On the Come Up with Kimberly Sanchez

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Sierra, a third-generation model and actress with over 15 years in the industry. From her very first runway show to building a career in both modeling and acting, Sierra shares the lessons she’s learned about preparation, confidence, and resilience in competitive creative fields. She breaks down her process for photo shoots versus acting roles, the small profess...

Fashion designer Kendu is back for another episode, diving deeper into his journey through the fashion industry. From a game-changing internship at Tommy Bahama that expanded his perspective, to growing his brand ArtIVPly, Kendu reveals what it’s really like behind the scenes at a major brand and how those lessons continue to shape his creative process. He shares the mindset that carried him throu...

Kayla’s creative journey started at just nine years old with a Corn Pops commercial and evolved through acting, modeling, and directing. When her university eliminated its theater program, she refused to let the setback define her path. With no prior filmmaking experience and only an iPhone, she created a short film that won Best Film and Best Cinematography , making her the first woman at her sch...

Kali Flower is back on On the Come Up —and this time, she’s bringing "Lost Girl Season" with her. Ten months after her first interview, the Hawaiian-born artist returns to share a deeply vulnerable project about transformation, loss, and stepping into the unknown. In this episode, Kali opens up about the in-between space where you’ve left behind your old self and are finding your way tow...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Brianna, founder of The Social Chica—a vibrant women-focused business lounge and creative hub in Cedar Hill, Texas. She shares how a small favor turned into managing social media for nearly 30 businesses, eventually leading to the creation of a space that empowers women entrepreneurs and creatives. Two years later, The Social Chica has become more than just a b...

In this episode of On the Come Up, pop-R&B artist Beysul shares how she balances a full-time career with her passion for music. From childhood performances to writing songs that reflect her mental health journey, Beysul opens up about staying true to herself while navigating the creative world. Her track “Live Again” stands out as a raw, emotional reflection of her battle with depression and a...

In this episode of On The Come Up , we explore the powerful journey of Kathryn Forbes, an actor who embraced her childhood dream for acting as an adult. From landing roles in film, TV, commercials, and Hamlet with the Classic Theatre Project, Kathryn shares how she blended a successful professional career with creative ambition. Hear how she overcame self-doubt, embraced starting over, and built a...

In today's episode, we catch up with Corina Laila, actor and evolving creative, whom we first met in Season 3. She shares how working behind the scenes has deepened her perspective as an actor and fueled her passion for storytelling. We discuss the rise of San Antonio’s creative scene, the importance of setting boundaries, overcoming imposter syndrome, and staying grounded through spiritualit...

In this episode, Lauren shares her journey from a visual, imaginative child to a filmmaker and model, weaving each chapter of her creative life into the next. She boldly stepped into film school, found her footing behind the scenes, and eventually directed her first short film—a deeply personal project that marked a major turning point in her artistic path. Lauren opens up about the challenges of...

Have you ever received a sign so clear it was impossible to ignore? That’s exactly what happened to AP, founder of CLR Intentions, when strangers asked if he had a clothing line—before he ever thought about fashion as a career. In this episode, AP shares how those random questions led him from uncertainty to building a purpose-driven brand. A former basketball player opens up about trusting the si...

In this episode, I sit down with Cammie Lane, social media manager for the beauty brand Hempz, to talk about content creation, branding, and career growth. Cammie opens up about how her background in marketing and a childhood dream of owning a salon led her to a successful career in Social Media Management. She shares how an internship kickstarted her journey and how working for a national beauty...

In today’s episode, I sit down with my brother Kai, a Radio-Television-Film major at UT Austin, to explore the real-world challenges and creative triumphs of navigating film school. We talk about his unconventional journey from English major to documentary director, the importance of building a strong creative network, and how he’s developing his voice as a filmmaker despite financial and institut...

In this bonus episode of On The Come Up, host Kimberly reconnects with Lo from the podcast Single on the Rocks for a candid and entertaining conversation about the winding paths of personal growth and creativity. They kick things off with hilarious first-job memories and laugh over their cringey early email addresses, sparking some major digital-era nostalgia. Beyond the laughs, the episode dives...

