[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27353″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Check our interview with talented actress and founder of HONOR Mornings™ Kitiya Skye.
Kitiya was born in Eastern Europe, grew up in Canada, and worked in NYC for 6 years as an Advertising Executive at the most awarded advertising agency in the world on a luxury beauty account. After realizing she felt depleted and unhappy she made a complete 180 and moved to LA to pursue her love of acting and wellness.
Life is too short to do something you don’t love! Now a full-time actress and founder of HONOR Mornings™; a 100% organic, vegan, GMO and sugar free morning smoothie mixture, made with love and magic! HONOR was born out of gratitude for all she has received as an actor and her desire to give back.
The messaging behind HONOR Mornings™ is HONORing yourself; mind, body and soul. It is the philosophy that inspired her own personal growth and wellness journey.
Kitiya is also a big foodie, traveller and adventure seeker![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27359″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Kitiya, please tell us a little about you?
I’m an Eastern European born, Canadian-raised, former-NYC-ad-exec-turned-LA-actress, and founder of HONOR Mornings™ wellness!
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Positive. Unique. Determined.
What’s your background?
I have a BA and double major Honors degree in Communications, Film and TV. My background includes building and managing marketing campaigns for top tier brands in the US and Canada. I’m also a trained actress and wellness aficionado.
Tell us a little about your product “HONOR Mornings”?
HONOR Mornings™ is a 100% organic, vegan, sugar free, and GMO free powdered smoothie blend. It’s comprised of the ideal combination of adaptogens, plant protein, supergreens and mushrooms to nourish the body, mind, and soul. It’s made up of the highest quality vegan protein powder, mucuna, reishi, maca, spirulina, and other supergreens to help you glow from within and feel amazing.
Where the name comes from?
The name HONOR Mornings™ is inspired by my own personal growth and wellness journey. The name is special because HONORing your body is the first step in loving yourself. HONOR represents taking care of yourself from the inside out.
How did you get involved in this project?
Before HONOR Mornings™ was a part of my life I was neglecting my body and depriving it of the protein, nutrients and care that it needed. I was constantly stressed, working late and living off champagne, coffee, and pad thai. I grew up in a health conscious household and wanted to get back to my roots of healthy eating. So I started playing around with various smoothie combinations made up of superfoods, fruit, and herbs to help get me out of my funk. I tried many “less than ideal” combinations before HONOR Mornings™ was born!
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
It’s been challenging to create a product that’s both high quality, organic and eco friendly as well as affordable. We’re extremely selective in choosing the best suppliers and limiting the use of plastic in our packaging but we also want to make sure the price point is realistic and desirable.
What is the key for HONOR Mornings success?
One of the biggest keys to our success has been listening to our customers. When we first launched HONOR Mornings™ we had specific ideas about how customers would use the product; from the exact amount they poured into the blender to which fruit they added. But we quickly learned the importance of hearing what people wanted rather than telling them what they need. Customer feedback and input has been invaluable in shaping what we sell and how we sell it. I’ll send samples to my friends and then ask a million follow up questions, lol.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
We’ve passed on collaborating with other brands that we didn’t feel were aligned with HONOR’s brand principles, even when it may have led to more sales in the short term. It’s very important for us to maintain brand integrity because it represents the love we put into everything we do here.
Best advice you have followed?
Be fearless and take the leap. I was scared to launch HONOR because it felt like putting my heart out on a platter. I was scared of rejection. I had to learn to trust my passion and belief for the product and all of its benefits. That helped me overcome any fear and internal resistance.
What’s next for Kitiya Skye in 2019?
An HONOR Mornings pop up, TV and film domination, an oscar, and hopefully a new puppy!
Now you are also an actress, tell us about that?
Becoming an actress has one of the most challenging and exciting journeys I’ve ever been on. Growing up, I was never the girl who was the lead in the school plays. I was shy, controlled and worried about what people thought about me. My love of acting began as a way to break out of my shell and self imposed confines. I wanted to let go, get silly, vulnerable and share myself with the world. I always knew I had something special to offer but just had to peel back the shell to reveal the pearl. Acting has completely transformed who I am as a person. My journey with acting heavily influenced my decision to create HONOR, because it’s all about HONORing who you are.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Live Your Dreams”
Name one of your strengths?
Relentless (almost obsessive) determination. I won’t give up, it’s my stubborn, Aries nature!
How do you spend your spare time?
I love going to the movies. I pretend it’s for the films but it’s really for the popcorn. But I’ll only go to theatres with reclining seats. Life is too short for bad theatre seating!
Do you have a role model?
Alicia Silverstone is an amazing role model. I love how she’s an advocate for veganism, animal rescue and living an eco friendly lifestyle. I admire her and she has definitely inspired certain aspects of HONOR. I’m also in love with Goldie Hawn; she’s a timeless beauty and a ray of sunshine. One of my life goals is to play her daughter in a movie.
Any advice to women out there?
Love, support and uplift your fellow “sisters”!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
”Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” lol. Entrepreneurship magnifies any personal triggers and insecurities you already have within yourself. You’ll be faced to deal with them on a large scale. Work on becoming your best self and your business will follow.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is believing every aspect of myself is beautiful and encouraging others to feel the same. Once you learn to walk around with that mindset everything will feel euphoric. You’ll be a glowing shine ball walking to the supermarket, lol.
Something people don’t know about you?
I’m an awkward, uncoordinated dancer! My definition of dancing basically consists of me whipping my hair into people’s faces.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Greece is my favorite place in the world! The warmth of the people, the crystal waters, the food — it’s all perfection. My dream holiday would be travelling to Mykonos and Santorini, drinking Nykteri wine (which magically doesn’t give me a hangover), eating lots of thatziki and saganaki while watching the epic sunsets with the perfect piece of baklava. So basically just lot’s of greek food.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Someone who’s condescending to the waiters. Compassionate people with kind hearts are the most attractive.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to publish books — fiction, nonfiction, plus a cookbook. I also want to produce a movie.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Cozy, bohemian, ethereal. I like to look effortless and wear things that make me feel comfortable and sexy. You’ll probably find me wearing maxi skirts and ripped denim most of the time.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
LOTS of Friends and Seinfeld reruns. Also anything about time travel and multiple dimensions.
What music do you like?
Right now I’m loving Banks and Halsey, but I’ve been obsessed with The Weeknd since day one!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I have a signature healthy “pizza” that I love to make. I’ll use spinach pita as the crust and sweet potato as the “sauce”, then cover it with veggies like broccoli, beans, peppers and then bake it. You can also crack an egg into the center and bake that to make a healthy breakfast pizza!
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza! Forever and always! Ideally thin crust, spicy pizza with honey and dipping sauce! That pairs really nicely with champagne and soft serve ice cream with warm chocolate chip cookies!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleeping until 11:00, working out, steaming, and then spending the rest of the afternoon and evening on the couch watching movies and eating popcorn.
What do you think of Social Media?
Most of my family lives in Europe, so social media is one of the best ways for us to stay in touch. My grandmother gets a lot of joy from seeing me post on Facebook because we can’t see each other in person that often. I also love that it’s becoming more popular to get real on social media. People are using fewer filters, sharing their truth, and connecting on a more genuine level.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @kitiyaskye and @honormornings
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