On the Come Up with Kimberly Sanchez

In today's episode, we catch up with Corina Laila, actor and evolving creative, whom we first met in Season 3. She shares how working behind the scenes has deepened her perspective as an actor and fueled her passion for storytelling. We discuss the rise of San Antonio’s creative scene, the importance of setting boundaries, overcoming imposter syndrome, and staying grounded through spirituality. Corina opens up about her evolvi...

In this episode, Lauren shares her journey from a visual, imaginative child to a filmmaker and model, weaving each chapter of her creative life into the next. She boldly stepped into film school, found her footing behind the scenes, and eventually directed her first short film—a deeply personal project that marked a major turning point in her artistic path. Lauren opens up about the challenges of finding her voice in male-dominated...

Have you ever received a sign so clear it was impossible to ignore? That’s exactly what happened to AP, founder of CLR Intentions, when strangers asked if he had a clothing line—before he ever thought about fashion as a career. In this episode, AP shares how those random questions led him from uncertainty to building a purpose-driven brand. A former basketball player opens up about trusting the signs, taking a leap of faith, and fi...

In this episode, I sit down with Cammie Lane, social media manager for the beauty brand Hempz, to talk about content creation, branding, and career growth. Cammie opens up about how her background in marketing and a childhood dream of owning a salon led her to a successful career in Social Media Management. She shares how an internship kickstarted her journey and how working for a national beauty brand shaped her strategy and creat...

In today’s episode, I sit down with my brother Kai, a Radio-Television-Film major at UT Austin, to explore the real-world challenges and creative triumphs of navigating film school. We talk about his unconventional journey from English major to documentary director, the importance of building a strong creative network, and how he’s developing his voice as a filmmaker despite financial and institutional barriers. Kai offers a behind...

In this bonus episode of On The Come Up, host Kimberly reconnects with Lo from the podcast Single on the Rocks for a candid and entertaining conversation about the winding paths of personal growth and creativity. They kick things off with hilarious first-job memories and laugh over their cringey early email addresses, sparking some major digital-era nostalgia. Beyond the laughs, the episode dives into the struggles of content creat...

In this episode, fashion model and Bella Modeling School instructor Sofia shares an inside look at the modeling industry, drawing from her 8-year journey. From starting as a teen to building a successful modeling career, Sofia opens up about the realities behind the camera—balancing school with photo shoots, dealing with rejection, navigating comparison, and maintaining confidence in a high-pressure environment. She also offers exp...

In this episode of On The Come Up, we explore the inspiring journey of Maria, a passionate makeup artist whose path was shaped by cultural roots, resilience, and a bold leap from the corporate world to creative freedom. From secretly experimenting with her mom’s lipstick as a child to becoming an artist at MAC Cosmetics, Maria shares how she built a brand centered on authenticity, artistry, and human connection. She reflects on how...

Creative evolution isn’t a straight path, and photographer Inara is proof of that. What started as a high school passion for photography—sparked by a camera gifted from her mother—has transformed into a thriving studio space in Dallas, where she now specializes in cinematic, story-driven imagery.

In this episode, Inara shares how she built her creative studio, Thoughts and Days, and how it represents her artistic philosophy and pers...

Join me, Kimberly, as I chat with Lilyanna Marie about her journey from high school open mics to shaping her unique sound in R&B and pop. She shares how a breakup sparked creative growth, her puzzle-like songwriting process, and dream collaborations.

We also discuss the challenges of music marketing and staying authentic online, from self-promotion anxiety to personal branding. Plus, we debate music loyalty—Drake vs. Kendrick—an...

Join us for a lively conversation as Livi Bee and I dive into the challenges and victories of breaking into acting. We explore the essential mix of consistency, confidence, and humility, the support systems that keep dreams alive, and the role of rejection as fuel for ambition. Livi Bee shares her love for sci-fi and a fun exchange about favorite films like Back to the Future. With insights on staying relatable, leaning on family, ...

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Viktoria as she reveals how she overcame insecurities about her voice and found her place in R&B. Learn about her spontaneous music-making process, and the story behind her latest single Blush. Viktoria shares insights on balancing creativity with industry pressures, building confidence, and handling criticism humorously. She encourages artists to embrace their journey, take things slow,...

As we kick off the new year, we chatted with Bella, a freelance model who left agency representation to forge her own path. In this episode, Bella shares how she uses social media and personal connections to book jobs. Starting her modeling journey at just 11, Bella talks about how modeling boosted her confidence and social skills. Bella’s story is about more than modeling—it’s about overcoming challenges and maintaining one's...

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about domestic violence, which may be triggering for some listeners.

In today’s final episode of 2024, we have an inspiring conversation with Bre, a visionary visual artist breaking barriers with her work and her story. After overcoming the challenges of a past marked by domestic violence, Bre discovered healing and empowerment through art, with the steadfast support of he...

In today's episode, we sit down with Lo, a lifestyle creator and podcaster who turned her early parenthood vlogs into raw, daily narratives about life. Since 2015, her creative journey has evolved, offering an inside look behind the camera. Lo shares the revival of "Single on the Rocks," a blog-turned-podcast born from her Tumblr days. Podcasting has become a therapeutic outlet for her, blending personal growth with ...

Get ready to dive into the world of personal style with Chelsea, a gifted wardrobe stylist who’s revolutionizing fashion. Chelsea’s approach focuses on celebrating individuality while championing sustainability. She shares her experiences working with a wide range of clients—from busy moms to influencers—and sheds light on how social media shapes the fashion landscape. In this episode, you’ll learn how to craft a style that’s authe...

In today’s episode, Laila shares her journey from her first audition, sparked by a radio show, to rediscovering her love for acting in her teens. At just 16, she took proactive steps to sign with her first agency, showcasing her dedication. In this episode, we discuss the unpredictable world of acting, focusing on audition strategies, managing rejection, and the importance of authenticity in role selection. Laila also highlights th...

Is time truly more valuable than money, or is it the other way around? Join us for a lively ride on this bonus episode as we dive into Michelle and Mel's creative worlds. Together, we explore the joys of self-taught dance, reflect on the quirky nature of reality TV, and laugh at our collective guilty pleasures.

Our chats about pet peeves take a humorous turn as we recount the wild world of Texas driving. This episode&...

Join me, Kimberly, on this solo episode as I recount my unexpected journey from aspiring to join the medical field to carving out a niche in modeling and podcasting. Hear about my moves from Corpus Christi to Hawaii, and eventually to Fort Worth, where a chance conversation led me to Bella Modeling School and a transformative career shift. This narrative isn't just about career changes—it's about those pivotal moments and...