We recently had the chance to connect with Kristina Bethea and have shared our conversation below.
Kristina, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think others secretly struggle with their mindset; everything is mental. I believe many people have wishful thinking and/or tend to think negative thoughts before positive ones. Look around, in the news and in life, things seem to lead to mental illness or mental health issues. Our brain is the driver and to keep it sharp takes a lot of mental toughness. It’s easier for people to believe in others rather than themselves. It’s easier for people to pat others on the back rather than themselves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kristina Bethea; some know me as KB. I am an entrepreneur working on a few avenues – an online clothing store, credit repair, and a forex trader. I knew I wanted to work for myself ever since I was just 15 years old, but had to build up the skillset. In 2017 I took the leap, then went back to the workforce because I was dependent on a paycheck, just to realize everything is a business and jobs aren’t guaranteed. In 2020, I took the full leap of faith. Taking the chance on yourself is not easy, and you quickly see who supports you in the process. I am surrounded by a strong support system because it can be tough at times. To date, I’ve mentored over 100 students to teach them exactly how I trade in the forex market, and I’ve also created an online DIY playbook with my exact strategies for those wanting to learn on their own. In 2023, I dove into the credit space because I saw a problem. People struggled to get a home for their families or obtain credit, so understanding consumer law was something I took under my belt, and I’m happy that I did, helping consumers remove any negative item from their credit profiles.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child and into early high school, I used to repeat my name and tell myself that no one would ever know who “Kristina Bethea” is. I used to tell myself that my name doesn’t sound ‘famous’ or ‘important.’ This too, goes back to mental health and being our own worst critics. I used to believe that my early speech impediment would never go away because I used to have a bad stuttering problem to the point I didn’t want to talk due to getting made fun of. It would take me so long to get words out. To date, I’ve spoken in crowds of over 2,000 people and used to be the guest speaker at San Diego State University for the student/parent orientation. We can say I no longer have that nor believe that I will. I no longer believe that my name has no meaning because we are all unique and have a gift. As long we we hold on to our gifts and passions and strive for greatness, greatness is what we will become.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. As an entrepreneur, giving up seems like it’s the most easiest thing to do when you realize everything that glitters isn’t gold. Whether a prospect ghosts, revenue slows down, or you have a losing streak in the markets, sometimes you may think, “I should just get a 9-5, it’s easier” Is it really? The job hunting alone feels like a 9-5, and you are easily replaced. Either way, you have to choose your hard, whether that’s working for yourself or someone else. The clock will keep ticking and will only stop if it’s a dead battery. Finding your strength through weakness is key and keeping your mind at ease because the minute you lose hope, you’ve lost the battle. Every day it’s me vs. me and when you can be 1% better than the previous day or find a way to move your needle, you’re moving in the right direction.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I can proudly say I am super authentic and keep it real. Authenticity should have been my middle name, but it’s Danice instead. At some point, you can’t care what others think of you because they will have their thoughts regardless! Every day I show up for myself and my clients and continue to be the best I can be. I don’t hide behind a veil or change who I am behind closed doors. With me, it’s really what you see is what you get, and this has helped not only in business, but in friendships, and the work environment. I’ve been told I’m super funny (I don’t try to be) yet I’m also very serious with no gray areas.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes! In jobs, friendships, and past relationships. This allows me to live in the moment and see things for what they are and be grateful. As humans, it’s natural that we are not satisfied and want more and more and still left with feeling empty. To combat this, it’s best to accept things for what they are and try to see the good in every situation. In people, never judge a book by the outer appearance because looks can be deceiving, but the mindset and the memories lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://besik.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinn22
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betheakristina/
