Meet Emily Christopher | Musician & Marketing Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Christopher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe risk is essential to life and following your dreams. We never step out into a dream without having to take some sort of risk. It could be risking time, energy, money, reputation, etc. but there is always something that we are putting on the line. Without taking necessary risks we would never get to the next level. We have to be willing to put something on the line. It’s terrifying. It’s thrilling. It has to be done. Many times throughout my life and career I’ve had to take a risk of some kind. The benefits may not have been immediate, but oh how they were worth it! I can recall having a discussion with my mentor years ago. I had become “stuck” in my creativity, career, and relationship. I explained to him how terrified I was to take the risk to end my unhealthy relationship and totally change my life. He looked me in the eye and said, “You can stay right where you are, be miserable, and always wonder what could have been or you can take the risk and transform your life”. Needless to say, I took the risk. Because of that big risk, my world has been flipped upside for the better. I ended the relationship, quit my job, and moved seven hours away to the coast. I’ve never experienced this much freedom, joy, peace, and creativity. The risk was undoubtedly worth it. As I reflect on the risks I’ve taken, big and small, it makes me wonder what other risks I need to be taking so that I can better myself and the world around me…

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been singing since I could talk – in fact, I was singing melodies back to my mother before I even spoke sentences. Music has been the most grounding entity in my life. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to be diverse with my style. One minute I could be singing an old Gospel tune then the next be singing something with a folk/country flare and the next be diving into a slow jam of r&b. Being raised on so many different genres has made my music style eclectic and diverse. Getting to where I am today has been slow and steady. The opportunities I have stumbled on have been because I was either at the right place at the right time or I’ve had people who championed me to greater connections that opened up doors I never imagined walking through. There have always been challenges but those have humbled me and not only made me a better creative but a better person. When I was younger I was constantly comparing myself and becoming jealous of others. I’ve learned that has zero benefits and actually eats away at your creativity. It’s been a hard road to break off comparison but it has slowly been shed from my artistry. The thing I want people to know about my story is that you can truly take the most tragic and terrible parts of your life and make them into beautiful art that helps heal others. I believe that nothing is wasted and that all things can be used for good.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have recently moved from Asheville, North Carolina to Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am in love with both of these cities. There is lots of incredible art, music, and culture in both places even though they are far apart and the landscapes are vastly different – one is a mountain town and the other is right on the Atlantic ocean. If I had a friend visiting VB for the week we would definitely spend lots of time outdoors. We would lay on the beach, swim in the ocean, go for bike rides on the Cape Henry trail, visit the Farmer’s Market, and explore several parks. There are many fantastic restaurants here and we would definitely get some delicious seafood. One of my favorite places to go is Atlantic on Pacific for fresh oysters. They have a great Happy Hour so heading there would be a must! Another must-go spot is the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. They always have events and exhibitions that inspire and stretch the imagination. I’m still learning and exploring Virginia Beach so there will be much more added to this list in the coming months.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Nick Honerkamp definitely deserves a shoutout. He has been my mentor for almost a decade and has cheered me on through all of my ups and downs. Without his guidance, encouragement, and support I really don’t know where I would be today.

Instagram: @emilybchristopher

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-christopher-a3a7a91b4/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilybchristopher123

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIy5LjJEQgPIgn5ORyCQ5w

Image Credits
Allison Frost