Can you tell us something about yourself and your passions?

My name is Cristina, I’m 26 years old and, to put it simply, I am a creative, living a creative life.
I passionately work in videography and photography while traveling the world in a curious way with my partner, Matthew—who is a hairdresser and creative in his own right. Together, we collect stories, connections, lessons, and of course, archives of footage along the way.

Growing up in a small artistic town in the Winelands of South Africa, I’ve always had an affinity for the arts and the creative world. I’m an analytical thinker with a passion for the natural world, people, music, stories, and empowering others to see themselves and each other in a positive light.
I love pouring my heart into projects of all kinds, reminding people of the good things we still have in this beautiful world.

How did you get to where you are now in your career/life?

By going out and doing it!
When I was finishing high school, I dreamt of studying art direction, but I felt a strong itch to travel and explore new horizons. So, instead, I chose a “gap year / cultural exchange” by au pairing in the Netherlands. Little did I know, that year would change my life. I bought my first camera, met my current partner, and had my first traveling experiences across Europe. 

Since then, much has changed, but that experience set the tone for an independent career as a videographer, working on all kinds of exciting projects on my own terms, valuing creativity, freedom, and adventure. Let's just say that the so-called "gap-year" turned into many years of following my passion and making it my job.
I taught myself all the technical aspects of my camera and editing, slowly expanding my portfolio and gear over the years. There’s still so much to learn, but I’m proud of where I stand now and excited to see where I’ll be in another 20 years.

What are some challenges you have encountered along the way, and how did you overcome them?

As a solo, self-taught videographer, I’ve learned a lot about determination and the drive to pursue what you love.
Most of the projects that pushed me to grow were the ones I felt unsure about, questioning whether I was “worthy” of doing something someone else might have been “qualified” for.  But those were the exact projects that taught me: when there’s a will, there’s a way. And often, the tools or credentials didn’t matter.

What mattered was that the world could see itself through my lens—in my own specific style—and that my heart spoke loudly through my work.
Of course, trying new things is always daunting, but I’ve learned that the best way to grow is to begin. 

How do you use your platform/(work) environment/influence to make a difference?

I like to believe that by sharing stories, we give ourselves and others moments of reflection, on our own lives, and on the lives of others, with greater understanding and compassion.
Creativity allows us to inspire one another and reconnect with life’s simple beauty that surrounds us every day.

What achievement are you most proud of, and why?

Two years ago, an art event in my hometown in South Africa invited me to participate in a film exhibition, where I created a short film based on a prompt they gave me.
It felt beautiful to come full circle and give my art back to the town and people who shaped me as an artist and human.

A big part of that pride comes from the fact that I had avoided making a short film for years, doubting myself for not having a team, enough time, the right equipment, or enough know-how. But in this case, together with my partner Matthew, we created a dream-team, and shot it in Spain during one of our travels—in just two days—creating something truly special together.

Of course, I can already look back on the film and see what I could have done differently, but I’m proud that I did the thing that scared me most. I know my next short film will already feel easier to start and be better than the first!

How do you integrate The Insiders into your daily routine or work?

As a woman who loves feeling empowered during my creative days, self-care and ritual go hand in hand, especially when it comes to caring for my curls.
I’ve had a unique auburn, autumny hair tone since childhood and always promised I’d never dye it. Much to my surprise, my hair started turning curly in adulthood, and I had to figure out how to care for it in a way that made me feel confident and beautiful.

I love using a combination of The Insiders’ Hero Wonder Spray and Velvet Curl Cream to deeply moisturise my curls in the most natural-looking way. I don’t use a blow dryer—I prefer letting my hair dry naturally—and with this combo, I’ve learned to celebrate my natural hair every day.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Firstly, the people that I am lucky enough to have as my mother, father, brother and sister, my partner Matthew and my dearest friends. All creative people with big hearts, strong drives and an incredible way of making their way and impact in this world. I couldn’t be more honoured to know them and draw inspiration from them.

Secondly - traveling! I love to learn from new cultures and physical and social landscapes, reevaluating my own belief systems and learning from all kinds of alternative ways of navigating this same world. 

Thirdly - other creatives! People all over the world, doing cool things! I'm always so amazed at the creativity streaming through so many avenues that we can share in, using places like the internet for good!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Weave authenticity in everything you do, the rest will follow. 

Do you have any tips or advice for women who want to follow your path?

When I was in high school, I was taught to believe that a degree and a fixed job were the ultimate definitions of success. I’ve since gone on to prove that idea wrong, again and again.

I’ve come to see success as something deeply personal. For me, it’s the “three F’s”: family, friends, and freedom.
If I can spend time with the people I love, explore the world, and do work that fills me with joy, then that, to me, is a life fully lived.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

I dream of building my own (not too) tiny house somewhere beautiful, where I can welcome all kinds of wonderful people to celebrate life together in a slow and simple way- a place to connect over good food, good music, good stories by the fireside and good humour. 
I also hope to continue pouring my heart into many more beautiful projects and for my work to bring some kind of positive impact to the world, no matter how big or small. 

@cristina_kirstein on instagram