The Music We Shared
Music was and still is (as I like to think) a love language shared between my father and me. He was always very honest when he did not like a song or an artist I sent to him. He went into depth with details about the reasons as well. With the same passion, he would explain why he enjoyed the songs and artists he liked.
The
Music
We
Shared
By Kendolyn Walker
Music was and still is (as I like to think) a love language shared between my father and me. He was always very honest when he did not like a song or an artist I sent to him. He went into depth with details about the reasons as well. With the same passion, he would explain why he enjoyed the songs and artists he liked.
My father grew up in a family that enjoyed music and concerts. So, it’s understandable why he wanted to share that love with his wife and children. Daddy set the foundation for us all to appreciate music from all genres, created by people from different backgrounds.
When Pandora first came out, he fell in love. He put it on his work computer and enjoyed all of his favorite artists daily. Daddy was so deep into the Pandora realm that he refused to switch to Spotify when I pleaded with him to make the change.
So these are some of our conversations. Some I shared with him and some he shared with me. Others were fond memories. They all spoke to the empathetic and warm heart my father had. Here are six songs to give you a taste of the music we enjoyed together.
“Stomp” by The Brothers Johnson
This is the earliest and possibly only song I ever danced to with my father. In talking to my aunts, they shared that I was about two or so, and would request the song by yelling “Thomp, Daddy, thomp!” What a time.
A groovy dance tune with a celebratory tone about heading out to have a good time on the weekend or any evening. It hits home more as Brothers Johnson was a sibling group, similar to my own.
Fast Cars - Tracey Chapman
Tracey Chapman was an artist my dad constantly had on rotation in his car. Her calming voice and guitar tracks most likely created the foundation of my love for the acoustic genre.
Chapman sings about escaping a current hard situation and beginning anew. The drums and guitar, along with her one-of-a-kind vocals, really emphasize the theme of despair and hope.
You got a fast car / Is it fast enough so you can fly away?
You gotta make a decision / Leave tonight or live and die this way
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold
This was an artist my father told me about in my adult years. I am sure I had already moved to New York City when he introduced me to Eva Cassidy’s work. My father loved her voice and was sad that she died at the age of 33. When she passed, her music garnered a lot of attention. She was always too shy for the stage or large audiences but used her voice to interpret songs from all genres creatively. “Fields Of Gold” was an original track by Sting. Cassidy took this song, created a slower tempo version, and sang it with a ballad, nostalgic tone.
Fly - Sara Groves
I have been a lifelong fan of Sara Groves. Her lyrics and melodies, along with her calming voice, have been a part of my growing years.
This song, “Fly,” became a special one between my father and me when I sang it at a close friend’s wedding. My dad was so excited and happy he continued to play this song for years. It reminds me of the way he championed me and cheered me on in all things.
Groves also sings about championing your loved ones with these lyrics and “flying” when encouraged by her partner’s love.
Speak in a summer tone / Pause in the after glow
Tenderly whisper my name / Tell me once again why I am your bride
So I can fly
So I can fly
Pause in your busy day / Look extra long my way
Wink at me across the room / Kiss me longer
Touch my arm when I am by your side
So I can fly
So I can fly
Oh, how the little things / Strengthen my tiny wings
Help me to take on the world / When you love me, there's nothing I wouldn't try
I might even fly
I might even fly
I might even fly
Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
My father told me once that the main reason he liked Vanessa Williams was that she reminded him of my mother. I specifically remember him telling me this during our drives in his car while this song was playing. This fondness has been passed down to me, as I, too, have enjoyed Vanessa Williams’ music and voice for as long as I can remember. Not to mention it has been fun watching her become an amazing actress as well!
In “Save The Best For Last,” Williams sings about a friend becoming a partner. The feel of this song immediately sends me to the 80’s. The keyboard, drums, and strings cushion the words with comfort and peace. She laments about the times he shared his dreams and hopes with her yet continued dating others. But finally, love wins out, and they become '“the best” for each other.
Wiyathul - Gurrumul
I honestly cannot remember where I first heard this song. My sister told me that I am always listening to new music and new artists, so maybe I found Gurrumul, an Aboriginal Australian singer, via one of my Pandora or Spotify shuffles. But I sent it to my father soon after, and I don’t think I heard feedback on it for a while.
