Words by Kimatni D. Rawlins / Photos by Matthew Reyes
Welcome to the City of Angels with actress and producer Khaneshia JaNea Smith — better known on-screen as KJ Smith — to explore more depth and personality of the charismatic entertainer and lifestyle influencer. She profiled idyllic locations from Malibu to Melrose Place by way of the all-new 2022 Lexus NX 350h AWD Luxury in Atomic Silver. We rolled around the Cali streets styling while seeking opportunity in every turn with a responsive 14” Touchscreen Display and a Panoramic Glass Roof to view the alluring scenery above.
KJ Smith is a rising star on the Hollywood scene and continues to trailblaze pathways toward film and TV success while depicting respected female personas. A transcending role in Ava Duvernay and Oprah Winfrey’s drama series Queen Sugar quickly catapulted her career and introduced new audiences to her likeness. KJ Smith is currently playing the role of high-powered attorney Andi Barnes in Tyler Perry’s comedy-drama series Sistas on BET. Whether traveling en route to the studio, hitting the beach for yoga, or finding an inviting spot to relax and read scripts, there’s nothing like the proficient flow of her ride’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management. The Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Hills were the perfect testaments to these NX attributes.
Actress-KJ-Smith-All-New-2022-Lexus-NX-350h-AWD_20. Photos by Matthew Reyes.
Making movies is no small task; therefore, downtime and self-care are vital to balancing energy from various denominations of responsibility. Welcoming Automotive Rhythms into her world of showbiz, wellness, and philanthropy for a “Day in the Life” video segment, KJ showcased how she multitasks with efficiency like the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine + hybrid electric motor that achieves an astounding 41 city mpg. But, of course, the pricing was paramount for the production team since California was nearing $7 a gallon during our weekend set.
In LA’s eclectic and fascinating metropolis, you can experience more than a few attractions and places to remain atop the culture and contemporary health trends. She focuses on exercising to stay fit like her Lexus whip. For this reason, asanas on Malibu beach are a perfect segway into her wellbeing initiatives. KJ’s life revolves around evolution, from technology to uplifting the youth. So, connecting with brands like Lexus work because of the luxury automaker’s consistent elevation. For example, the next-generation technology from the Lexus Safety System+3.0 adds confidence and assurance to her journey. Additional innovation includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Steering Vibration, Vehicle Sway Warning, Road Sign Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Intelligent High Beam.
Actress-KJ-Smith-All-New-2022-Lexus-NX-350h-AWD_20. Photos by Matthew Reyes.
As an avid mental health campaigner, KJ Smith decided to become a mentor at (YES) Youth Emerging Stronger, which provides mental, emotional, financial, and educational support to homeless and foster adolescents. She strives to spread positivity and encouragement to juvenile generations. Her philosophy is that everyone can overcome adversity and follow their dreams with the necessary support.
“Of course, I have a health plan to eat clean, bike, strength train, and enjoy various forms of exercise to keep my body and mind as energized and evolutionary as this Lexus hybrid,” stated KJ Smith.
Actress-KJ-Smith-All-New-2022-Lexus-NX-350h-AWD_20. Photos by Matthew Reyes.
Riding from locale to locale, KJ stayed connected with the latest Lexus Interface featuring a 14” Touchscreen Display, Intelligent ‘Virtual’ Assistant (Hey Lexus), wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, and Lexus-Enform Wi-Fi. She especially enjoyed rocking out to the Mark Levinson 17-Speaker Premium Audio system. In addition, of course, she loves evening hues, so the 64-color range interior ambient lighting settings were on point. Ah yes, there’s nothing like a fully-loaded experience!
“I’m constantly curating ideologies for my next primetime opportunity. Accordingly, when cruising through Studio City with the NX and its infectious Rich Cream interior, my thoughts easily become synchronized with the task at hand,” Smith continues. Since the NX can easily fit a crew of five and is compact enough for parking in tight situations, Sunday brunch with her girls is always a simple scenario.
Actress-KJ-Smith-All-New-2022-Lexus-NX-350h-AWD_20. Photos by Matthew Reyes.
KJ Smith continues to broaden her portfolio with each role and conveys an authentic persona that drives her commercial appeal across platforms. And when it comes to marketing, she is highly immersed with upscale brands and prefers that both her wardrobe and the styling of her ride resonate with the requisite pillars. That denotes at least 20” alloy spins, jeweled exterior trimming, the attention-grabbing spindle grille, and Bi-LED headlamps. Rightfully so, the next stop was Beverly Hills because who doesn’t enjoy weekend shopping?
Writing yet another chapter in the book of compact luxury SUVs, the all-new 2022 Lexus NX expands upon the legacy it has carved out in the segment and continues to win over youthful souls like KJ. Whether she’s on-set, curating concepts, or mentoring our children, KJ is set on uplifting the community. As they say in the film industry, “that’s a wrap.”
Expect an MSRP of $53,840 for the 2022 Lexus NX 350h AWD Luxury model. And make sure to tap into the Digital Key, an available service and NX feature. It lets the driver use their phone as a key without having the fob present. Additionally, owners can share it with family or friends so they can access and drive your NX. Now please go “experience amazing” exclusively at your local Lexus dealer.
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