Bling Empire Was Just the Beginning: Kevin Kreider Tells All

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, we sit down with Kevin Kreider—model, actor, speaker, and reality TV star—whose journey has inspired thousands of Asian American men to reclaim their identity and power. Kevin opens up about growing up as a Korean adoptee in a white community, the emotional toll of feeling invisible, and how a lifelong struggle with identity fueled his pursuit of purpose. He shares the highs and lows of his career—from modeling in Asia and starring in Bling Empire, to skateboarding across the country in search of meaning. Along the way, we explore his experience with alopecia, his transition into acting and producing, and why he’s now committed to telling stories that center Asian leads and spiritual resilience. We dive into raw conversations about masculinity, mental health, fame, rejection, and why the “in-between” stage of a creative career can be the hardest. Kevin also talks about founding Asian Lead Love Stories, the realities of influencer culture, and how faith has shaped his newest projects. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating self-worth, creative ambition, or identity in a world that doesn’t always reflect who they are. If you've ever felt stuck between two worlds or on the verge of giving up, Kevin’s story will remind you that you’re not alone—and that your voice deserves to be heard. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, we discuss: 0:00 Intro 0:38 Early life & Identity Crisis 4:06 Challenges of Asian Masculinity 11:44 Modeling and Acting Journey 17:24 Skateboarding Across America 22:42 Q&A with Jeremy Lin 28:44 Building Community in Los Angeles 34:05 Navigating Hollywood's Challenges 35:36 Reflections on Fame and Authenticity 36:51 Influencer Culture 38:33 The Reality of Bling Empire 41:21 Challenges and Rewards of Reality TV 51:16 Transitioning to Acting 1:02:35 Co-founding Asian Lead Love Stories 1:06:35 Advice for Aspiring Entertainers Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with visionaries who turned their ideas into reality. Links & Social Handles: https://www.kevinkreider.com https://www.instagram.com/kevin.kreider https://www.tiktok.com/@kevin.kreider https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/@alexschmieding This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement – a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, PR, email marketing, and more. Learn how we can help grow your business at www.properplacement.com. Produced and edited by EveryWord Media – https://everyword.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices