Rising Stars: Meet Christian Sinclair of East Nashville

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Sinclair

Hi Christian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Sinclair, cultural curator and advocate for creative community. I also the founder of Soul’d Creative Collective and I work in pharmaceuticals as a communications manager full-time. My career journey began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and led me to Nashville, where I’ve planted my creative roots.
Currently, I work in pharmaceuticals full time as a Communications manager.

One significant chapter upon moving to Nashville, led me to the Frist Art Museum, where I had the privilege of working as a Communications and Community Relations Coordinator. In this role, I honed my skills in connecting art and culture with the community. I’m proud of the work I did there, and the experience has greatly informed my belief in the transformative power of art and community engagement.

I founded Soul’d Creative Collective, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the power of art, culture, and community. We host events, workshops, panels, provide resources for creatives, and more. At Soul’d Creative Collective, we understand the significance of giving back to the community. We believe that by actively participating in volunteer work and engaging with the community, we can create a positive impact and inspire positive change. Our commitment to community engagement is a cornerstone of our mission, and we encourage all our members to get involved in various projects that serve others in the Nashville area.

Community, creativity, and culture have always been at the heart of my journey and the very essence of my work. These elements are more than just words to me; they are the guiding principles that have shaped my path and propelled me forward. The richness of diverse communities, the endless potential of creativity, and the impact of culture on our lives have not only inspired me but have also become the driving force behind my mission in my work. I believe that when we bring together these pillars of human experience, we create a platform for change and transformation. They enable us to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their creative potential, foster connections, and drive meaningful change in our city.

I am also excited o share that Soul’d Creative Collective will be hosting a residency at All People Coffee, running every other Thursday from 7-9 PM until August. Our events while a the space, include panel discussions, immersive listening parties, and a creative co-working space, and much more. We invite everyone to join us in this unique opportunity.

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?
Founding Soul’d Creative Collective wasn’t without its challenges. Building a nonprofit from the ground up requires a lot of time, energy, and resources, and navigating the complexities of the nonprofit world definitely had its learning curve. As a grassroots organization fueled by passion and dedication rather than deep pockets, we’ve had to get creative when it comes to funding our projects and initiatives. This has meant relying heavily on in-kind donations, volunteer support, and sponsorships.

In a way, the financial constraints have become a blessing in disguise, pushing us to think outside the box and find creative solutions to our funding challenges. And while we may not have the big budgets of some established nonprofits, we’ve found that passion and perseverance can go a long way in making a difference in our community.

On a personal level, balancing my full-time job in pharmaceuticals with my passion for community engagement and creativity has been a juggling act at times. Finding the right balance between the two worlds while still making time for family, friends, and self-care hasn’t always been easy.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I bring a multidisciplinary approach to my art, blending my roles as a Communications Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, founder of Soul’d Creative Collective, and freelance monochrome photographer and creative director. Through my corporate position, I specialize in compelling narratives and communication strategies tailored to our audience in the field. Simultaneously, my freelance work allows me to express my creativity through the lens of monochrome photography and creative direction.

In my capacity as the founder of Soul’d Creative Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, I focus on fostering connections and driving positive change through art, culture, and community engagement. My passion for social impact and commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their creative potential shine through in every project we undertake.

Soul’d Creative Collective has spearheaded a range of impactful events, from the Black Arts Festival at the Frist Art Museum to our summer block parties, food drives, concerts, and various panel discussions. We’ve forged meaningful partnerships with organizations like HoopBus and Pepsi, leveraging their support to amplify our community initiatives. We’re gearing up for our upcoming residency at All People Coffee, where we’ll continue to cultivate inclusive spaces for creativity and collaboration.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of corporate experience, grassroots activism, and creative vision. This diverse skill set enables me to approach challenges with a strategic mindset while staying true to my values. I’m proud of the impact we’ve made through Soul’d Creative Collective. From organizing community events to supporting local artists and creatives, each initiative reflects our deep sense of purpose and commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Moving to a new city, having a full-time career in communications, while launching a non-profit from scratch, there for sure risky moves involved . These opportunities required me to step out of my comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and being willing to face the unknown. The challenges I encountered along the way have ultimately fueled my growth and resilience.

I’ve learned that calculated risks, when approached with passion and determination, can lead to my personal and professional development. Balancing the demands of a full-time career while running Soul’d Creative Collective have taught me the importance of prioritization, communication, time management, and patience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.csinclair/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/sould615/