Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre The Beast Crayton.
Hi Andre, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Georgia and raised in Indiana as a kid, in a household, where my mom was our protector. I had a couple of stepdads, and there were tense times but truly we were sheltered and didn’t see much of the struggles my mom endured. Then around the age of 10 or 11, my mom was murdered and from that point forward, I went into survival mode. Today I call it “BEAST” mode because it was survival at all costs. I was driven by fear.
There were times of uncertainty and the closer I got to adulthood, the more fearful I became. I found myself resentful and rebellious getting into mischief and such, but ultimately, I found avenues to channel my frustrations and energy and turned the negatives into positives. I fell into bodybuilding through a chance meeting, and I threw all my energy into becoming a competitive bodybuilder with the goal of everyone knowing my name. I was determined to succeed and that I did, winning multiple championships and such, but always landing in the Top 5 of every competition in which I competed.
I wanted to channel the hurt into something more than negativity. Through this experience, I realized I could overcome obstacles and I could use my platform to help others. I eventually left competitive bodybuilding and became a personal trainer, where I could help others to achieve the best version of themselves and live a holistic and healthy lifestyle. While I still train today, I knew there was so much more for me to do, and through a bit of encouragement from my support system, I started the Andre The Beast Crayton Show.
We are currently in our second season of programming, and I am excited for the progress we have made to help and encourage others. This platform is giving me the runway. I recognize this is a big responsibility, but I am humbled to be in a position to serve others and I welcome the challenge. I want to share my experiences and the experiences of others, to serve as an example of what is possible, to offer hope, a way through the storm, and opportunities to uplift others and highlight the success of those that are seizing the moment to thrive and succeed in whatever they chose to undertake.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not, as a matter of fact, growing up as a kid in Georgia, then Indiana who lost my mom at such a young age, it was everything but smooth. I was raised by my grandmother, and she did the best she could, yet life as I knew it changed from that day forward. I went from being a secure kid, where my mom was my rock to not having a Christmas or other holidays with the parent I loved and adored.
My dad was there financially, just not emotionally so as a kid it was tough. I became fearful of life because I felt alone. Nonetheless, I plowed through. I survived and that is why the word “beast” is so important to me. I become a beast, persevering and showing resilience in the face of adversity to get to a positive place, someplace other than a place of hurt. It’s definitely been quite the journey and I know God is not finished with me yet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Personal Trainer and Podcaster.
What are your plans for the future?
I am at a place in my life where I want to help others succeed and overcome challenges. I want to be a force that helps others to channel their inner Beast and conquer their fears, live out their dreams and push through to achieve positive outcomes. I want to empower and inspire individuals to not merely survive, but to thrive, to find a place of peace and joy. The Andre The Beast Crayton Show is positioned to do just that. With a growing audience and positive support system, my cohost Yolanda M. Smith, a certified branding expert, and I are facilitating programming that engages, educates, and empowers people from all walks of life.
Our goal is to help, even if it’s one person at a time. If we can highlight issues that our community and humankind are experiencing and be a part of the conversation and solution by providing information, resources, and tools, I will feel satisfied. My success is not determined by the number of likes, shares, or comments, for me, it is the real tangible difference we make in the lives of people we serve. We want to highlight new businesses and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for people to share their voices, views, and perspectives.
It will be entertaining, motivating, informing, emotional, uplifting, and inspiring. Our guest line-up spans the scope from professional athletes to politicians and businesses – from mental health professionals to authors and cooks. We run the gamut because we want to talk about topics that people care about.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.beastbyandre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrethebeastcrayton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamandrethebeastcrayton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AndreTheBeastCraytonShow
