Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wade Veland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Wade, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
The biggest risk I ever took started in Omaha, Nebraska, where life was comfortable but predictable, and I couldn’t ignore the feeling that there was more out there for me; with no real safety net, no money, and just one friend by my side, I packed up and moved to California to chase bigger opportunities—whatever they might turn out to be—fully aware that I had more going against me than working in my favor. It was a leap into the unknown, driven less by certainty and more by belief in myself and the idea that growth lives on the other side of comfort. The transition wasn’t easy, and there were moments where doubt crept in, but taking that risk opened doors I never would’ve found back home: I met incredible people, did things I once thought were out of reach, and gained real-life experience that shaped who I am today. Looking back, it’s a decision I’m genuinely glad I made, because that move didn’t just change my location—it changed my perspective, and the journey is still unfolding, still growing, and still pushing me forward.
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’m a creative who started with acting gigs and a deep love for music, but my curiosity for the business side of the industry pushed me to expand beyond just performing and learn what happens behind the scenes. That led me to build a multifaceted career where I now work in acting, modeling, music, and merch, while staying open to collaborations with other artists. I’ve been featured on CornerStoreLA, No Jumper (Live Performance), RUMBA FM Radio, and BMS Radio Chicago, performed across the U.S., and modeled for brands like California Fish Grill, IL Fornaio, El Torito Taco, Three Finger Jack, and Burger Boss. What sets me apart is my blend of creativity and business awareness, along with consistent training in on-camera and on-set acting, and I’m most proud of building an authentic, evolving brand that continues to grow with every opportunity.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the biggest moments that tested my resilience was moving from a smaller place where I was surrounded by family and friends to a city with a much bigger market for what I wanted to pursue. I went from having a strong support system to barely knowing anyone, which was isolating at times and forced me to rely on my own discipline and belief in myself. There were plenty of moments where things felt uncertain, but I stayed motivated, consistent, and focused on improving my craft and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Over time, that persistence paid off—new connections formed, doors started opening, and I began to see real progress. Looking back, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and it showed me that resilience isn’t just about surviving change, but committing to growth even when you’re on your own.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media came from realizing that it’s the biggest networking tool we have today, and treating it like a real extension of who I am and what I do. Instead of not caring about it or posting randomly, I started using my platforms as a representation of my work, my mindset, and my journey, connecting with people who share the same interests and creative goals. I stayed consistent with engaging, posting business- and craft-related content, and showing both the process and the progress, which helped build genuine connections over time. I also focused on learning from meaningful mentors I found online, studying how they moved, communicated, and built their brands. For anyone just starting out, my advice is to take social media seriously, stay active, engage with intention, be patient with growth, and use your platform to reflect who you are and where you’re going—not just where you are right now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sogreedy1k?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61568276930307/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sogreedy1kmusic?si=-929fYfTxKvZYrRO
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/1xdzYsu5pLVEWRjD7L
Image Credits
@Guccitutz
@BizzleBangdat
@BlxkHippxe