Then I think I was talking to him one day, and he started playing it. Again, we were most likely in his car on a drive. Daddy told me the song had brought him to tears. Even as the lyrics in this artist’s native tongue of Yolŋu, the tenderness of his voice indeed soothes my soul despite the fact I do not understand the meaning. I can’t recall all of my father’s critiques of this song, but he definitely told me the tune made him cry.
Gurrumul was a blind musician and singer. He played the drums, keyboards, guitar, and didgeridoo. Something that made him extremely unique was his ability to play a right-handed guitar, even though he was left-handed.
My father was an amazing man who loved Jesus and music of all genres. These songs highlight his compassion, insight, and wisdom. I am thankful, as Daddy laid the groundwork of my passion for music excellence. His love for music, along with his faith, I now walk in.
Kendolyn Walker is a singer-songwriter based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
Anika Dara Reminds Us To "Enjoy The Moment"
By Kendolyn Walker
“Whatever inspires or influences me I want to reflect that but I don't want to ever feel like I have to use someone else's voice.” - Anika Dara
Meet Anika Dara, a Brooklyn-based singer, and songwriter whose self-described simple yet eloquent lyrics are accompanied by whimsically soulful vocals.
I had the awesome chance to talk with her the day after her very first release, Enjoy The Moment. We had a delightful conversation about her inspiration and process for writing the song as we sat in our Harlem and Brooklyn homes via Zoom. We also discussed the meaning of the song and how it applies to the beginnings of a relationship. This tune has a nostalgic 90s R & B feel, with a memorable chorus, which reminds you that every good relationship is built from friendship.
Kendolyn: Anika, thanks for joining us today. On your website, you describe your voice as soulful, I would love to know what God has shown you specifically about your voice as you wrote and recorded "Enjoy The Moment"?
Anika: During the recording process, God used someone else to let me know that I have a fast vibrato that needs to be under better control & that I need more studio experience. This was great because no one's ever told me that and I appreciated the constructive criticism. God also showed me that I'm ready, despite not being able to do all the things I wanted or planned. I've always been confident in my vocal ability but had been feeling out of it. During the recording process, my voice was under a lot of stress and I felt ill-prepared. I was encouraged to hear that my vocals came out well under the circumstances, but knowing that I can do way better made me excited and gave me something to look forward to.
I can't escape the fact that I still need to embrace my own sound. I used to pride myself on being able to sing anything but, during the recording process, I realized the last thing I want to do is make music for me while sounding or feeling like it would be better if I sounded like someone else. I want my highs to be my highs and my lows to be my lows. Whatever inspires or influences me I want to reflect that but I don't want to ever feel like I have to use someone else's voice.
Kendolyn: What was the inspiration for "Enjoy The Moment"?
Anika: It was inspired by an unlikely friendship that turned into one of the closest relationships I've ever had. Walking through life navigating through all the demands, expectations, truths, and realities of the relationship. Being present throughout the process and learning experiences. And enjoying the moments meant to be enjoyed along the way.
Kendolyn: What do you do to rest and pour into yourself?
I say no. I need regular alone time. I usually only do what's necessary and what's edifying. I try to lead a well-scheduled, well-disciplined life, and other than that live in a place of rest. I have fixed times to spend with God other than the unscheduled times with Him throughout the day. I try to go to bed at 9 PM, take naps, eat well, and exercise. I also try not to neglect hobbies excluding singing, dancing, listening to music, etc.
Kendolyn: What was your most recent TV show binge? Why did you like it, or why didn't you like it?
Anika: Last night I binge-watched "The 12" which is an animation based on the book of Revelation. I also watched "The Dark" which is an end-times kind of series as well. I liked the action and the drama of it. I also like how it relates to the world today. I wish "The Dark" had more seasons & perhaps a bigger budget. I wish there were more episodes of "The 12" as well.
Kendolyn: If you could collaborate with three people, on a song, who would it be and why?
Anika: Three people on three different songs? If I could collaborate with three people on a song it would be Peter Collins, Matthew West, and Jonathan McReynolds. Peter Collins is amazing on guitar and I'm interested in hearing what the vocal harmonies would sound like. Matthew West and Jonathan McReynolds are just two of my favorite songwriters. Matthew West is so creative. Jonathan McReynolds also expresses himself well on topics that really resonate with me.
Learn more about Anika and her inspiration for Enjoy the Moment by watching our video conversation below and visiting her website.
