Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Naime.
Hi Karina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music and entertainment have always been a part of my very nature since a young age. Being Middle Eastern and Latina, I grew up with different flavors of music and culture that inspired my pursuit of becoming a music artist. I never believed I could make it into an actual career without being discovered. However, it is hard to stay away from what your heart desires, and when that is the case, you find a way to pursue it. Being a self-funded independent artist is a journey all on its own, which is why recently I began my own clothing line called KIKI’S CREW… a brand that embodies team effort and unconditional support. And as an artist, having support is crucial towards success. Those that do support me will forever be a part of my crew… KIKI’S CREW. My prayers are being heard, and the support I have had thus far from people who believe in me has been substantial. I am so thankful and hope to inspire and encourage others to pursue their dreams as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always struggled to discover my purpose and my why. Even questioned if being a music artist really was for me. The questions I asked God every day sounded more like frustrations than requests to help me along my journey. When you’ve been stuck in a bubble your entire life, bounded by a job in a cubicle, bounded by strict traditions, and bounded by your own disbelief in yourself, it was hard to stand up for what makes you happy. Pursuing music as a hobby (or even as a career), the goal was never money; it was for the love of doing what made my heart sing the most. It was something I knew if I put my mind to it, I could get somewhere. I wasn’t going to stand in my own way anymore. I did not have much help and paid a lot of money to create music, especially not knowing how to sound engineer or produce myself. Other situations happened as well that made me want to throw in the towel, crawl in a hole, and cry till the end of my days. I think the biggest message here and what I’d like for people to know is we must continue to pray, ask for guidance, and never lose hope. Keep building your foundation of knowledge and skill for what you love. Close your eyes and envision yourself happy. What does that happiness look like in your mind? Use that to empower you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The desire for making music was so strong in me that no matter how “realistic” I tried to be, I could not ignore it. I began making music in 2018, but I didn’t really begin songwriting on my own until 2021. It’s unbelievable what you learn as you grow and how your talent grows along with you. I am proud to bring diversity and uniqueness to the field of entertainment because of my various ethnical backgrounds. Currently, my most popular songs that can be found on all platforms are “Type of Way” and “Make a Move,” that has gained me a great number of monthly listeners. However, being an independent music artist can be expensive. From funding studio sessions, paying engineers, mixing/mastering, funding music videos, and marketing, you are looking at quite a big budget. Due to these expenses, my clothing line KIKI’S CREW emerged, and I could not be more excited to launch this business as it goes hand in hand with my music endeavors. So far, without having launched my website, I have fulfilled over 25 orders within two weeks because of the support from family and friends who believe in me and love my work.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had a great number of supporters, starting with my mom and dad, who are my biggest advocates. It brings joy to see them constantly sharing my YouTube Channel and clothing line to anyone they can. A big thank you to Trix Haddad, who is like my brother and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders for the past eight years. He is now jumping in the ringer with me to get my music launched and heard. Big thank you to my best friend Tracy Carr, who has been my right hand from day 1 and to Gustavo Rojas and Errol Higgins, who have captured the most beautiful photos of me for years! Last but certainly not least, thank you to Dabid Music, who has helped me create great tracks and continues to work with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kikiscrew.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karina_naime/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naimeproductions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knaime/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4F7XoSAv-EGaQvK_7ke3-g
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3afIEbDOvmuCvUBRmtGokv?si=rw8D-8iTSpG9i35vl9MLhA
Image Credits
Gustavo Rojas Errol Higgins Tracy Carr Kalena Allen Ashley
