Family News

Wavy-haired, 22-year-old singer/songwriter Kina Grannis became an overnight sensation when her debut music video, “Message From Your Heart,” reverberated through 97.5 million living rooms on Super Bowl Sunday. The Mission Viejo local won Frito Lay’s “Crash the Super Bowl” contest and scored the most coveted TV advertisement slot with Doritos.

Back in January 2007, Frito Lay put out a call for aspiring artists. Their challenge gave music hopefuls a chance to “Crash [into] the Super Bowl” by winning an Interscope record deal and music video. Thousands of musicians entered the contest, but it was Grannis, the fresh-faced local from Mission Viejo, who won the spot.

After graduating from USC, Grannis finally decided to pack up her bags and pursue a career in music. The Southern California girl relocated to the Lone Star State of Texas, and it was there that she landed the gig with Frito Lay.

“Message From Your Heart” was the perfect debut single for this young woman. Her anthem is a reminder not to take anything for granted, that life is exhilarating and we should live it to the fullest.

Grannis is doing what all parents hope their children will do: She set a goal, believed in herself and is now living her dream.

As parents, the best way to help your children find the message of their hearts is through positive reinforcement. If your children believe in themselves, like Grannis did, nothing will hold them back from accomplishing their greatest dreams.

– Kathleen Crain is a staff writer for OC Family Magazine.