Kendolyn Walker (music editor for Wit+Grace Magazine) talks with singer Anika Dara.
“Enjoy The Moment” is available on all streaming music platforms.
10 Things to See and Do This Summer
by Kendolyn Walker
SUMMER 2021 is not one to be missed, specifically with the challenges, loss and heaviness that came with the pandemic last year. I am excited for each moment of these next three months and however you decide to spend your weekends, Summer Fridays or happy hours, may these new memories provide a beautiful backdrop to a new chapter. With that, this is Kendolyn Walker (music editor for WG) giving you my top ten events and spaces for summer happy.
Virtual Vibe: Bamboozled by Jesus by Yvonne Orji (@yvonneorji)
Ah, one of my favorite actresses and comedians. Every time I see the “Live” button on IG, I quickly tune in. Yvonne Orji speaks boldly about her love for Jesus and faith. In being a tremendous encouragement to me as a fan, I can only imagine the goodness her book, Bamboozled by Jesus holds. This virtual event with Ayesha Curry (hosted by The Lit Bar) will take place on May 25th and a book is included in ticket purchase. You can RSVP here.
Uptown Night Market (@maschospitality)
Harlem VIaduct by Matthew Chimera Photo
“The new Uptown Night Market, described as "a global celebration of cuisine, community and culture" will happen monthly in West Harlem from 4–10 p.m., starting June 10. It will continue on the second Thursday of the month through October.” From Patch.com
This event is close to my heart and my home y’all. Beginning next month, this Harlem goodness will be taking place under the Riverside Drive Viaduct.
Blended Festival - Nashville, TN @blendedfest
This 3-city festival kicks off in Nashville, August 13th - 14th at First Horizon Park and is produced by My Wine Society. Tickets are available on the event website.
“Like a fine wine, their talent line up is a curated blend, with something for everyone to enjoy. Main stage kicks off at 4pm on Friday, and 12pm Saturday. The format in earlier hours will feature local DJs and bands... As the party progresses into evening hours, festival goers can expect live shows by some of the biggest names in Country, Pop, and EDM music. The line up compliments the overall Blended experience, with artists announced as they are booked.”
BK Yoga Club Events - Brooklyn, NY (@bkyogaclub)
Source: Harlem World Magazine
Let’s talk about BK Yoga’s summer movie series, intentional candle making classes and book clubs. This black woman-owned spot in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn has all the events! A personal movie favorite of mine, “Love Jones” will be playing on August 27th at 8PM.
Good Co. Bike Club (@goodcobikeclub)
Last year, my sister introduced me to this positive organization whose mantra “WE GOOD” reminds us to enjoy the moment. This bike club started in 2020 amidst the pandemic. They regularly meet up on Sundays and cover NYC terrain. Follow their Instagram account or subscribe to their website for details on their summer rides.
Roller Wave NYC (@rollerwavenyc)
Photo Courtesy of Shawn-Herbert Felton
I learned of this group after my brother bought his first pair of roller skates in 2020. This collective gave him a safe space to meet people, skate and enjoy good music during the pandemic. Roller Wave NYC meets regularly on Sundays, outside, at different playgrounds and parks in the NYC boroughs to simply skate. A DJ is almost always present. Follow their Instagram account and/or website for details on their upcoming events.
Love Has No Limits (@1dayla)
Graphic Courtesy of 1DayLA
Our very own, Niyah Rahmaan (WG Creative Director) is helping to put on a week of outreach and service where 20,000 people from across the globe will come together to simply love on the city of Los Angeles.
1DayLAinvites you to join the Love Has No Limits team to serve and love LA for a full week, July 18-24, 2021. Practical, youth, sports, homeless, and medical outreaches will cover every corner of LA for a historic impact. Then on July 24, 2021 we will gather for a moment together to celebrate 1 year of LOVE HAS NO LIMITS. Click here to learn more and register.
Newport Jazz Festival (@newportjazzfest)
Photo by John Rudoff
Well this is pretty exciting. The well-known Newport Jazz Festival is returning this summer, July 30 - August 1 to Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island! Three days of intimate jazz concerts respecting all Covid 19 precautions. Tickets will go on sale soon so to stay in the loop follow their social media and/ or their website. The organization that puts this event on, The Newport Festivals Foundation, provided financial relief to over 460 musicians last summer as well, clearly showing love for creatives is the heart of their mission.
