Four Inane Questions with HEMP’s Christina Dreiling

Photo Courtesy of theRYEstudio

Christina Dreiling works hard and moms even harder. In fact, we’d like to christen her as the queen of connections and campfires. (More on that in a minute.)

If running an entire entrepreneurial mentoring empire sounds like a lot, that’s because it is—but Dreiling makes it look easy. For over 20 years, she’s been an integral part of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), where she matches experienced business bigwigs with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. She also plans epic events, manages staff, and keeps the Board of Directors in line (politely, of course).

HEMP was founded in 1995 by Barnett Helzberg, Jr., inspired by his own legendary mentor, Ewing Kauffman. Over the years, Dreiling has helped turn it into Kansas City’s go-to program for entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their business—and maybe learning from a few mistakes they didn’t have to make themselves.

Before HEMP, Dreiling worked in market research with big names like John Deere and Caterpillar, which probably prepared her for wrangling entrepreneurs. She’s also a Truman State Grad with a personal goal to camp in all 50 states with her husband Jason and their daughters, Harper Rose and Avery Isabel. (We told you campfires were her jam.)

We caught up with the entrepreneurial maven to zing her with our funky questionnaire. Naturally, she was busy trying to perfect a gourmet S’mores recipe. Bless.

Photo Courtesy of theRYEstudio

The Pitch: You’re only allowed to attend one more concert for the rest of your life. Who you choosin’?

Christina Dreiling: Dead or alive? Then we have all the legends on the table.

There are so many icons I wish I could’ve seen—The Beatles, Elvis. Talk about music royalty! But even with those giants, you’ve got to ask: Are we talkin’ mop-top Beatles or psychedelic Sgt. Pepper’s? Young, hip-shakin’ Elvis or Vegas-era Elvis in rhinestones?

In the end, I’m going with someone I did get to see—seven glorious times—but still wish I could watch perform just once more: Prince.

Because if this is my final concert, I want magic. Prince was a genre-bending, stage-commanding, guitar-shredding genius. Funk, rock, soul—he could do it all. And live? He didn’t just perform, he transported you. Prince, one more time, forever and always.

What’s a food combination that repels you? 

Pineapple on pizza. I know, I know—it’s a hot debate. But listen, I love pineapple. I love pizza. Just. Not. Together. Some things are better on their own. It’s a disaster when combined. Your slice becomes a confused tropical casserole.

I’m all for flavor experiments, but this one feels like the culinary equivalent of mixing up your toothpaste and orange juice. Bold? Sure. Pleasant? Hard pass.

Photo Courtesy of Christina Dreiling

What celebrity would be the best celebrity to be trapped in an elevator with? 

If I’m going to be trapped in an elevator, why not turn it into a life-changing moment?

With Oprah, it wouldn’t just be small talk—It would be a full-blown soul session. She’d gently look you in the eye, ask one perfectly timed question, and suddenly you’re reevaluating your life goals, your childhood, and your relationship with carbs. Before you know it, you’re crying, laughing, and making a five-year plan on a napkin.

And let’s be honest, Oprah definitely has a backup phone, a snack stash, essential oils, and the direct number to the building manager. So not only would you leave the elevator transformed, but you’d also be rescued faster than you can say “Super Soul Sunday.” (Honestly, I’d get stuck on purpose.)

In pop music, what’s your favorite misunderstood (or misheard) lyric?

Keeping with my springtime obsession, I’ve got to go with NSYNC’s iconic “It’s Gonna Be Me”—or, as the world now hears it, “It’s Gonna Be May.”

It’s basically a pop culture holiday at this point. Every April 30th, the memes roll in, and somehow it never gets old. What started as a slightly exaggerated vowel from Justin Timberlake turned into an annual event that unites fans everywhere.

Bonus 5th Question: If you were an air freshener, what air freshener scent would you be?

I’d be Spring Air—hands down. That fresh, light, just-after-a-rain scent that makes you feel like anything’s possible. It’s my favorite season because it’s all about renewal—like nature hitting the reset button. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming everywhere, and there’s that unmistakable excitement in the air that says, warmer days are here!

It’s energizing, hopeful, and a little magical.