For all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for people they would never know so that all of us could be free, thank you.
Inspired: Memorial Day
Author: Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
Inspired: Artist Kara Walker Gives the Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn a Proper Farewell
My friend, Ria, and I trekked to Williamsburg to see artist Kara Walker’s insanely cool installation at the abandoned Domino Sugar Refinery. With the rich scent of molasses hanging in the air and thickly caked on the walls, we stood in awe of Walker’s sphinx made of styrofoam and 80 tons (!) of sugar.
There’s something eerie about abandoned spaces. At one time, it was the largest sugar refinery in the world. We could hear and feel the souls of people who toiled long, exhausting hours in that space from 1882 until 2004, when it was shuttered.
Walker is known for her provocative work that reflects her deep contemplation about gender, race, and the horrors of slavery. Her emotions are raw and her judgements swift. She never sugarcoats her opinions, which makes this exhibit all the more ironic. It runs through July 6th when it will be demolished as most of site is leveled to make way for a new multi-use development. For those who can’t get to Brooklyn to see it, here’s the exhibit through my lens:
Inspired: Say Yes to What’s Next—Starbucks Wisdom
I saw this picture on a door at Starbucks as I was on my way to teach my yoga class. I had spent the entire morning thinking about my future since every area of my life is completely up in the air. I took these 5 words on my local Starbucks door as a sign.
I don’t know what’s going to happen next but I do know this: it will be wonderful and I’m going to say yes. I’ve put an insanely large amount of trust in the universe at this juncture. Whoever it wants me to meet. Wherever it wants me to go. Whatever it wants me to do. When the opportunity knocks, I’m going to throw the door open and rush to meet it. My answer is yes.
Inspired: The Hardest Part of All Changes
All changes are tough, even the ones that are blessings. With every change, something dies and falls away. We mourn the loss of the good and the bad. To wipe the slate clean, we have to go through this loss of the old to make way for the new. Give yourself the space and time to process the loss, even though it may be welcomed and expected. Go through the motions. Take all the steps. Feel all the feelings. No regrets.
Inspired: Know When It’s Time to Be Done
Ever feel done? Really done with a situation that’s been somewhat bearable for a while and now feels so heavy you have to let it go? I hit that wall Tuesday morning with a few of my consulting projects.
And in the midst of that realization there were so many incredible things happening—the amazing rehearsal process of Sing After Storms with our incredibly talented team and friends pouring in support through every possible avenue. I could feel transformation start to make its way into my life, the way water begins to carve its path through stone, the way plants begin to overtake manmade structures when left to their own devices. It feels like progress, however slow and uncomfortable it may be. I could sense a serious make-over of my entire life taking root right at the center of my heart.
Life is so incredibly short. As my friend, Alex, recently said to me, “I’m going to wake up and be 70. That’s how fast life’s going.” She’s totally right. Time is flying. My energy and creativity have to be channelled into what lights me up, not what tears me down. That’s all we really have time to do.
Inspired: Mary McManus’s Transformational Tuesday Post About Sing After Storms
Mary McManus, an incredible spirit and writer, wrote a post on her blog about Sing After Storms entitled “Transformation Tuesday: Christa in New York Sings After Storms“. The post discusses the inspiration behind the play as well as my process in writing, producing, and directing it.
I’m humbled and amazed by Mary on so many levels and the best part is that I met her through my blog. It’s relationships like this that make me realize just how blessed I am to have this forum, to write every day, and to know people like Mary. The world needs more people like her.
Click here to check out Mary’s post on Sing After Storms.
Inspired: Help Sing After Storms Distribute Postcards and Posters
To help promote Sing After Storms, we’ve ordered beautiful postcards and posters to distribute around New York City thanks to the brilliant design mind of Anuja Singhal. Want to help us get the word out about the show while getting some exercise? Lace up your walking shoes, grab a stack, and let’s go! Your local cafes, shops, library branches, gyms, schools, and community spaces all will do the trick. If you’d like to help us in our marketing efforts please email singafterstorms@chasingdownthemuse.com or leave a comment on this blog post and I’ll get right back to you. Thanks for your support!
Inspired: Rehearsals for Sing After Storms Begin Tonight
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb.
I could barely sleep last night. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning because tonight we’re beginning our rehearsals for Sing After Storms. The journey still feels surreal to me, kind of like I’m walking on sunshine or cloud 9. It’s going to be a fast and furious sprint, though we’re all up for it. And I know we’ll go far because we’re all in this together. Tally-ho!
Visual Designs – the Amazing Anuja
Our incredible graphic designer for Sing After Storms created these amazing visuals for us. We just LOVE them! And her.
Inspired: Authenticity Wins
The world needs you—beautiful, capable, talented you. All you can do is be who you are—at work, at home, in your community. You could try to retrofit yourself into a role someone else wants you to play, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Those with like minds and hearts are looking for you; make it easy for them to find you by being exactly who you are. Be authentic, and everybody wins.
