https://www.connect2creatives.com/#0
Born and raised in Ottawa with a passion for the creative arts. I was introduced to the music industry at a very young age as my father was a drummer for a prominent reggae band at the time. I watched his every move and became fascinated with how the music industry worked. My creative journey started through fashion modelling while attending high school. I absolutely loved it! The flashing lights, strutting down runways; I was immersing myself in an industry I yearned to learn more about.
After graduating from university in Scotland, U.K., I started managing music artists and running an EDM record label. Working government contracts by day and label operations by night - it was one of the most exciting and exhausting times of my life. After realizing how few resources were available in Canada, I started Connect2Creatives to help bridge the employment gap within the creative arts while working as a Web Developer at Natural Resources Canada.
Biggest initial hurdle and how did you overcome them?
I am an empath. For those who donât know, an empath is someone who is highly sensitive and aware of the emotions around them. It can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you perceive it.
I am forever grateful to have had an incredibly supportive mother who always encouraged me. I grew up shy and didnât really believe in myself which often held me back from experiencing new things. As Confucius once said: âHe who says he can and he who says he canât are both usually rightâ meaning if you donât think you can do something youâre probably right cause your mindset is misaligned. This was my struggle. Through many years of working on myself and countless books, I learned to accept myself for who I am. I am enough, I am capable, and I have something to offer this world we live in.
What books are you currently reading?
Iâm a huge fan of personal development books! I just finished âCanât Hurt Meâ by David Goggins and currently reading âHow to Think Like A Monkâ by Jay Shetty. âThink and Grow Richâ by Napoleon Hill literally changed my life cause it helped me to learn how to think with a positive mentality and understand the power of persistency. I find psychology truly fascinatingâŚI think I would have made a great Psychologist!
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
My parents split up when I was pretty young. Mom was the family provider and dad was âthe Rockstarâ. Although I donât recall any household contention, apparently my mom hit my dad with a frying pan after one of his late-night escapades. If only they had video recording back then!
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your success?
My mom was my biggest influential factor. She always supported me and ensured I had everything I needed. Whether it be sports, modelling, school or life â she was always there. I credit her for the man I am today.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started?
Donât be afraid to fail! Life is a journey with hills and valleys. The only difference between yourself who you want to become is the implementation of patience, determination and persistence.
What advice would you give to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
My advice would be to pursue their dreams!
Do what makes you happy and be happy in what you do. Life is too short to not pursue
what youâre passionate about. Live, love and be the best version of yourself you can
be!