Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a Black, queer artist trying to navigate the entertainment industry and the fragrance industry my entire journey has been one of resilience. Like many artist, I have heard the word “no” more times than I can count. From American Idol, The Voice, The Glee Project, The X Factor and more; all no. Yet, I persevered. I was also raised by a single mother, and my grandmother. I should have been a statistic. Yet, I persevered. I know my journey is bigger than just me and my desires, so I persevere.

I also do not “look like a pop star” according to the music industry, but I have the audacity to challenge the status quo and I believe I will be reward for that. I persevere for every Black boy, queer boy, Black youth, queer youth, and every other community I intersect who has never seen themselves reflected in the entertainment space or the entrepreneurial space. I know it is difficult, if not impossible, to be what you cannot see and so I will be just that; a beacon for the world of “misfits” to see themselves reflected in space that couldn’t have dreamed up for themselves.