Songwriter Workshop 2021 (@saragroves)
courtesy of saragroves.com
I have been a lifelong fan of all things Sara Groves. Her music, her lyrics, the way she uses her platform to fight for justice and her love for Jesus. Songwriter Workshop 2021 is an annual event she puts on, with this year making adjustments due to COVID-19:
“We are excited to welcome you to the 2021 AHN Songwriter Workshop, August 13 & 14! Like most venues, our doors have been closed since last March, and we are trying to be thoughtful about how we re-engage with live and virtual audiences. We batted ideas around for quite a while, but decided to make the workshop a fully virtual event for one more year. We have shortened up the schedule, adjusted pricing, added more songwriting feedback group time (and not over the lunch hour!), and have invited a stellar group of teachers/artists!”
Register here for the August 13th - 14th experience.
From www.saragroves.com
French Lick Resort - French Lick, Indiana (@frenchlickresort)
@travelingblackwidow and her daughter, @dr.lizarrito - courtesy of https://www.frenchlick.com/
Guys, I have to mention a getaway oasis in my list. It’s only right, and who doesn’t want to take a day, weekend or week trip to a space with hiking, pools, horses and bikes!? I chose the Midwest to pay homage to my growing years. My family took a vacation there recently, and it was the first time I had heard of French Lick Resorts. Then I saw @travelingblackwidow, one of my favorite IG personalities, visited there as well and posted lovely photos.
“Voted Best Hotel in Indiana by Travel & Leisure Magazine, French Lick Resort is family-friendly, business-competent and perfect for a planned or impromptu getaway. Come experience Old World opulence amid modern comforts served with Midwestern charm — close to home. We’re an easy drive from Louisville, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.” From Frenchlick.com
Beauty In the Weeds
Since February of this year, Liz Vice tunes have been my regular rotation on Spotify. My mother’s church was playing Empty Me Out as background music before the service started. My ears immediately tuned in and I asked Momma, “What song is this? Who sings it?” I soon started listening to Liz’s album and tried to find out all that I could about the Portland native.
By Kendolyn Walker
“Ah… another brown girl.” Liz Vice said with contentment when we found each other near Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, New York. We made our way to FEED Cafe on Water Street and settled in for our interview.
Since February of this year, Liz Vice tunes have been in my regular rotation on Spotify. My mother’s church was playing Empty Me Out as background music before the service started. My ears immediately tuned in and I asked Momma, “What song is this? Who sings it?” I soon started listening to Liz’s album and tried to find out all that I could about the Portland native. When I found out she had recently moved to Brooklyn, I immediately reached out for an interview.
As we sat down sipping coffee and tea in the cafe, Liz spoke of Portland, music, the times we live in and her relationship with God. She was gracious and transparent right from the start. I soon put away my prepared list of questions and just listened. Here’s what she had to say:
“Freedom is scary.”
I love NYC. It’s hard not to. I love the diversity of brown people. Yet, as I reach the one year mark of being here, I feel an ache. I feel an ache to go back to where I was known. I feel a longing to go back to my “Egypt,” my place of comfort, where, even as I stood out and everyone knew me, I felt enslaved to who I thought I was because of what people told me I was. What I allowed myself to believe about myself. Does that make sense? Even though I was once called "a different kind of black girl," I could at least walk into any place in Portland without having to tell my story. And although I felt like I couldn’t breathe a lot of times because of people’s caricatures and ideas, comfort held me captive.
I think it is easier to be enslaved than it is to be free because freedom is scary for some reason. Freedom is not something everyone does well because it [is a choice that] gives you the ability to become enslaved in the first place. Sometimes feeling enslaved feels safe. Controllable.
In Portland, I felt like I was missing out on a part of myself. As a black woman, I dealt with questions and comments like “You're a different kind of black girl,” “You people and your attitudes,” and “they’re not treating you this way because you’re black. It’s in your head.” Comments and a journey of ill health and beyond led me to attend film school awhile back. I wanted to tell the bigger stories that exist about us. I wanted to make movies my niece could watch and say “that girl looks like me.”
Just sharing what is on my mind this week. I am a little less emotional now than I have been for the past couple of days.
On many occasions, a church I attended in Portland would preach about callings and walking in your purpose. I just knew I would learn, on those Sundays, that my calling was not music. Friends would come to me, wincing and bracing themselves, to share “You know, I think you should be singing.” I just didn’t want to do it.
