We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Haavik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My very favorite project was my debut EP, Posture. The process felt sacred, from beginning to end. I had clear vision and direction, the best team to support the vision and to breathe life into it in a way that I never could have done on my own. Gratitude is what I most feel looking back on the entire experience.

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 started singing before I could put together an intelligible sentence, so I’ve been told. Music is a part of me, in my blood and in my bones. There is the perfect song for every life situation and my kids can attest to that as I randomly break out in song that matches the current mood.

The song writing began at the age of 14. I would sit with my guitar and suddenly the whole song would just come to life, lyrics, melody, chord progressions and dynamics, all at once. The very first time I performed an original live was when I was 17. It was just vocals, acoustic guitar and percussion. I was so nervous, but heart was so full as I sang and people started to catch on and join me in the chorus.

Putting your own music out into the world requires vulnerability and fearlessness. I’ve grown in these qualities and am still growing. Numbers are not important. What is important to me is that someone’s life is touched through something I’ve released. When people tell me stories of how a specific song helped them through a situation, or send me a video of their kids joyfully dancing and giggling to a song I’ve released, I’m reminded that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.

I am incredibly grateful that I get to lead worship at Bcoming Church in Decatur, AL. My lead pastors, my worship pastor and his wife, and my wonderful family have been incredibly encouraging and supportive in so many ways.

All of this is to honor the One who gave me my gift in the first place. I am a worshiper first and foremost. It’s what we were all created for. Jesus is my why.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I’ve been asked many times if releasing music is something I want to do full time, if I want to tour, what comes next. I don’t always have the answer. Yes, I want to release more music. I actually have a producer already lined up for my next project. I think what some people may have a hard time understanding about me is that it has never been nor ever will be about money, getting discovered, getting signed to a label, etc. When I feel a tug to release a certain song I will know. There is still a certain level of hustle, but there is incredible peace and rest walking in God’s timing and not my own.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Up until November of 2019 I worked a normal 8:00 to 5:00 job. I loved my job working as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a large company. It was a rewarding job and I was really good at it. When the Lord told me to quit because He had something else for me I fought it for months. I had good pay, benefits, why would I give that up? I was also terrified to tell my boss, to disappoint him. When I finally did I was pleasantly surprised at the amazing support I received and the excitement my coworkers showed at the new journey I would be taking.

All of a sudden my life looked very different and I had no idea what all was going to unfold. Within 2 months I was a part of the Maverick City Choir. All throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022 I had some of the most memorable experiences of my life, having conversations with Christian artists that I’ve long admired, getting to sing on stages that I had only dreamed of, including the Grand Ole Opry.

Stepping into the unknown can be scary. But what if we hold on so tight to what is good that we miss out on what’s great?

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.stephaniehaavik.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/stephaniehaavikmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StephanieHaavik
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nNIOTk3Q2qRIBtsANd92T?si=hSUWCOI-SrKE4XWcNfMxNw&nd=1

Image Credits
Christy Carter Photography Ella Marsh Photography