Meet Chris J Wright | Actor-Model-Speaker-Writer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris J Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris J, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I realized that I had to take control of my life at an early age. I started to make decisions, which in most cases turned out to serve me well. I got myself into a private school at the age of fourteen because I wanted something better for my life. I had big dreams of becoming a professional football player. And growing up in underprivileged communities makes you realize a lot about life. In my case I used my environment and circumstances as motivation to get out. I have always had a burning desire to succeed! I aspire to inspire by giving back to my community by helping the youth and adolescence realize their potential through sports and the importance of education. Fast forward, after graduating from college. My professional football career was derailed after suffering a career ending knee injury. I needed money and was eager to find a job. I landed my first career opportunity with Enterprise Holdings in management trainee. Working for their company prepared me to run my own business, by providing financial support and the skills for growth. It helped to facilitate the transition into running my own brand and cultivating entrepreneurship.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am multi-hyphenate in various areas. I can be seen on Ballers HBO, an award short film, and a list of national commercials ( Gatorade G Zero with Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, starred in an Under Armour “Achieve You” commercial, Adidas “Parley UM”, Corona Premier, Goya Maria Cookies, Rooms To Go, Escape to Jamaica, and as a spokesperson for Indiana Wesleyan University) to name a few.

I played college and professional football and have worked as Olympic track star Usain Bolt on camera double. I am a fashion model and a celebrity running coach. My recent clients included Adidas: (David Beckham, Henry Golding, Ning Chang and Eddie Peng).

I have volunteered for the Boys and Girls club of Broward County Florida through supporting the annual Wine Women & Shoes event. I helped to raise funds for our inner-city communities to provide the daily resources and necessities to thrive throughout life. I have served over ten years volunteering in communities and have worked as a behavioral coach to our youth and adolescents.

It was not easy. I grew up in a marginalized community and suffered through some devastating losses for most of my adolescence. The pain you feel from burying your grandmother, mother, sister, and a brother is overbearing to say the least. To overcome tragedy, poverty, a football related career ending injury, and having limited access to resources is a shame. But learning to become resourceful with what you have is a blessing. I credit a tough upbringing and growing up in underprivileged communities as my why of reasoning for my success.

As an adult, I do not want to leave anyone behind. Today, I am committed to reaching young people from the ages of fourteen through eighteen from under-resourced communities. By inspiring them to reach their highest potential. Acting is therapeutic for me and by sharing stories. I hope to give someone else hope.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am still figuring out how to navigate the Atlanta area. However, a few places that comes to mind… In Fayetteville, Georgia there is a sports bar by the name of Amici. If you like Italian cuisine, wings and pizza this is a great spot to eat at for lunch and dinner. The community is up and coming with Trilith Studios across the street. It’s a great place to network and meet other creators. In the Northeast Atlanta area, I love a place by the name of Slutty Vegan! I eat there two to three times a week for lunch. They also have a DJ on different days throughout the week. The atmosphere is fun, casual and exciting! If you are looking for a nice lounge for the evenings with great food and music, I suggest Bar Vegan as a destination. The place is young, vibrant with professionals!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I give thanks to my mother, Cynthia M. Wright. She has been by inspiration throughout this journey. May she continue to watch over me from up above.

Website: imdb.me/ChrisJ.Wright

Instagram: chriswrightig

Linkedin: chriswrightig

Twitter: chriswrightig

Facebook: @chriswrightig @chriswrightig7

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-S27mk1VM3MI-vuDUgmDKw

Image Credits
Chris Headshots BK Headshots Tommy Chung