Kadina Grant shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kadina , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My relationship with Jesus Christ-which certain moments are sacred but as He continues His good work in me then the fruit that I carry will be the glory to others . I grew up going to church, not every Sunday but special occasions and it’s not like the name God was never mentioned but it was more rules than a relationship . Now that I’m 25 I could have never imagine myself choosing worship music over future or trap music lol, singing and worshiping out of reverence and love for the Lord . I could have never imagine myself wanting to let go of control on my life, the thought of someone else having authority over me, the thought of humbling myself to someone else who is indeed bigger and better than me was so out of this world and then all of a sudden He called me back home and it’s not an easy walk but I’m so proud of the growth I made while being with Christ . Yes there are some things I need to still let go and improve but If 25 year old me were to speak to 23 year old me , we would be from two completely different worlds. I’m proud that I’m learning about and leaning into His character, His wisdom, His love, His trust, His timing and His will over mine which isn’t the most effortless thing to do- especially when we are in a world that promotes hyper independence and comparison while also having the opinion of others around you questioning what you’re doing and how you’re doing it .
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi so I’m Kadina but I always say you can call me Dina . In 2022 I started a sunglass business called envymeshades, however I eventually had to go back to a 9-5 and soon after I had to close down my business due to no sales.
Now After being laid off in the beginning of 2023 and going through a whole year of unemployment, losing my friends, my relationship and even my car got totaled the following year – Somewhere a long the way God called me to start sharing His word . Now I was taken a back because once again I never imagine myself becoming a Christian, never thought I would be willingly to speak about the Gospel and just create content for Christ but I just couldn’t ignore it anymore. That’s how “TheCalmDownSpot” was born !
Allow me to introduce us : Not just for aesthetics but for Gods kingdom !
It does not matter where you are at on your walk with Christ, this is TheCalmDownSpot (TCDS) – here to encourage, uplift and motivate wherever you are at on your journey . Whether a baby Christian or a veteran we hope to create a community that’s rated E for everyone and we hope to bring you smiles and growth in faith one message, one laugh, one reminder at a time .
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Once again it’s my relationship with God.
You know from a very young age we are being influenced, molded, taught things by our family, school, society, friends etc. and sometimes those people are teaching you with their trauma or patterns they have learned from others so they pass it down to you. Now with the passing of trauma from others to you experiencing your own and trying to navigate this thing called life it’s very easy for those things to shape you into a person you were never intended to be. You get so caught up if you’re living by this world, your parents or society standards that you forget how to actually be you . BUT GOD, restores you back to who you were called to be, He sees you for who you are with flaws and all and He loves it, He works with it . He doesn’t complain or make you feel shame for struggling with certain things, He gives you renewed grace, mercy and forgiveness each and everyday . He doesn’t hold your wrongdoings over your head and what a relief that is . Learning how to love God and his ways helped me loved myself, helped me find my worth in His identity and not the things I thought I was and could never be . He has given me hope, He has given me the eyes to see that there’s nothing wrong with me because I am His creation, His daughter a part of royal priesthood. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9 NLT
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
That there’s nothing wrong with me . Just because you may be the odd ball, just because you aren’t the life of the party doesn’t mean something is wrong with you . Just because you like apples and the whole room like cherries does not mean there is something wrong with you- not your laugh, your style, your fears or dreams, your emotions or your thoughts. Yes take accountability on things that are actually causing an issue especially as you grow up into a young adult but I would just tell my younger self to spend more time loving than hating myself .
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Look it’s not my fault that Jesus is the answer to most of these questions hahaha .
But yes the Son of Nazareth, there’s no doubt that Christ is powerful . For He’s seated at the right hand of God and was risen from His tomb ( This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:20 NLT )
but when you read the book of Jesus actual life and ministry you realize He is the most perfect and humble man to ever exist . Yes he was tempted, yes he experienced our same human feelings but He never once acted on it. To know that He had angels ready to come as soon as He called, that He can snap his fingers and make bread and miracles happened all the time but still chose to lead with humility and fear for the Father now that is very admirable because I don’t have any problem admitting that if I was put into that position I would be snapping my fingers like a genie all the time. I wouldn’t be as humble, I wouldn’t have chosen to pick up the cross and get crucified and be put to death by the same people that I came down to love and heal .
That is true unconditional love not just power .
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
Not being a “ creative for Christ “ like executing most of the visions I feel like I’ve been gifted with.
The amount of merchandise ideas that I have that uplifts and shines light on the Gospel, so many ideas that I feel like will plant seeds into people lives and will eventually spark the idea/conversation of wanting to know Jesus for themselves but I’ve been so hesitant because our social media pages have been stagnant for some time so I stop myself from taking the risk but at this point as days and months literally FLY by it’s looking more scary to actually stay in the same place and to not try anything new rather than taking a big leap of faith .
So stay tuned because merchandise is actually in the works, TCDS will soon have you girls replacing your little labubu dolls with a little Jesus so make room !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalmdownspot?igsh=MTN6cHA0MndubDdwZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thecalmdownspot?si=IqUrpzqo4G0QJiQz
- Other: We are more active on TikTok than instagram so check us out on there !
@thecalmdownspot | TCDShttps://www.tiktok.com/@thecalmdownspot?_t=ZT-8yzMclAuRfq&_r=1