In this episode, fashion model and Bella Modeling School instructor Sofia shares an inside look at the modeling industry, drawing from her 8-year journey. From starting as a teen to building a successful modeling career, Sofia opens up about the realities behind the camera—balancing school with photo shoots, dealing with rejection, navigating comparison, and maintaining confidence in a high-pressu...

In this episode of On The Come Up, we explore the inspiring journey of Maria, a passionate makeup artist whose path was shaped by cultural roots, resilience, and a bold leap from the corporate world to creative freedom. From secretly experimenting with her mom’s lipstick as a child to becoming an artist at MAC Cosmetics, Maria shares how she built a brand centered on authenticity, artistry, and hu...

Creative evolution isn’t a straight path, and photographer Inara is proof of that. What started as a high school passion for photography—sparked by a camera gifted from her mother—has transformed into a thriving studio space in Dallas, where she now specializes in cinematic, story-driven imagery. In this episode, Inara shares how she built her creative studio, Thoughts and Days, and how it represe...

Join me, Kimberly, as I chat with Lilyanna Marie about her journey from high school open mics to shaping her unique sound in R&B and pop. She shares how a breakup sparked creative growth, her puzzle-like songwriting process, and dream collaborations. We also discuss the challenges of music marketing and staying authentic online, from self-promotion anxiety to personal branding. Plus, we debate...

Join us for a lively conversation as Livi Bee and I dive into the challenges and victories of breaking into acting. We explore the essential mix of consistency, confidence, and humility, the support systems that keep dreams alive, and the role of rejection as fuel for ambition. Livi Bee shares her love for sci-fi and a fun exchange about favorite films like Back to the Future. With insights on sta...

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Viktoria as she reveals how she overcame insecurities about her voice and found her place in R&B. Learn about her spontaneous music-making process, and the story behind her latest single Blush. Viktoria shares insights on balancing creativity with industry pressures, building confidence, and handling criticism humorously. She encourages artists to embra...

As we kick off the new year, we chatted with Bella, a freelance model who left agency representation to forge her own path. In this episode, Bella shares how she uses social media and personal connections to book jobs. Starting her modeling journey at just 11, Bella talks about how modeling boosted her confidence and social skills. Bella’s story is about more than modeling—it’s about overcoming ch...

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about domestic violence, which may be triggering for some listeners. In today’s final episode of 2024, we have an inspiring conversation with Bre, a visionary visual artist breaking barriers with her work and her story. After overcoming the challenges of a past marked by domestic violence, Bre discovered healing and empowerment through art, with t...

In today's episode, we sit down with Lo, a lifestyle creator and podcaster who turned her early parenthood vlogs into raw, daily narratives about life. Since 2015, her creative journey has evolved, offering an inside look behind the camera. Lo shares the revival of "Single on the Rocks," a blog-turned-podcast born from her Tumblr days. Podcasting has become a therapeutic outlet for...

Get ready to dive into the world of personal style with Chelsea, a gifted wardrobe stylist who’s revolutionizing fashion. Chelsea’s approach focuses on celebrating individuality while championing sustainability. She shares her experiences working with a wide range of clients—from busy moms to influencers—and sheds light on how social media shapes the fashion landscape. In this episode, you’ll lear...

In today’s episode, Laila shares her journey from her first audition, sparked by a radio show, to rediscovering her love for acting in her teens. At just 16, she took proactive steps to sign with her first agency, showcasing her dedication. In this episode, we discuss the unpredictable world of acting, focusing on audition strategies, managing rejection, and the importance of authenticity in role...

Is time truly more valuable than money, or is it the other way around? Join us for a lively ride on this bonus episode as we dive into Michelle and Mel's creative worlds. Together, we explore the joys of self-taught dance, reflect on the quirky nature of reality TV, and laugh at our collective guilty pleasures. Our chats about pet peeves take a humorous turn as we recount the wild world of Te...