Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Licarione.
Christina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from Oklahoma City University May of 2019, I decided to make the move to LA LA LAND to pursue my dreams. I grew up as a performer, and dancing became my voice at the young age of three. I fell in love with the storytelling aspect that came with dancing. Every exercise we did in class, every dance we performed at our recital, every Broadway dance number I saw, always had a story attached to it, an intent.
Dance has so much depth laced on top of movement. It is an art form that can be appreciated for not only the beauty of it but the history (and three years old me didn’t know all this yet, she just thought it was fun to wear a pink tutu). After my Dad took me to see a Broadway tour in my hometown of Houston, I was hooked. I felt the impact it had on me, and I saw the impact it had on others. It was a way for that packed theater to escape the world for a little bit; To bask in the art of storytelling. I knew that this was my purpose. I knew that this was what I was meant to do.
Flash forward to post-graduation, pre-big move to Los Angeles. I knew that in order to financially support myself I had to get a job. I strived to find a job that I felt passionate about. An environment where I can be who I truly am, be surrounded by individuals who are just as passionate as I am and provide a creative outlet. I have now been working at Free People for a little over six months, hold a position as a Keyholder, and have developed such lovely friendships. This company has provided me all that I was searching for and more. My coworkers inspire me every day to embrace who I truly am, to keep working towards my big dreams, and to believe in myself and my decisions.
I am a big believer that opportunities that you are faced with come when the time is right. While I am still avidly training in dancing, acting, and singing, I can’t help but notice how my job at Free People has impacted my performing. Working in sales, you are constantly interacting with another individual. No different than if you are on stage. The conversation is genuine, authentic, and real. As a performer that’s what you strive for. Being granted the opportunity to hold a leadership position at Free People has also taught me the importance of confidence. It has taught me a lot about my self as a person and a leader. It has reminded me of the power an individual can hold, and how it can either be used as a benefit or a detriment.
I never would have thought that a side job to keep me financially on my feet, would have changed my life in the way that it has. I still have my big dreams of being in movie musicals and on Broadway, but now I have the confidence knowing that I will achieve those goals with a community of individuals who have my back. My art has been given so much more depth and authenticity because of the experiences I have had. I will forever be grateful for that divine timing.
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey from growing up in Houston, moving to Oklahoma City for college, and then settling in Los Angeles has been anything but smooth. There has been a lot of ups and downs along the way, but now that I look back on it, I am grateful for every roadblock and detour. I would not be half the person I am if it was not for all of the ups, the downs, and the setbacks.
One of the biggest struggles I am continuing to work on is my anticipation on what’s “next”. I would constantly get in a state of anticipation for upcoming projects, classes, etc. Thinking “What will my next job be?’, “What if I never get booked”, etc. etc. etc. I would go down a rabbit hole of “what ifs” INSTEAD of focusing on the present moment. I have now been working on shifting my mindset from the “what ifs” to the “what can I do today to better my overall goals”. This has helped me sustain so much more peace within myself and my ability, knowing that it will all work out. Being able to take a step back, breathe, and gather some perspective has completely changed the way I approach life.
While I still struggle with the “what ifs”, and the other roadblocks and detours that come my way, I remind myself that everything happens when and how it needs to. There are always hidden blessings in the most unexplained circumstances.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Free People story. Tell us more about your work.
Besides being a performer, I am a Keyholder at Free People in Studio City. Free People is a lifestyle retail company that sells women’s clothing, accessories, beauty, etc. Free People, I believe, is most known for the relationships built and the environment created. If you walk into a Free People, you should feel welcomed and loved. As a company, I believe we are most proud of the employee/customer relationship. The Free People employee and shopper are understanding, positive, motivated and creative. I think this company is set apart from others because of the emphasis that is put on building relationships.
I worked at a Free People store in Houston before I transferred out here to Studio City. Despite the difference of store size, the values of Free People remain true. The store should be a positive environment for not only customers but employees as well. I have built such incredible friendships with fellow employees and customers. Free People is unique, in that, it has built a work environment full of learning opportunities, advancements, and strong relationships. If the employees have a mutual respect towards one another, the customers have a much more enjoyable experience.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
As a performer, it is refreshing to already see changes being made in the entertainment industry; Changes such as diversity, appearance, etc. I strongly believe there still needs to be more diversity and more discussion about body image and mental health. I strongly believe that over the next 5-10 years we will see this.
Contact Info:
- Website: ChristinaLicarione.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalicarione/
Image Credit:
Lindsay Rosenberg Photography; Makeup by Larke; Clara Foster Photography
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