Singer, songwriter, member of RCA Records’ girl group Citizen Queen.

Who inspired you to start singing?

Nina: My parents. I feel lucky to have felt comforted, loved, and supported through my journey in an industry that is not always so loving. I started singing and acting professionally when I was around seven years old. Rejection after rejection later, as everyone that auditions experiences, I couldn’t help but question if who I am, and what I looked like was the issue. I wondered if there was love for Asian American Girls, and if there was even a story of a multiracial girl in America to BE told in the first place. As time has gone on, I have learned that those not represented in media have to take the bull by the horns and MAKE space. The girls of Citizen Queen, my girl group, are doing just that. I’m proud to be the figure for Asian American and multiracial girls I never really had growing up. And I get to be that by doing what I love - singing. 

Photo by Luke Fontana

There aren't many Asian Americans in mainstream music, who or what gave you the courage to pursue this industry?

I actually think Asian Americans are slowly starting to rise and become more known than before. Some of the biggest asian American artists dominate the charts: Bruno Mars is half filipino, so is Hailee Steinfeld, BLACKPINK is taking over, and Awkwafina is making space in the industry for herself quite successfully. These artists keep my head up. What I think is definitely missing is the story of the Asian American experience in mainstream music. An amazing example of a song like this is “I Can Only Write My Name”, by Will Jay. Composing stories like this is NECESSARY for the normalization of Asian American Artists into Mainstream Music. People need to hear our perspective. Until people are willing and excited to listen, we will continue to make space for ourselves. And for those of you reading this that feel hesitant to enter the music industry because it seems as though not many Asian Americans succeed in it: 

1. It’s about the music. Tell your amazing story, and REGARDLESS of who you are or what you are, people will listen. 
2. Your story needs to be heard. Be the first to say something or be something if no one has yet. 
3. Don’t trip. We’re thriving. We are making space for ourselves, and even more for you.  

Check out some inspiring words of motivation from Nina!

For more from Nina, follow her at @ninaannnelson and @citizenqueen.

Actress on Last Man Standing, Dr. Ken, and Lupus LA ambassador. 

Photo by Michael Becker @michaelbecker88 

What makes you undefinable?

Krista: ME!  My job, my ethnicity, my gender make up PARTS of me that I’m very proud of, in an individual way, but they don’t define or label me based on a group definition or stereotype.  There is so much more beyond my job, ethnicity, and gender that make me who I am! There are many many many layers in a human being - every person in the world has a different story, and history - nobody is the same, and that’s what makes human nature so interesting and beautiful and unpredictable! 

How do you handle rejection?

Rejection is a big part of my job as an actor and artist.  Rejection isn’t easy. When I audition for a role and do not get the part, I usually am bummed.  But then I remind myself the part is going to another hustling actor, and I certainly can’t be mad about that - we are all working hard, and there is room for everyone, especially to celebrate more Asian American actors!!  

Being rejected socially is something that is harder to deal with, because at first it feels much more personal.  For example, being excluded from a group or a party or conversation might not feel good. But I have learned over time that it is not worth the energy to worry about people who are exclusive.  Especially when I have genuine, wonderful, and supportive friends and family (like Team AAGC!) that I would so much rather spend that energy and time on and with

If someone is choosing to be unconcerned or catty, then I probably don’t want to be around an insensitive person anyway.  It’s so much better to focus on the love and matters that are important to you, than the inevitable negativity surrounding you.  That's why I deeply value inclusiveness and kindness.

Being rejected has taught me confidence, to love myself instead of looking for someone else to, and most importantly, to treat OTHERS with love and compassion because I know how bad it feels to be on the rejected side. I do find coffee ice cream a great friend on the darker days, though (Haagen daz plz)  =)

Dr. Ken (ABC)



Last Man Standing (FOX)

Favorite self care tips?

15 min walk outside right before the sun goes down, extra bonus with a dog! 

Stretching and breathing

Prioritizing Family and Friends time

Hometown time 

Taking the time to give thanks.

A single flower 

Dancing to music

Check out what Krista has to say about what being undefinable means to her!

For more from Krista, follow her at @kristamarieyu.