One day my pastor said, “Liz, I have these songs, and I think they are for you. I want to be selfish and keep them for myself but I think they belong to you.” So we recorded a full album, two years after my pastor told me these songs “belonged to you.” I didn’t have management. We had an album release show at a local venue and sold out in 10 days. The venue booker then asked me to open up for Cody Chestnut. Each show opened up another door.
After attending an artist retreat, I met a man who believed I had the gift of song. I would meet in his office once a week for three months during the day and he would give me exercises to help me write songs.
“Hey, would you be interested in leading worship at our church?”
I knew the wife of the pastor I currently work with in Brooklyn. When he first reached out to me about becoming a worship leader for a church plant, I said no. I did not want to work for a church. Yet, no matter how frustrated I got or how I tried to run from using my gift of music, I was more committed to the mission of love, grace, mercy, and hope. I had to see beyond myself and practice seeing people the way Jesus sees them by using my gift of music to bring people of all backgrounds together.
So, I now lead worship. After a year I said yes. I am learning to feel safe in a church setting there and have learned to give myself the grace to do something I never wanted to do because it’s new and uncomfortable to grow and learn to lead as you lead.
“I told God I wouldn’t do another record unless He gave me the songs.”
ME: God, don’t you see what is happening in the world? Have mercy, have compassion.
GOD: What are you going to do about it? You are my hands and feet right now. What are you going to do about it?
What is my little black voice going to do for change? I don’t want to sound like an angry black woman, but I am. I am mad and disgusted, but that is the very essence of compassion; an issue hits you so hard in the gut, you feel sick if you don’t do something about it. I don’t have a million dollars to fix Puerto Rico, rebuild homes in Houston or provide therapy to those affected by the Paris terrorist attacks, but I can write songs. I can provide a space for people to gather and not think about how a person is different from them. I don’t want one to be color blind though. I actually hate that term. I want you to see my black face and I want to see what makes you different from me, what makes me beautiful.
I have been sad, and I am licking my wounds as I continue to see the trouble in the world around us. So again I question.
ME: God where are you?
GOD: Hello, I put my Spirit in you so you can be my hands and feet and my mouthpiece. What are you gonna do? How are you gonna show up in this?
These are things I think about before I go to bed at night.
How do I use my Blackness-Jesus-loving privilege to sing songs of hope? Even as I might sound vintage to one person, I am singing songs of Light. I am not trying to save you, I am trying to let you see the light that is in you.
If your gift is to write, then you need to write about these things. If your gift is to sing, sing about the issues that you want to change the most. If your gift is to dance, dance about the things you are most compassionate about. Rise up out of the ashes and show us something beautiful.
I can’t tell if this album fits the genre of typical artists. But I feel like… well, I am not trying to compete.
ME: Hey, I am just gonna start singing over here, if you want to join feel free. You might have to buy a ticket, but anyone can come.
I don’t feel like I am in competition. That has not been my story. It’s actually really awkward for me to be on stage.
ME:Why do I do this to myself?
I get nervous before every show and am definitely not the singer who feels as though they were made to perform.
My album is getting there. It’s close to being finished. I don’t feel comfortable with this statement. It’s definitely going be different from the first record. One song I included was a track I used to sing at age 15. This song is my foundation.
I decided that if I am going to take this calling seriously, I need to meet with people who are willing to write songs with me to articulate these feelings that I have. I decided that I am just going to show up.
One of my producers shared a story with me that left a lasting impression. Before he lived in his house, the backyard had weeds hip-high. There was a next-door neighbor whom the previous homeowner had befriended. Every day she would sit on the fire escape and throw seeds into his backyard. When he asked why she did that, his future neighbor responded: “I just want to see a little beauty amongst the weeds.” This neighbor soon passed away. When my friend moved into the house, he soon began clearing the weeds out of his backyard so that he could build a patio or deck. He came upon some flowers and wondered if the flowers just might have come from his neighbor’s seeds. The woman wanted to see some color amongst the weeds. When I think of this story, it reminds me of what I think we are supposed to do. We are not the heroes of this world but we can add some color to this mess.
So I have this call on my life, to bring people together. I am learning to surrender.
ME: If this is what You’ve called me to do, then I’m in. I don’t know what’s behind the door of each new morning but I’m in.
And that is me throwing seeds to see some beauty in the weeds.
