Peachtree Ridge High School alumni and siblings, Curtis Austin Smith and Kaiya Brianne Smith, have the support of
their family and friends as they embark on two new adventures that showcase their individual talents.
Curtis, a 2013 graduate, enjoyed his opportunity to be a part of a dance crew while in high school, from which he created The Bandits, a group of talented street dancers who performed at special events and in music videos. With his love of dance in tact, he also auditioned and advanced to the first round of competition for the popular ABC Network Show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Curtis began his practical training in photography, drawing and other art mediums as a student at SCAD, before finding his niche in photography. His company, Void Space Productions, is an expression of art and life. He now exhibits his beautiful photography on canvas and as prints at area art festivals. During the recent Peace, Love & Art in the Park Festival sponsored by The City of Suwanee, Curtis was presented with the prize of “Best Photography Booth” by the Mayor of Suwanee, Jimmy Burnett.
Even with all that he’s doing with his art, Curtis has also started a clothing line, CAS Play Collection, which features fashion-forward clothing made to inspire his customers to “Find the You in You.” The entire collection bears his signature icon that he created initially as a drawing. His next art show, which is a collaboration with his sister, will be held June 3, 2016 at the Buckhead Theatre on Roswell Road in Atlanta.
Kaiya, a 2014 graduate, has been nurturing her love of all things beauty. Beginning with her training at Georgia Institute of Cosmetology, then her professional makeup artist training at Gwynnis Mosby Makeup Academy to her traveling to New York to study at the prestigious Chic Studios NYC, where she perfected her makeup training and received a certification as a professional Makeup Artist, Kaiya has gained the practical skills that she can turn into a real life success.
In March, Kaiya created Universe + Soul Couture, a “rolling” boutique that offers trendy fashions, accessories and shoes. Kaiya’s motto for the business is, “Bringing the Universe together . . .one Soul at a time.” She states that she, ‘wanted to create a fashion clothing line that makes people feel good about themselves and the people around them.’ Currently, Kaiya is rolling her boutique to area festivals and later intends to visit local colleges and high schools to give students a fun, new way to shop for clothing, especially for their festival wear.
At ages 21 and 19, these siblings are destined to create great lives for themselves and be an example to other young people who take an opportunity and make the best of it.
For more information, visit www.universesoulcouture.com or www.inthevoidspace.com.
