Conversations with Christina Sturgeon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Sturgeon.

Hi Christina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
As a little girl born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, I was always performing – in the dance studio, putting on shows for my parents, creating stories in my mind, and playing them out with my dolls. I began dancing at the age of 8, and by the age of 15, I was traveling to Los Angeles and New York to train and audition for television and film work. I started taking acting classes to help my dancing but ended up falling in love with it as well. By 17, I was signed across the board and living a dual life – in Kentucky part-time and in Los Angeles part-time. 

Academics were also always important to me. I wanted to make sure I received a solid education that could serve as my backbone for every endeavor that I would undertake. UCLA was my dream school and getting in was a sure sign that Los Angeles would be my full-time home. At 18, I moved and began studying Communications and Film. I ended up taking time away from pursuing the entertainment industry, which looking back, was pivotal for me to develop certain business, social, and emotional skills that I know use today. 

When I graduated from UCLA, I wavered on whether I would get a steady job like all my peers or dive back into being an artist. The path was laid out for me as I slowly began to book one opportunity after another, getting new reps and coming back stronger than before. Some of my favorite projects to date include a lead in The Aerialist feature film, where I learned how to do aerial work in 3 weeks, dancing on Mr. Iglesias, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award, and Applebees Saucy Gloss commercial spot. When I wasn’t on set, I was training hardcore, working side gigs as a performer in high-profile experiential events, live shows, modeling, side marketing jobs, influencer jobs, and many other gigs. My faith in God became very strong at this time, as it was the one thing I could lean on when my career was ever-changing. 

Fast-forward to 2020, when most things came to a halt. An opportunity was presented to me to head social media for a just-launched movie network called MyTime Movie Network. What I thought would be something part-time and temporary became a pivotal career moment. I grew with the network, which is now in 21 countries and 19 platforms. I began producing my own original content for the social platforms, which eventually turned into the opportunity to produce feature films and television under one of the founders. In the past year, I have been able to produce 3 features under Fox Tubi, with many more to come. I have taken all of my skills that I have honed over my life and am now able to use them all in producing. Currently I am working on obtaining some exciting IP adaptations, matching talent with projects, developing new project ideas, and also developing and directing MyTime’s original social series content. 

I am honored and humbled to be where I am at. I look forward to creating faith-focused content, dance-oriented content, acting and dancing in my own projects and having my own platform where I can inspire, encourage, and motivate others to find purpose and trust God’s plan. I also continue to fit models for several top clients, including Juicy, True Religion, Beyond Yoga, and Fashion Nova, and I plan to launch my own clothing line. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is never linear and no one’s path is the same. I’ve come up against all kinds of struggles. For many years in my career, I was not booking often. I went through so many nos, experiences with agents dropping me, feeling I wasn’t good enough or capable. But you just keep going, and you must do the inner work. That was the game changer for me. Working on knowing who I was, healing from my past, and creating outside of “for stakes.” This all boosted my belief, and that unlocked so many doors. 

I have come across many challenges with my family and with my health. My father passed recently, and there were a lot of challenges in my family circle over the years. Solidifying my relationship with God and trusting His plan for my life and my well-being was essential. 

In addition, and probably the largest battle to date, was my diagnosis with Long Covid. Since 2020, I have been living with it. I deal with very intense fatigue and a host of neurological and physical symptoms from exertion. This was also a reason why I slowed down performing and gigging and honed in on producing. But, as time goes on, it is clear to me that a roadblock sometimes is a redirection. Having trust in the process is essential. It’s been the challenging yet most rewarding experience for me to really surrender what I think I want for a large vision that’s unfolding in front of me. And also having patience and grace for yourself when you can’t “do” or “execute” the same as you once did. There’s a season for everything – rest and healing are essential. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently an associate producer for Enlighten Content and head of social media production for MyTime Movie Network. Over the past year, I have associate-produced 3 Fox Tubi films. I produce and direct MyTime’s original social series with stars such as Tori Spelling, Tim Rozon, and Stephen Amell. I am also still working as a professional dancer and actor, as well as a fit model for high-end brands.

I am proud of my heart for God and my heart for others. I live to encourage and inspire others. I have lived through and withstood many trials and suffering in my young life. Through them, God has churned my character and given me clarity on what I am to focus on and what I am here to do on this earth. I have a steadfast discipline to do the right thing, to care for my mind, body, and spirit, and to help others do it too. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Intentional discipline – work smart and consistently; creative attunement – consistent practices to connect with your creative energy and release the pain holding you hostage; and steadfast faith – unwavering trust and hope that your higher power has set the path for you and your dreams are possible or else you wouldn’t have thought them to begin with. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @christinasturg | @tinatalkstime
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-sturgeon-199585100/

Image Credits
Nick Isabella
Natalie Gordon
Jesse DeYoung
Lindsay Rosenberg