Kenya Zandrowicz, a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the fashion and entertainment industry, transitioned from a career in modeling and acting to becoming a guiding force in spiritual and personal growth. Her journey began on the set of HBO’s The Wire. It led her to New York City’s fashion district before settling in Atlanta to focus on independent productions and live event coordination for non-profits.
Now based in South Carolina, Kenya is the driving force behind G.F.A.T.Z Inc. (Go From A To Zen), where she offers meditation and intuitive life coaching. She also heads GFATZ Event Consulting, creating unique experiences that promote inner healing. Kenya is a published author of three self-improvement books, including the influential “Awaken Your Positive Inner Voice,” which has also inspired a podcast.
Kenya is expanding her expertise in holistic practices, with certifications in Breathwork, Yoga, and Fluid Intuitive Dance expected by Fall 2024. She actively supports mental health awareness and contributes to various charitable causes.

Can you tell us about your journey from professional modeling and acting to becoming a meditation and intuitive life coach?
To be honest, where I am now is not where I anticipated my life to be. The best way to sum it up is merely to say life was “lifing” all over me. I found peace and balance in the craziness of the fashion and entertainment world through meditation, and I wanted to help others find that same peace and joy too.

What inspired your transition from being in front of the camera to working behind the scenes in the fashion and film industry?
The excitement and use of creativity… lol. There was something about being part of the overall process. I think it was during my time on the set of HBO’s The Wire that the light bulb came on. I loved seeing all of the moving parts. I realized that I am a creator, and I am happiest when I am creating something from nothing. I found that being in front of the camera and on the runways was just a small part of the process and was short-lived. But something about taking an idea, putting it onto paper, and then implementing it was so much more rewarding. So, every opportunity I got, I would try to do more behind the scenes, and that is where I have been ever since.

What were some of the most memorable experiences you had while working on HBO’s “The Wire” and in New York City’s Fashion District?
My most memorable moment was definitely being picked out of the crowd to be the pretty girl by the pinball machine… lol. I was this scared, timid aspiring actress trying to find who she was in life, and I stepped out of my comfort zone to get in front of the camera.
Working in New York’s Fashion District was the same way. I decided I was going to truly pursue my dreams. I packed my bags and headed to New York. I had no job; I had interviews lined up. A friend called and said, “Hey, my boss is hiring; can you come for an interview?” I had just gotten there from Baltimore, and I didn’t know where or how to get from point A to point B. I was scared as hell as a grown woman… lol. But I did it and got the job for a fashion house as an executive assistant. That’s when I began to figure out that if you step out on faith and believe in yourself, doors open up.

How did your time in the fashion and entertainment industry influence your approach to business and life coaching?
Being behind the scenes and seeing all of the moving parts that are needed to make any production a success is how I learned the business of entertainment. I became a student of it. Anything being built starts with a solid foundation, every fashion show, movie, event, even life and personal relationship. Because I understand this and have seen it in action on both sides of the spectrum, successful and failed attempts, I gained the knowledge and gift of foresight. Now I help others.

What prompted your move to Atlanta in 2005, and how did that transition shape your career?
MTV Cribs… lol. I knew it was booming and becoming the Hollywood of the South. NYC was great, but I thought let me get in on the ground level. Go where my people are doing some things; the music and film industry were booming, so I wanted to give it a go. I loved working on independent projects. So we packed up and moved to Atlanta. I wanted a better life for me and my kids, which was the better option.

How did meditation become a significant part of your life, and what impact has it had on your personal and professional growth?
When my then-husband’s cancer began to come back, it was a hard time. I had two little ones; he couldn’t work, I couldn’t work because he was sick, and we had just moved to GA and gotten married. It was so hard; we had neighbors who helped us get by, but I was falling apart. It wasn’t until after a miscarriage in 2011 that I woke up to myself. I remember the feeling of defeat, of inadequacy, and feeling like I was less than a woman because my body failed at bringing life into this world. I remember coming back from being under anesthesia, and I was different. A weight was lifted, and I just began searching for ways to bring more peace into my life. I went down the rabbit hole, and I found daily meditation both beneficial and necessary.

What philosophies, religions, or mythologies have influenced your spiritual journey and practice?
I grew up with a Christian background, Christian Science to be exact. Sunday School every Sunday, my grandmother being an intricate part of that. So I have always believed in a higher power, God/Source/Universe, however, you want to say it, but I have always believed it existed. So I began to open myself up to researching various religions and beliefs. From Buddhism to Hinduism to the Kabbalah, I was searching, then one day I came up with meditation and the various forms of it, coupled with affirmations, and understanding the power of the mind, I started my inner healing process. I began reading and researching philosophers like Plato, Socrates, and Rumi, individuals like Iyanla Vanzant and Oprah, Eckhart Tolle, and Wayne Dyer.

