Conversations with Jakari Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakari Hollywood.

Hi Jakari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a lively non-binary individual who has faced significant financial adversity, my journey has been a testament to resilience and determination. I began my artistic pursuits in church, where I discovered a passion for music and performance. This led me to produce musicals in elementary schools, honing my skills and gaining valuable experience.

Driven by a thirst for growth and success, I ventured out to win festivals and participate in dance competitions at World of Disney and performance festivals in the Bahamas. Recognizing the importance of formal training, I pursued a dance education in college, further refining my craft. Alongside my studies, I delved into choreography and took part in Philippine dance festivals, expanding my cultural repertoire.

Seeking new opportunities, I made the bold decision to move to Atlanta, where I provided creative assistance to Hookdiggy and had the privilege of casting music videos and films, including a feature with Crenshaw Heights. During this time, I had the honor of studying under Arlinda Garrett, a trailblazer who played a crucial role in launching Aaliyah’s career in Atlanta.

Driven by my passion for nurturing talent, I took on various roles as a coach, talent scout, and assistant Promotions Director for John Casablancas and Barbizon. This experience led me to serve as the director of a school for a year, where I mentored aspiring artists and facilitated their growth.

Exploring new avenues, I embraced a real estate opportunity that allowed me to utilize my analytical skills as a valedictorian with a Bachelor’s degree. The company relocated me to Los Angeles, where I embarked on a side hustle as a tour guide through Airbnb experiences. Unfortunately, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted the nightlife industry, causing me to pivot my focus.

Undeterred by adversity, I ventured into the underground and speakeasy scene, leveraging my real estate connections to begin hosting events. Through my perseverance and resourcefulness, I gradually found my footing in the event industry, eventually managing events and venues for Halo Studios under the guidance of Tony White. Additionally, I assumed the responsibility of overseeing rentals for The White House in Inglewood, a testament to my ability to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances.

Throughout my journey, I have learned to navigate obstacles with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit. My experiences have shaped me into a multifaceted individual, ready to embrace new opportunities and continue making a meaningful impact in the world of events and entertainment.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous difficulties that have made my path far from smooth. These challenges have encompassed a wide range of adversities, including incidents of robbery, being drugged, stalked, and even receiving death threats, the most recent of which has left a lasting impact on me. Additionally, I have experienced domestic abuse, both mental and physical, which has deeply affected my well-being and sense of security.

Another significant struggle I have faced is related to my identity. I have grappled with a profound inner conflict, feeling as a woman while living in a male body. This ongoing struggle has caused immense confusion and emotional turmoil as I have had to navigate societal expectations and norms while trying to reconcile my true self with the external world.

Furthermore, my journey has been marked by fluctuating family health issues, which have added additional layers of stress and concern to my already challenging circumstances. Witnessing my loved ones battle with their health has been emotionally taxing, as I have had to confront the fragility of life and the weight of responsibility that comes with supporting and caring for family members in need.

On top of all these personal struggles, my family has faced significant financial difficulties, creating a constant source of stress and strain. The financial burdens we have encountered have added pressure and uncertainty to our lives, making it challenging to meet basic needs and pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Amidst these adversities, I have also experienced feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. The combination of external challenges and internal battles has sometimes led me to doubt my own abilities, worth, and the legitimacy of my achievements. These feelings of self-doubt have further complicated my journey, making it even more arduous to navigate and overcome the obstacles I have encountered.

Overall, my journey has been far from smooth, with each struggle posing unique challenges to my well-being, identity, relationships, and overall sense of stability. Despite these difficulties, I remain resilient and determined to overcome the obstacles that come my way, striving for personal growth, healing, and a brighter future.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Kari Hollywood is a talented entertainer who has made significant strides in the fashion and entertainment industry. With a strong educational background and a diverse skill set, Kari specializes in business management, creative direction, and brand ambassadorship. They have been making waves as a fashion professional, particularly through their work with JPURE at Miami Fashion Week, where they showcased the brand as a brand ambassador.

Before venturing into the fashion industry, Kari honed their skills in acting and dancing under the tutelage of renowned professionals. Training under esteemed figures provided them with a solid foundation in the performing arts. Subsequently, Kari became an assistant agency director, excelling in various aspects of the industry.

Building on their success, Kari’s talents expanded beyond their initial focus, leading them to produce short films and music videos. Their multitasking abilities, ranging from talent direction and styling to handling budgeting and scheduling, garnered attention from various production groups. Notably, their work on the independent film “15 Minutes” showcased their skills, further establishing their reputation as a versatile professionals in the industry.

Through their company, Dutch Creative Space, Kari has partnered with others to promote JPURE. In a remarkably short period, they have individually hosted prominent events and gained exposure by styling and appearing in various media projects. Working with notable artists in music videos has further solidified Kari’s reputation as a talented fashion professional.

Beyond their achievements in the fashion and entertainment industry, Kari has also made significant contributions in the realm of advocacy and inclusivity. Their commitment to breaking barriers and promoting acceptance is evident in their involvement in various initiatives.

Currently, Kari is focused on their creative endeavors, including working on songs, scripts and producing live performances, events and dance music. They are actively seeking opportunities to further their career. Kari draws inspiration from strong individuals they know personally, whose determination and resilience serve as a constant source of motivation, driving them to push hard and never give up on their dreams.

Overall, Kari Hollywood’s unique blend of skills, accomplishments in the fashion and entertainment industry, and commitment to inclusivity make them a dynamic and inspiring individuals. Their ability to seamlessly navigate various roles, from business management to creative direction, sets them apart in the fashion and entertainment world.

What’s next?
In terms of my plans for the future, I am focused on several exciting ventures and aspirations. Firstly, I am dedicated to producing music and bringing it to life on the road. Launching on streaming platforms under artist name @kariwood_.

Additionally, I have a strong passion for musicals, and I am actively working towards taking my original musical on the road. This endeavor involves developing captivating music, choreography, and fashion elements that will create a unique and immersive experience for audiences.

While pursuing my creative endeavors, I also plan to continue my real estate side hustle. This allows me to diversify my income streams and maintain financial stability while pursuing my artistic passions.

Looking further ahead, I aspire to start a family and nurture a loving and supportive environment for my children. Family is incredibly important to me, and I am eager to embark on the journey of parenthood, sharing my values and experiences with my future kids.

Lastly, I am committed to creating opportunities that challenge the gatekeeping practices prevalent in Hollywood. I believe in providing platforms and opportunities for marginalized voices, breaking down barriers, and fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry. By actively working to combat these issues, I hope to contribute to positive change within the entertainment world.

Overall, my future plans encompass a blend of creative pursuits, personal aspirations, and a dedication to making a positive impact on the industry. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and am committed to pursuing my dreams with determination and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/dutchcreativespace
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kariwood_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karihollywood/
• SoundCloud: https://www.facebook.com/karihollywood/
• Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/kariwood

Image Credits
Getty Images Dutch Creative Space AP Visualography JPURE Studios