We recently connected with Spenser Olson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Spenser thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
Parenting has become a hot topic these days, and for good reason. The way we’re raised profoundly shapes who we become, both personally and professionally. From my perspective, one of the most critical roles of a parent is to lead by example. It’s one thing to tell your children how to be honorable and ethical, but it’s another thing entirely to show them through your own actions. My parents exemplified this in their daily lives, and it left a lasting impact on me.
One of the most significant ways my parents influenced me was by giving me creative freedom. Whether it was deciding what to wear, choosing the music I listened to, or even exploring different foods, they allowed me to make my own choices. This freedom wasn’t just about indulging my whims—it was about teaching me to trust my instincts and develop my own identity. They understood that creativity thrives in an environment where it’s not stifled by too many rules or expectations.
At the same time, they set an example of the kind of person I wanted to become. They walked the talk, embodying the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness in everything they did. I remember one particular instance when I was struggling to decide between pursuing a passion project or taking a more ‘secure’ path. My parents didn’t give me a direct answer; instead, they shared stories of their own experiences—times when they took risks, followed their hearts, and how those decisions shaped their lives. This conversation wasn’t just about guidance; it was about showing me that it’s okay to take risks if you’re following your true passion.
This combination of creative freedom and strong moral guidance helped me mature quickly. I learned early on how to navigate the world with both independence and a solid moral compass, which has been invaluable in the music industry and in business. In a field where it’s easy to lose your way, having a strong foundation has given me a head start. I’m grateful to my parents for not only teaching me but also showing me what it means to live a life of purpose and passion.
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?
I’ve been immersed in the music industry in one way or another for over a decade now, a journey that began when I was incredibly young. My love for music started at the age of three when I began learning to play the piano. It wasn’t just a hobby—it quickly became a passion that shaped my entire life. By the age of 10, I was already recording music in my bedroom, experimenting with sounds and melodies, and discovering my voice as an artist. One of the most defining moments of my early career was performing my first single, “Golden World,” in front of thousands of people in New York at the age of 11. That experience was both exhilarating and eye-opening, solidifying my desire to pursue music on a deeper level.
As I grew older, my journey took me across the country, leading worship and connecting with people through music that spoke to the soul. This period of my life nurtured my love for worship music, but I also felt a strong desire to push its boundaries. Over the past few years, I’ve been dedicated to stretching the limits of what worship music can be. I strive to create art that resonates with people on multiple levels—not just as a form of worship but as music that people genuinely enjoy listening to, all while speaking truth and hope over their lives. My goal as a songwriter is to let my lifestyle and beliefs shine through in my work, even in ways that might not fit the traditional mold of a “church song.”
Beyond music, I’ve always had a deep love for building and creating. Whether it’s crafting a song, designing a website, or launching a business, the process of bringing an idea to life excites me. Over the years, I’ve been involved in various business ventures, each one teaching me something new about creativity, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to keep moving forward, even during times of burnout or when the creative well seemed dry. Those seasons were challenging, but they also refined me, pushing me to find new sources of inspiration and to rediscover my passion for what I do.
What sets me apart, I believe, is this combination of artistic creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. I don’t just see myself as an artist or a businessperson—I see myself as a builder, someone who brings visions to life, whether through music, a brand, or a new business concept. For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that everything I create is infused with purpose. My work is not just about producing something aesthetically pleasing or commercially viable; it’s about creating something meaningful, something that has the power to inspire and uplift. Whether you’re listening to my music, collaborating on a project, or engaging with one of my business ventures, you’re interacting with a piece of my heart and soul, something that I’ve poured my all into.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an audience on social media has been, and continues to be, a journey of growth and learning for me. While I’m still on this path, I’ve discovered some key principles that have made a significant difference along the way. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of consistency. Social media moves fast, and it’s easy to get lost in the noise if you’re not consistently showing up. Whether it’s posting content, engaging with followers, or sharing updates, consistency helps build trust with your audience. They start to recognize you as a reliable presence in their feed, someone they can count on to deliver value, inspiration, or entertainment on a regular basis.
However, consistency alone isn’t enough. In today’s digital world, where so much of what we see online is curated or filtered, authenticity has become crucial. People, especially the younger generation, have developed a keen sense for spotting anything that feels artificial or forced. They’re looking for real, unfiltered content that resonates with them on a personal level. This is something I’ve been really pushing for lately—being authentic in everything I share. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a project, a candid moment, or sharing my thoughts and experiences, I try to be as genuine as possible.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on these two elements: consistency and authenticity. First, find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it. Whether it’s daily posts, weekly updates, or regular stories, create a schedule that keeps you present in your audience’s minds. But more importantly, be true to yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, or chase trends just because they’re popular. Share your journey, your challenges, your successes—whatever makes you unique. People connect with stories and personalities, not just content. So, let your true self shine through, and you’ll attract an audience that genuinely resonates with who you are and what you stand for.
Building an audience is not just about gaining followers; it’s about creating a community of people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. By being consistent and authentic, you lay the foundation for long-term relationships with your audience, which is far more valuable than just a high follower count.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One piece of advice I would offer to anyone starting on a creative journey is to forget about everyone else’s expectations and focus on being yourself—be who God has called you to be. This is a lesson I learned early on, and it’s been a cornerstone of my resilience throughout my journey.
When I was in school, I faced my fair share of bullying and harassment for being different. I was the kid who was deeply passionate about music, who dressed differently, and who wasn’t afraid to express myself in ways that didn’t always align with what was considered ‘cool’ at the time. It wasn’t easy, and there were definitely moments when the pressure to conform was overwhelming. The taunts and teasing could have easily discouraged me, made me second-guess my path, or pushed me to abandon my unique identity to fit in. But even as a young person, I knew deep down that I couldn’t let those external voices dictate who I was or who I was meant to be.
Instead of letting the negativity get to me, I chose to lean into my individuality. I realized that the very things that made me a target were also the things that made me unique, and eventually, they would become the foundation of my success. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when it felt like I was fighting an uphill battle, but I remained committed to being true to myself. I understood that my creative journey was a calling, something much bigger than the opinions of others. This mindset helped me push through the challenges and continue pursuing my passion, even when it felt like the world was against me.
One specific instance that stands out was when I was preparing for my first major performance. The same kids who mocked me were now watching, and I knew they didn’t expect much. But instead of letting that pressure intimidate me, I used it as fuel. I channeled all the hurt, frustration, and determination into my performance, pouring my heart into every note. That moment was a turning point for me—it was when I realized that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about transforming it into something powerful, something that drives you forward rather than holding you back.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those experiences because they taught me the importance of resilience, of staying true to who I am despite external pressures. They reinforced my belief that the only way to truly succeed is to be authentic and unapologetically yourself. Today, as I continue to navigate the ups and downs of my career, I carry that lesson with me, always reminding myself that my uniqueness is my strength. For anyone on a similar path, my message is simple: Embrace who you are, even when it’s difficult, and let that authenticity be the foundation of your resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spenserolson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spenserolson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/spenserolson
Image Credits
Laci Howard, Woody O’Neal, Grant Benton