koffee.
Kandid Koffee is a YouTube talk show that spotlights inspiring and influential members of the Armenian community worldwide. Hosting an array of professionals such as philanthropists, educators, authors, sports figures, therapists, and artists, Kandid Koffee displays the many contributions and accomplishments of the contemporary Armenian generation. The show’s mission is to encourage colorful dialogue with interesting guests via Armenian conversations in order to capture the essence of their message and to inspire the viewer. It’s a unique way of storytelling by incorporating pictures, professional footage about the guest and voice over narrative to give a vivid understanding. I am the host and Creative Director and I have an extensive background in theater and entertainment. The show is filmed and edited by Aram Mousoian of AM Visual Productions.
What were you like growing up?
Oh gosh! Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s was all around a great upbringing. I have so many awesome memories of my adolescent and teen years just being with good friends some of which I’m still close with. I went to Walter Reed middle school, north Hollywood high and Burbank high. Shoutout to all my classmates and friends in that area. Friendships were different and all around the way people grew up was different and I think better back then because the lack of technology and social media made things more real.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Vintage_kriss
- Facebook: Kristine Kumuryan
- Other: Kandid Koffee on YouTube
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