Conversations with Chrissy Kirkwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Kirkwood.

Chrissy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in the Philippines and lived there until my family’s abrupt move to California at the age of four. Growing up, I was a bit of a loner in school. I didn’t know how to socially connect with others and experienced growing insecurities about my sexuality. The first time I found a sense of belonging was at the Venice Beach drum circle. This transcendent experience is where I discovered my passion for rhythmic improvisation and my community.

After obtaining my GED, I followed my family to middle Tennessee. As I began this new adventure of life, I searched for a home in the vicinity of rainbow flags and proudly put down roots near East Nashville’s Lipstick Lounge.

Even though being a professional drummer was my dream, I followed my family’s advice for financial stability and pursued my passion of real estate investing. I became obsessed after purchasing my own home at 21 and quickly achieved financial success. My focus on work and only work eventually backfired. I contracted MRSA, a near death experience that shook me to my core. As I laid in the hospital, I knew I needed to redefine success in my life.

From that day forward, I’ve tried to live life on my own terms. With the stability of real estate, I imbued my life with music, art, community, and creativity. I opened my own real estate brokerage, Kirkwood Property Group, in 2014 and continue to help my client tree find their homes.

I spend my free time creating experiences that foster community, health, and healing with creative cooking, jedi training (ice baths), drumming, and meditations. These activities led to the creation of the Urban Ecovillage for drum circles and potlucks.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In March 2020, my world was turned upside down in the aftermath of the Tornado that rocked East Nashville. I’ve worked to rebuild the ecovillage, experiencing lessons in trauma, drama, and betrayal along the way. I’ve also received an outpour of kindness, generosity, and perseverance. As administrator of my personal healing journey, I’ve learned to take responsibility for my role in these experiences and release my victimhood.

I used quarantine as an opportunity for solitary refinement. I learned to fall in love with myself in the silence of solitude, as well as addressing my adult ADHD with natural and holistic lifestyle remedies. I have worked to heal my childhood wounds of unworthiness and continue to do so to this day.

In this rebirth, I’ve rebranded the Urban Ecovillage to the Music Monastery. I came to realize a deeper vision of creating spiritual homes for artists through meditation, music, and appreciation for nature.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets
you apart from others?
I consider myself to be business minded & hippie hearted.

As a real estate broker for Kirkwood Property Group, I help buyers and sellers make strategic moves with property and help others create generational wealth for their families.

I have unbridled energy! I am enthusiastic, curious and creative.  I inspire others to tap into their child-like nature by exploring rhythmic improvisation as a form of self-therapy in community.  I like to create environments that help people feel safe and open for creative expression.

I am a yoga instructor specializing in kids yoga and sound meditations. I practice cold water immersions for mental health, physical health and self mastery.

I loved stacked functions! (permaculture in action)
You can buy a home from me (kirkwood property group)
Do an Ice bath with me (cold water immersion)
Drum with me (drum circle)
Receive a sound bath from me (rhythm bird music)

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Listen to Your inner voice. Tap into Your intention. Meditate. Find comfort in silence and stillness. Ask your friends and loved ones for their opinions at times, but ultimately, follow your inner-guide. Others will not know exactly what’s best for you. Trust yourself and create space and rituals that hone your connection with self.

Whatever you are curious about, explore. Keep going, keep trying.

It’s ok to change your mind and try something new as you sample the buffet of life.

Contact Info:

• Email: chrissy@kpg615.com
• Website: https://www.kpg615.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissykirkwooddrums/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillerealestateagent
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_kCCe-GQSJMiNjEq9tSdg
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/urbanecovillagenetwork

Image Credits:
Allison Gower
Courtney Cheek