We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Artaska Strings. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Artaska below.
Hi Artaska, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Growing up as a Black female violinist in Wisconsin posed its challenges. I started playing the violin at the tender age of 4, and from that moment, I was captivated by it. As a teenager, I had an ambition to turn my passion into a career. Despite discouraging remarks from teachers and professors who insisted that individuals who looked like me weren’t meant to play the violin and wouldn’t succeed if they tried, I chose to disregard what they said.
I made it my life’s mission to become a professional violinist. Against all odds, I defied their expectations and became precisely what they claimed I couldn’t. My mission is to show that regardless of appearance or background, anyone can achieve their aspirations. It is important to believe in your self even if no one else does.
There’s a sense of fulfillment when after a performance, a young girl who bears a resemblance to my younger self approaches me, expressing how I inspire her and that she to plays. It reinforces the purpose behind my work. Moments like these reinerate the importance of the impact I can make in breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
A couple of years post-college, I made a decision to focus on my music career. One day, I chose to record a violin cover and share it on YouTube. To my surprise, it went viral overnight, giving me the momentum needed to kickstart my career. Shortly thereafter, I delved into creating an album, and upon its release, it garnered success, leading me to perform across the country until the onset of the pandemic.
In response to the challenging times, I unveiled an EP titled “Spontaneous,” which remarkably became a Jazz hit. A significant milestone unfolded in 2021 when I was invited to perform at the Detroit Thanksgiving Halftime Show alongside Big Sean—a defining moment in my career. Subsequently, I continued to release more music, achieving recognition with multiple songs charting on Apple/iTunes.
A noteworthy aspect of my journey is the engagement with fans on social media. Their support has transcended into invitations for me to perform at their special occasions and events. Grateful for these opportunities, I find joy in contributing to their memorable moments.
Throughout my artistic endeavors, I uphold a mission—to consistently deliver the finest music and provide exemplary service. As an artist, I recognize that I am the embodiment of my brand, and this responsibility fuels my commitment to excellence.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Reflecting on the outset of my career, I wish I had a reliable mentor. Instead of grappling with the challenge of deciphering everything independently, attempting to assemble fragments of information and deciding what I believed was best for my career proved to be less than optimal. Recognizing the importance of having a mentor, I now understand the invaluable guidance they provide in navigating the complexities of one’s professional path.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What, in my view, contributed to enhancing my standing in the market is providing great services and focusing on addressing the specific needs of my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artaskastrings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artaskastrings/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/artaskastrings