Ina Chris also known as Christiana Harrell is a dynamic force in the creative world, a true jack of all trades who has seamlessly blended her talents in book publishing, photography, movie directing, modeling, and editing into a unique and inspiring career. From an early age, Ina exhibited an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to explore various creative avenues. Born in a New Orleans, LA., she quickly outgrew the confines of her surroundings, always seeking new challenges and opportunities to express herself. Her journey is a testament to the power of versatility and the magic that happens when passion meets talent.
Book Publishing
Ina's foray into book publishing began with a deep love for storytelling. She has always been an avid reader, and this passion naturally evolved into a desire to create her own literary works. Her first book, a collection of short stories, was published to critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to weave intricate narratives with compelling characters. She quickly gained a reputation as a gifted writer, bringing new voices and diverse stories to the forefront. She ushered onto the literary scene in 2009 with her first bestseller Girl: A Story for every Les Being. Girl would set the stage for the author she would become and the group she would represent. Harrell’s spicy scenes coupled with life lessons made The Replacement Man, Intermission, Cream, Among Us, Girl: Six Color Society, and Beneath the Surface heavy hitters inside and outside of her community. Cream was nominated for a Lambda Literary award in 2013 and the rest is history.
Book Publishing
Ina's foray into book publishing began with a deep love for storytelling. She has always been an avid reader, and this passion naturally evolved into a desire to create her own literary works. Her first book, a collection of short stories, was published to critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to weave intricate narratives with compelling characters. She quickly gained a reputation as a gifted writer, bringing new voices and diverse stories to the forefront. She ushered onto the literary scene in 2009 with her first bestseller Girl: A Story for every Les Being. Girl would set the stage for the author she would become and the group she would represent. Harrell’s spicy scenes coupled with life lessons made The Replacement Man, Intermission, Cream, Among Us, Girl: Six Color Society, and Beneath the Surface heavy hitters inside and outside of her community. Cream was nominated for a Lambda Literary award in 2013 and the rest is history.
Photography
Ina’s relationship with photography started as a hobby in 2015 when she could not find unique images for her novels. It soon transformed into a serious pursuit. Her work captures the raw beauty of everyday life and people in the ordinary. She has a unique ability to see the world through a lens that highlights its multifaceted nature. Her photography has been featured in numerous publications such as San Francisco Post, New York Weekly, BrownStyle Magazine, and more, earning her a status as a visionary artist. |
Movie Directing
Not one to be confined to a single medium, Ina ventured into movie directing, where her storytelling prowess found a new dimension. She has no intention of directing, but when the industry constantly fails you, the gatekeepers have to be bypassed to tell everyone’s story. She acted in her first series, Eden's Garden in 2021 leading her to direct her first feature film, To Kiss a Boy. Her debut film, an indie project with a limited budget but unlimited creativity, is currently in the works. Ina’s directorial style is marked by its emotional depth and visual storytelling, drawing audiences into immersive cinematic experiences. She continues to push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking, exploring new genres and innovative techniques. |
Modeling
In front of the camera, Ina's natural poise and confidence made her a sought-after model. Modeling has allowed her to express another facet of her creativity, blending her artistic vision with the fashion world’s ever-evolving trends.
Editing
Behind the scenes, Ina’s keen eye for detail and strong sense of narrative structure have made her a respected editor. Whether it’s a manuscript, a photograph, or a film, she has an innate ability to refine and polish creative works to their highest potential. Her editing skills are not just technical but also deeply intuitive, understanding the essence of a story and how best to present it. Especially in a world where Black authors are constantly ridiculed and corrected for writing AAVE.
Ina Chris’s journey is a remarkable blend of diverse talents and relentless creativity. She embodies the spirit of a true polymath, excelling in multiple fields and constantly pushing herself to explore new horizons. Her multifaceted career is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists and creatives everywhere, proving that with passion, dedication, and an unyielding desire to learn, one can indeed master many trades.
Her life and work are a testament to this belief, demonstrating that the pursuit of multiple passions can lead to a rich and fulfilling career, where each endeavor complements and enhances the others.
And she hasn’t stopped there. In 2019, she released her podcast Write-Handed where she teaches others how to take the independent publishing route. Also, Be on the lookout for Ina's latest venture into content creation with Beauty and Thee Book on YouTube.
Ina resides in Washington State with her wife where she continues to write, study Behavioral Health Science, and develop her first film. She enjoys reading, writing reviews, podcasting, movies, food, sleep, and preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
In front of the camera, Ina's natural poise and confidence made her a sought-after model. Modeling has allowed her to express another facet of her creativity, blending her artistic vision with the fashion world’s ever-evolving trends.
Editing
Behind the scenes, Ina’s keen eye for detail and strong sense of narrative structure have made her a respected editor. Whether it’s a manuscript, a photograph, or a film, she has an innate ability to refine and polish creative works to their highest potential. Her editing skills are not just technical but also deeply intuitive, understanding the essence of a story and how best to present it. Especially in a world where Black authors are constantly ridiculed and corrected for writing AAVE.
Ina Chris’s journey is a remarkable blend of diverse talents and relentless creativity. She embodies the spirit of a true polymath, excelling in multiple fields and constantly pushing herself to explore new horizons. Her multifaceted career is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists and creatives everywhere, proving that with passion, dedication, and an unyielding desire to learn, one can indeed master many trades.
Her life and work are a testament to this belief, demonstrating that the pursuit of multiple passions can lead to a rich and fulfilling career, where each endeavor complements and enhances the others.
And she hasn’t stopped there. In 2019, she released her podcast Write-Handed where she teaches others how to take the independent publishing route. Also, Be on the lookout for Ina's latest venture into content creation with Beauty and Thee Book on YouTube.
Ina resides in Washington State with her wife where she continues to write, study Behavioral Health Science, and develop her first film. She enjoys reading, writing reviews, podcasting, movies, food, sleep, and preparing for the zombie apocalypse.