We were lucky to catch up with Sashae Long (Sailem Fromhell) recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sailem Fromhell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Since I graduated High school I’ve been a full time artist. I’ve done several gigs, stage assisting, taught classes, danced at nightclubs, artist subscriptions / patreon. You name it, I’ve done it all.

One moment im home recording my next hit, then the rest of my night im dancing in-front of a sold out audience, Then im on a plane to headlining a show in a city I’ve never visited before!
It’s a fever dream come true.

Sometimes, just living off of my art wasn’t the most fruitful experience. I made many mistakes, failed many times, and threatened to quit.

When you are a full time creative- there’s many things you have to look into and consider. There isn’t a rule book on how to save your earnings, taxes, copywriting, music distributors, how to go viral, agents, etc.
You have to figure it out on your own or take very expensive classes to have these secrets and tools revealed.

Sometimes there isn’t a easy way in or out. Sometimes it’s pure luck! Maybe it’s money! Maybe it’s about who you know.
Everyone’s formula is never the same.
I guess that’s what makes being a creative so challenging.

There are many perks to it though! Making your own schedule, being your own boss, sculpting your entire universe. Your art is in your hands. You get to choose how big or small your impact could be.

As long as you’re hungry for it- it can take you far.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a singer/songwriter, producer, Burlesque/dancer, performance artist, overall badass creative.

I was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri but ran away and started living my dreams In New Orleans, Louisiana.

When I graduated high school, I knew the direction I wanted to take after my school career was nowhere near traditional but I truly had a burning passion for what I wanted the rest of my life to look like.
Ever since I was a child, I knew I’ve always wanted to be part of some form of entertainment. Broadway, TV, Film, it didn’t matter. I’ve always thrived in creative projects.
Growing up- the only school I’ve attended were performing arts based schools. I’d run to first period , then onto math, then end my day with dance class or music. It was quite the recipe that was meant for me.

Immediately after I graduated I started taking burlesque classes every week and did many tip spots and stage volunteering. When I wasn’t onstage and focusing on my burlesque craft – most of the time I’d be at home working on music and making costumes for future shows and routines.

I was constantly making art everyday and practicing.

I wasn’t making a lot of money but I definitely was using what I had to make it through. From YouTube tutorials, to classes, to Frankensteining old costumes and thrift finds.
Luckily I was still living with my mother who was extremely supportive of my journey , admiring my drive and work ethic.

Few years down the line I rapidly made a name for myself, produced my own events and shows, performed my music live for a handful of events, and so much more.
I knew I wanted to take my career to the next level and that staying in my hometown was no longer serving me what I needed.
St. Louis from my personal experience, was truly home but- It wasn’t realistically a place that I could thrive full time as an artist. I wanted to expand, Challenge myself, travel, perform frequently if not- every weekend. I wanted the hustle.
The only fit I knew that would work with my lifestyle and career was relocating to a city where I could truly be the full time artist I’ve always wanted to be.

New Orleans was it.

Throughout my career I ran into so many difficult challenges financially, creatively, emotionally, spiritually, physically. All of it.
To live this life you really have to want it. It’s not just something you can pick up and expect success overnight.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding thing about being an artist is seeing it all come together. Seeing a dream or the “impossible” become a reality. Inspiring others to do what what you do or becoming someone they’ve always wanted to be.

Just knowing that YOU are the core of something beautiful happening. It’s insane.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Being present. I feel like my online presence is intriguing but seeing me in action LIVE makes a massive difference. I try my best to connect with my audience as much as possible. It just feels more personable.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/sailemfromhell
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailemfromhell
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sailemfromhell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Sailemfromhell?themeRefresh=1
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FCFD4oAsxg5OMeHSthTBS?si=L1EG7nBFQUa85Ug1RDgTUQ

Image Credits
Spider necklace, barbed wire By: SAILEM Tiger Dress BY: Terry Witt Green bra By: Darrell Miller Photography Laser lights BY :Allan Crain