Off-The-Record Quotes from liz vice
3 - “Can you cry to your own voice?”
2 - “And that leads me to A Handmaid’s Tale.”
1 - “...when all you want to do is stay in bed and watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians or The Only Way is Essex.”
Life of Leah
I had the pleasure of sitting with singer Leah Smith about a month ago and just catching up on life. She was in town with her siblings for the City Love NYC show in Harlem.
by Kendolyn Walker
Editor’s Note: I had the pleasure of sitting with singer Leah Smith about a month ago and just catching up on life. She was in town with her siblings for the City Love NYC show in Harlem. We enjoyed talking about family, music and specifically her new album being released later this year. I have loved her voice and talent for years, so my delight about her upcoming project is hopefully contagious as you enjoy reading her thoughts on the many roles she plays and how she handles them along with staying true to her passion.
Being A Mother
“It’s a lifestyle.”
Leah Smith uses this term to describe her role as a mother of two toddlers. She enjoys being able to stay home with them, but in total transparency declares that it’s work. They truly keep her busy. Her parents and in-laws are not far from Leah’s Pennsylvania home, so they are a huge support to her and her husband as she manages her career. This is helpful currently as her husband travels from time to time for work. She empathizes as I discuss my own sister’s experiences with mothering a one and three-year-old.
In seven years, she got married and gave birth to two children, back to back. “We didn’t plan the pregnancies,” she admits. In absolute transparency, she shares about immediately beginning a natural family planning course. Natural family planning, also known as fertility awareness is a collection of methods using your body’s natural functioning to determine the days of the month you are most likely to get pregnant (www.americanpregnancy.org). With everything from using thermometers, scheduling, and charting body functions, this process requires discipline. “It’s not who I am,” Leah states. “I never paid to continue the course and then soon after, I got pregnant. I said this would happen.”
And happen it did. Keeping the gender a surprise until birth, she and her husband, AJ, had a beautiful baby girl. Leah still performed the occasional show though. I remember her daughter coming to a gig at The Bitter End as a baby, and waiting patiently in the green room for Mommy’s performance to end.
Inspiration From Life and Her Village
Leah’s journals serve as muses for her song lyrics. “I’m a journal-er,” she says. Writing about her thoughts, significant (or less than significant) events, friends, and family provide the backdrop and easel for songs to be created.
Along with her family constantly supporting her music efforts, Brandon Camphor, a close friend, and fellow artist comes to mind as someone who is a loud voice in her village. “Brandon would call out of the blue when I am just around the house in slippers, breastfeeding my baby girl,” she recalls. “Leah, you still gotta put out music,” he said. “Certain people dig into your heart,” she continues. Dave James, another close friend and artist, produced most of her upcoming album. “He would tell me ‘Leah your stuff is good. You gotta put it out there.’ These two artists were pushers," Leah admits. She is not a self-promoter so with family and friends like Brandon and Dave, who have given the extra prodding and encouragement when needed the most, Leah continues to walk in her purpose.
The Upcoming Project
I bring up her latest single, Pays The Rent, from her upcoming debut album to discuss how much I love the upbeat melody and appreciate the down-to-earth theme. Leah chose Pays The Rent to be the first single because it was upbeat and fun. Even though it was a heavy message, “people like money songs,” she states. Leah shares with me that she wrote it for herself, based on her own desires and dreams. She wanted and still wants music to be a career that pays the bills. “Money is a necessary evil,” she remarks. In talking about this, we laughed as she spoke of ending up in a homeless shelter if the income pressures were to be solely on her. Her social media fans chose her second single Numb when she put it up for voting a few months ago.
Leah begins to share a little more about her feelings surrounding her album, slated to be released this month. She says, “I feel like I am coming out of nowhere. I have been silent for about seven years. I got married and had two kids back-to-back. This album is a long time coming and has a lot hinging on it. We either put this out, and it’s a stepping stone or I drop everything to become a librarian. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT as it still pays the rent. I still have two children.” The album has a title, but Leah shares “I don’t want to release the name of the project just yet.”
Leah’s music makes me happy. I share this description with her, and she responds “Really?” I confirm, and we begin to discuss another track I love. Talk Too Much is another real, honest song. People, men, and women alike do it. Many times without thinking or taking a moment of wisdom to determine if thoughts are worth verbalizing.