What led you to co-own and manage IndiesStandup Media, and how has your role there evolved over the years?
In 2010, I started an online radio show entitled Redd Angel Radio. Redd Angel was my persona. I was a VJ for a small stint, so I kept that name. I was part of producing my show on Underworld Mix Radio, and then it was syndicated on IndesStandup Media. It featured music of both indie and industry music as well as having special guests. It was all things entertainment. There was a synergy there with the owners, and as they began to evolve, I evolved with them. I am now a Partner, and IndiesStandup Media, now Indie Central Media, is a full-on entertainment company. We offer distribution for music, publications, marketing, and television platforms. We are currently in the process of rebranding everything.

Can you discuss your brief time running an independent record label and what insights you gained from that experience?
It was a busy, busy, busy time. Dealing with artists is something you have to love. I love music, but I didn’t like the long nights in the studios. The creative process was amazing, but it got old rather quickly. I did learn that you have to be a go-getter. You have to believe when others doubt. I gained knowledge about the business and the importance of branding.

How has your life changed since moving to South Carolina and embracing farm life?
I would say a complete 180. I remarried, and my backdrop on the farm is peaceful, quiet outside of my rooster Hei Hei… lol. So I have more clarity and focus, which is something I need in my life. I didn’t realize how much fear and anxiety led my life until I moved here. I journal, and I reflect often on my growth, and this was the best decision I could have ever made.

Can you describe the services and mission of G.F.A.T.Z Inc. (Go From A To Zen)?
Going From A (Anxiety) To A Zen State is what my company is all about. I believe we become what we consume, so be mindful and take in more of the good stuff. I offer services, tools, resources, and products to help others find more peace and clarity. There is the magazine, the workshops, coaching, the podcast, and the products. I have an all-natural skincare, bath, and beauty line entitled Go From A To Zen Essentials. I also have my Event Consulting division where I assist others with creating events. I make it a peaceful process for them, lol.

What are some of the unique, immersive experiences you’ve created through GFATZ Event Consulting?
I have created Inner Healing Workshops that include sound bowl healing, guided meditations, discussions, and reiki. I have a Sculpting Positivity event with Village Studio and Gallery In Charlotte, where we create Gratitude Jars where I am speaking and having guided moments while crafting/crafting these jars.
I am currently the event director for the It’s Okay Knot To Be Okay Black Tie & Sneaker Gala Presented By Roll With The Punches Foundation Inc and Lamar Jackson Entertainment in support of Mental Health Awareness. It’s an Edutainment Event. I am passionate about mental health and know the importance of a healthy emotionally intelligent mind.

How do these events promote inner healing and assist non-profits in their missions?
Awareness Events, Doesn’t matter the cause, but I find that I love to get behind organizations and individuals that want to help make a difference in a person’s life.
Nonprofits are where I love to hang my hat. I am involved with various ones. I try to help them to create memorable events that also deliver their messaging. When you attend events that G.F.A.TZ Inc. has had a hand in creating; you will remember and you will feel it.

What motivated you to write your three self-improvement books, including “Awaken Your Positive Inner Voice”?
In life, I tend to write a new book when I have grown spiritually. Usually when I come out on the other side of a situation. My first book “Breakthroughs Volume 1” How I Discovered The Key To Living My Abundant Life is a book about self-discovery (sharing my journey). My second book Breakthroughs Volume 2. How To Window-Shop To Your Desired Life is about living the life you desire in real time. Using the art of visualization. It was during my transition from Model Coach to Meditation Coach that I used fashion metaphors to share my knowledge. My most recent book Awaken Your Positive Inner Voice: A Guide To Cultivating Self-Love And Empowerment is about learning to cheer for yourself and talk through those trying times. I have even incorporated written activities. I am good at reframing those negative beliefs and helping others do the same. It all starts with inner healing and creating a good foundation. My books are available via Amazon and Kindle.

How has your book evolved into a podcast, and what topics do you explore in your podcast episodes?
It only made sense to do the podcast. I am inspired by people’s stories and how they remain consistent and confident while following their dreams. I love to talk to people and learn from them. So I invite guests onto the show to chat about topics of healing, getting through challenges, life, failures, successes, business, and personal relationships. I want to know how you maintain, stay focused, and get through life. I want to know and I want to share that information. I want to help people grow within themselves, and this podcast allows me to do all of that.

What message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of personal growth and self-love?
You must first learn to love yourself. That includes healing what needs to be healed and letting go of what no longer serves you to make room for your blessings. Heal those wounds and mend those cracks so you can begin to build the life experiences you desire from a good solid foundation.

Social Media Handles:
IG @kenyazandrowicz @gofromatozen @shopfromatozen FB KNZandrowicz X @kenyazandrowicz TikTok @gofromatozen
Website:
www.knzandrowicz.com