Today we’d like to introduce you to Kahim Sturgis.
Hi Kahim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First off let me just express my deepest gratitude to the Voyage Houston Magazine for highlighting the immense talent that Houston has to offer. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and to be recognized.
Originally, I’m from Elizabeth, NJ where I was known as a student-athlete. I always had a passion for art, (drawing, writing, etc.) but I focused heavily into sports. Later, I suffered a basketball injury that derailed my chances of going to college on a football scholarship. Instead of staying in my hometown, I enlisted into the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman.
After 4 years of service, it came time for me to make a decision: to reenlist or be discharged. I picked up a pencil and discovered I still had some artistic ability. My mother and sister ended up moving to Houston some years recently. So I submitted a portfolio to the Art Institute of Houston and got accepted into the Media Arts and Animation program.
That was kind of like a sign for me to make that transition and get my degree. So I moved here to Houston,
In college, that’s where I got into the poetry, by way of my sister. We would hit local open mics just to stay creative. But, my bigger ambition was to start a production company or get a job working at Pixar. Once I got in the groove of my transition into civilian life and getting more into my craft, I realized that I would rather just build my own thing.
So that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 13 years or so. Focusing on building my own production company. I’ve also written a few books so storytelling has always been the basis for who I am as an artist.
I’ll say this, Houston has been a wonderful transition for me. Almost feel like the right place, right time type of situation. Since moving here, I’ve found a loving wife and had a beautiful set of twins. Met some great people and had some great opportunities. Because I took the leap of faith so, I’m grateful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think anyone who is striving to achieve something and be successful will face some type of opposition.
Other than the normal ebbs and flows of life. (losing jobs, losing loved ones, things I thought would happen but never did.) it’s been sort of a slow uphill climb for me. I’m learning to take small steps every day toward the life I want to see for myself.
For me, I’ve always tried to bring people along with me so I’ve faced disappointment in that area. There were some relationships that didn’t work out and opportunities that I’ve missed but you just learn what you can and move to keep moving forward.
Looking back on it now, I realize that you have to wait for the right people and opportunities to come along and when they do; embrace it. It takes time but I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by an amazing support system and people that are genuinely looking to see me succeed,
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the past ten years, my attention has been on film and animation. I stated recently that I’ve done some poetry, had fun doing that. Done some modeling as well. Mostly though, just diving into the film and animation space.
I recently completed my first film. ‘Mr. Franklin’. We had a sold-out theatrical release. Definitely proud of that moment. I feel that things are moving in the right direction for my brand Lightrich Studios (A Film and Animation Company) and I’m very excited about that.
My upbringing was a little different from most. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but a lot of my childhood was spent in Florida. Those two styles of living and thinking just gave me a unique perspective of the world we’re all living in.
Being in the Military, you get to travel around the world. Connect with different people, and experience different things. All of those different experiences influence my art and the way I tell my stories.
My whole mission now is to tell impactful stories and enrich the world through film and animation.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Good question.
Well. I lived in Pensacola, FL for most of my childhood and I just remember it being a great time for me. There were a lot more good times than bad and things were much simpler. I remember there being so much love surrounding me as a child from my immediate family. Which is why making that transition from Florida to New Jersey was difficult for me at that age.
In the country, you had more space to run around and get into trouble…lol I guess there was a level of Southern Comfort that I appreciated.
I’ve really come to appreciate those moments because they all made me who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lightrichstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahimthekreator/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kahim.sturgis
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LightrichStudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mLHVFxLbZtv4t1svJAm5A
