Meet Kristina!

Yooo-hooo, I have someone f’ya to meet!

Intro’-ing Miss Kristina Coia.

She’s an author, a singer, a songwriter, a motivational speaker and… check it out, she’s 16! Uh-huh, Miss K is total proof that you don’t have to wait until you’re a grown up to do awesome things, right now!

Describe Kristina in five words…
I Love Who I Am

What is it you do exactly, Kristina?
I am the author of two YA Fantasy novels and the creator of the motivational programs Shine Through, Shine Through for Guys Too, and Mirror, Mirror On the Wall.  I am a writer of everything from blogs and books to original music.  I am an aspiring country singer who also loves performing.

You’ve written 2 books…and you’re 16. How did you make that happen? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
I never in my life expected to do any of the things I’m doing now! But writing has always been a hobby for me, (and will continue to be my hobby whether I want it or not!)

You’re a motivational speaker too - how did you discover that was something you wanted to do and do you still get nervous talking in front of people?
Like being an author, motivational speaking was never on my list of ‘things to do’. But, because I was reaching out to my peers through my writing, I decided to reach out in person, too! So, of course, it’s still a bit nerve-wracking speaking to people, but hearing their opinions is totally worth it.

You’re totally kick-ass - what’s you’re secret?
Haha - thank you! I drink plenty of milk, which gives me superpowers. I wish! lol. I think that life just took me along for the ride-and I’m enjoying every minute of it!

What’s your motto for life?
My motto is Make a wish. Believe in it. Imagine and dream, then follow your heart. Your wish will definitely come true.

You’re a total inspir-o-girl to us Pink Ladies, but who are your inspir-o-girls?
I love the Women Suffragettes of the early 1900’s who fought for the right to vote in the US. Their strength is a reminder of the incredible things a person can do if they set their mind to it.

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
My animals!  My Friends! Giving to others! Performing! Cartoons! Disney movies! My Music and, of course, some good show tunes.

The Pink Ladies love to travel - can you tell us a bit about the city you live and your top tips for places to see and things to do if we were to come visit?
I live in New Jersey, right beside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and right below New York City. But within the state, the best place to be is “down the shore”, or at the beach. (But only in the summer, because, right now, its freezing cold!)

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My mom taught me to believe in fairy tales, and, thank goodness, I never stopped believing. I was taught to believe in my dreams and to follow my heart.

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite:
Book: “The Two Princesses of Bamarre”, Gail Carson Levine
Website: Disney.go.com
Hang out: Not sure, but I know it’s not in New Jersey!!! lol
Food: It’s between pound cake and stuffed peppers (both made by my grandma)
Band: I listen to Broadway show tunes! But I love anything country music.

What advice do you have for teens who think they have to wait until they ‘grow up’ to do awesome things?
Follow your heart! If you think you have the motivation and ability to do something, do it now!

What’s next in the world o’ Kristina?
More of everything!!!

Finally, the colour pink. Discuss.
Actually, red is my favorite color. (I just realized that you spell it “colour”!) But pink is in the same family, so it totally counts! Purple’s nice too, though. But pink is definitely better!!!

To find out more about the awesomeness that is Kristina, visit her at: www.myspace.com/kristinacoia