Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Magnus.
Kristen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have a very cookie-cutter story. Growing up as a single child in a Jamaican household, I had to go to school, get good grades and not get in trouble. I was born in Mount Vernon, New York and moved to Miami when I was six years old. I was living in Miami up until I was 23 and relocated to Coral Springs, Florida, which is probably the most boring city in SoFlo.
Over the years, I have struggled to understand what my passion is. It was up until two days ago I decided to create my brunch page, @Brunchwithk10, where I display all of the brunches I have attended and hosted, and basically give reviews. The page will also serve as a way for my followers to introduce me to their experiences and network with other people so they can become involved as well. Once my platform is established, I would like to curate my own events and eventually turn it into my own brand. What got me started on this was realizing that every time I hosted a brunch, it was extremely lit. My parties are usually 10-20 people and we always have a great time. I realized my passion is networking, building connections/friendships, and most importantly, bringing people together. I think you need to be a special individual to have people come from all over South Florida to meet you at 10 am at a brunch restaurant for happy hour.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing is ever a smooth road. Each one has its own bumps. Growing up in Miami, up until I was 18 and at Florida International University, was really difficult. I lacked self-esteem and confidence as a Black woman because I grew up around people who didn’t share the same culture as I did. When I got to FIU, I made the most friends I had ever had, and more importantly, the most valuable ones.
Another struggle I had was breaking free of my parents’ opinions, which is extremely hard to do when you are a single child and the constant center of attention. I had a hard time balancing my academic and social life because I wanted to maintain my relationships instead of my grades, which naturally placed a hindrance on the relationship between me and my parents. I had to become my own person and do what was best for me and try to break free of who they wanted me to be and manage my anxiety.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I just created my Instagram page, @Brunchwithk10, two days ago, and am currently working on building that first before I am able to host my own event. I am known for going to weekly brunches, whether they are at a sit-down restaurant or a daytime brunch party.
I am most proud of finally starting to branch out and create a bigger name for myself, and this could potentially open new doors for me career-wise, as I really would not want to work in an office for the rest of my life. I manage my professional and social life well, which is why I am able to be so active on the weekends and make the connections I do.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to bring people together and create lasting relationships. I always want to develop and expand my horizons. I am always looking for the next best thing. I think people need happiness and hope. The world does not have enough of it. It is always important to remember that love and hope really make the world go round. While my life may not be perfect, it also is not the worst, and that is something I live by every day. I am forever grateful.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future… I would love to move to New York, that actually is on my to-do list for 2020 considering this pandemic clears up and we can resume our regular schedules. I want to curate events and become a brand and expand. Although I am very new to this, I think BrunchwithK10 my calling. I want to learn more about myself and finally work for something for me and not others. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend university for undergrad and grad school, but I think these next few years will take off for me, especially when I relocate. South Florida will always be home, but I need to see the world and build elsewhere. The events I plan to have will attract people from all over, and hopefully, inspire them to tap into their fullest potential.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/brunchwithk10
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