Nothing makes us happier than showing off our BSB Ambassadors! Christina is one of our newest ambassadors and loves all thing Southern. She is a NC Belle who lives for fun, southern food and music. Learn more about her and her love of the South below:
Name: Christina Cierra Hinton
Title: Program Manager
Company/Org: NC School of Science and Mathematics
Hometown: Reidsville, NC by way of the DMV
Alma Mater: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Favorite thing about being southern: Sweet Tea, Fridays on the Front Porch (http://www.carolinainn.com/events/fridays-on-the-front-porch), warm smiles, gentlemen and thick accents.
What is your personal life motto: Be kind to yourself.
What is the most challenging professional obstacle you have had? Being a young, black, professional woman in the South brings so many complexities and so much intersectionality. Navigating how to be your authentic self as people cast perceptions of who they think you should be or how you should fit into the work place environment has been my greatest challenge. The way I dress is different, my hair is different, some times my speech patterns have to change, and navigating that while trying to be the best can make things that much harder.
Who is your favorite character a “Different World”? Whitley! Talk about the quintessential black Southern Belle! That accent, those clothes, the sass – she’s everything! More than anything I loved watching her growth and the depth her character gained; I see so much of myself in her character.
If you could do any job, what would that be? I want nothing more than equality and equity for all so I guess whatever job allows me to do that. I don’t know that it exist, but it hasn’t stopped me from searching!
Who do you wish you could meet? My future spouse! I mean there are so many important political and historical figures I would love to meet, but meeting the person I’m going to make this life journey with would be awesome. I’m mean I’m very much enjoying the dating scene, so even just being able to say “oh hey, see you when the time is right”, would be fine. Also what if I already know him … like the possibility of it all is so exciting and mind boggling in a way.
What would your best friend say is the best/most annoying quality about yourself?
Best – I’m always down to have a good time!
Most annoying – I’m controlling and ALWAYS right
What advice would you give your younger college self? Practice self-care and don’t fall victim to FOMO (fear of missing out)! As black Southern belles we often take on the role of gracious host, scholar, and socialite; in short we try to be everything to everybody and sometimes we put ourselves last in the process. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned the importance of “me time”, stopping to smell the roses, and staying true to self. I’ve fallen in love with solo morning yoga sessions, burrowing away at downtown coffee shops, people watching on porches, and hikes along the Eno River. More than anything, I’ve learned that after you’ve stepped away, caught your breath, and focused on you, the important things will still be there.
Where can we connect with you?
La Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CierraJB
Insta – christinacsunshine
We are sooo excited to have Christina on our team and can’t wait to read more of her work. Check out her latest, post on going natural. Christina will be sure to keep you updated on all things Southern!
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