Ordinary Girl speaks of the validation women sometimes need from external sources, and sometimes internal. Jasmine Sullivan’s Mascara was the impetus for Leah’s song. Leah feels very strongly about Ordinary Girl as it was the last track recorded. She believes the message is artistic and good. “I hope it connects to women on that deeper level,” Leah says.
In my opinion, Ordinary Girl, along with Leah’s music in general, does just that.
Lightning Round
KW: Favorite movie.
LS: Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan. I have a heart attachment to it.
KW: Favorite color.
LS: Red. I am wearing my favorite color!
KW: What is an issue in this country that needs…
LS: White privilege.
Leah Smith’s debut album will be available on music platforms later this year. You can keep up with all of her updates by following @leahsmithmusic on Twitter and Instagram.
Meet the Woman Behind the Brand: Johana Hernandez
Meet Johana Hernandez, a 30-something designer who is living out her faith in the world of fashion. We sat down with the GLAUDI Woman designer to find out how she became a fashion designer and why her faith is her driving force.
Meet Johana Hernandez, a 30-something designer who is living out her faith in the world of fashion. We sat down with the GLAUDI Woman designer to find out how she became a fashion designer and why her faith is her driving force.
Did you always want to be a fashion designer? I never knew that I was going to be a fashion designer. I lived in Compton for 27 years. I never knew that I could be a designer but I kept on getting opportunities in the fashion world. I was always around fashion because my mom used to work behind the scenes sewing clothes. Her friend recommended that I go to an interview for a fashion merchandising job. I was so happy to go and be there. I said yes to everything even when I didn't know how to do them. I love clothes and making people feel good about themselves.
How long did it take you? It took seven years. I became a head designer at 22 and I started the GLAUDI brand at 24 in response to an event for women in El Salvador. The response was so great that I decided to continue. I think it’s just God. You just have to trust in God and when he opens the door you have to walk thru it.
Do you have any special training that has prepared you for your career? I went to school at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
What do you wish you would have known when you started? I wished I understood the legal side of opening a business. There are a lot of things that I wished I knew – now I have lawyers and a team of people who help me.
Are there any political or social issues you feel passionately about? My parents grew up in a poor town in El Salvador. My grandmother built a Christian school and then when they need money to fix the roof of the school and orphanage, my mom was able to give money back to kids. I love working with organizations like World Vision kids for that reason.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to dream or embark on their journey of building a business? Be sure to know who your customer is – it's not about making everyone happy but designing with your customer in mind.
Who has helped you the most during your professional career? There have been multiple people along the way but my brother Edwin helped me to take my business to a new new level. He helped me to be more structured and serious.
Did you have a model or person whom you aspired to be as a youth? I never had any idols, I looked up to God to ask what he wanted me to do.
What's the newest, freshest approach you are bringing to your fashion line? We design specifically for a woman who is a leader and not afraid to stand out. We don’t follow trends, we want women with style and customize for the women who want to feel good about themselves without showing too much skin. The GLAUDI Woman is always a leader.
Name one thing about you that most people don't know. I’m really transparent but most people don’t know that I'm a hopeless romantic.
Best compliment you've ever received? When people talk about my designs they'll say, "I thought I could never afford it but I've saved up for it." That means a lot to me.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I never thought of those things before but I do dream of having family and kids. I know that God will do it at the right time.
GLAUDI Bridal Collection 2017
How do you keep a healthy work/life balance? It’s hard. Sometimes I have a great life balance and sometimes I don’t have time for fitness and my faith. My job is my lifestyle and I'm learning to better balance work and everything else. Right now, I'm reading Be Humble, Stay Hungry and Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick and it's really helping me find that balance. He's the guy that started Catalyst and then took a sabbatical.
What comes easiest to you as a designer? Ideas - I've always had them. However, learning how to transform them into reality takes time.
Favorite weekend activity? Hiking, outdoors, looking out at the stars and beach – anything outdoors. And horseback riding – I've always dreamt of buying a horse.
What’s a verse of scripture that means the most to you and why? Matthew 6:4 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Also, Psalm 1:3 - That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatsoever they do prospers. It reminds me to be still and trust in God. Also that God will help me be fruitful.
What is most rewarding about your job; what makes it all worthwhile? I love making people feel good about themselves. I want every woman to feel beautiful and confident. I also want to use my platform to my faith with the world.
Learn more about Johana at http://www.glaudicollection.com/ or follow her on instagram: @glaudicollection