Today we’d like to introduce you to Stells Di Rossi Hurst
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
RH Media Productions is an independent grassroots digital media production label dedicated to collaborating with artists, visual creators, and musicians. Our mission is to produce innovative and engaging content while fostering a supportive and creative environment. We operate with an open-door policy that prioritizes an artist’s potential over industry stigma. Collaboration, artistic freedom, and the pursuit of groundbreaking media projects are the core values that shape our culture.
The company’s journey began as The House of Rossi (THOR), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2017 in Arizona. However, after partnering with my business and life partner, Lee Hurst, we decided to rebrand as RH Media Productions to align more closely with our evolving vision. This shift was sparked after attending a transformative music symposium led by Mark Atkin, owner and founder of the Museum of Punk, at the Mesa Music Festival.
Following this experience, Lee and I conducted market research to better understand our target audience, enrolled in a business trade school to deepen our industry knowledge, and relocated from Arizona to California to tap into a more diverse market. Returning to the Bay Area, where I grew up, has been both a strategic and personal decision—it feels like coming home while positioning the company for greater opportunities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a grassroots company, we have grappled with challenges such as relocation, financial difficulties, and industry resistance to change. Pursuing industry-relevant degrees felt long overdue, as it provided us with the tools to bridge the gap between traditional and digital perspectives.
Relocation also required us to embrace independence and continuously learn about the local scene. While the Bay Area’s diversity offers a wealth of networking opportunities, it also demands an understanding of the local culture and community dynamics.
The contrast between stagnation and growth within communities is stark, largely influenced by the diversity of the region. Relocating from Arizona to the Bay Area brought advantages such as increased diversity, opportunities, and market potential. In Arizona, we struggled with a lack of community support, funding opportunities, and media exposure, challenges further exacerbated by closed-mindedness and racism. Conversely, California has been incredibly welcoming. Over the past year, we’ve seen an astronomical increase in media exposure, reached a broader audience, and gained wider acceptance in this dynamic market compared to the Southwest, which often feels limited by stagnant opportunities and controlled interests.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about RH Media Productions?
This journey began with a dream. Since childhood, I have been deeply passionate about the arts, a passion nurtured in California through my involvement in orchestra, theater, off-Broadway plays, acting, and dance. My artistic roots and aspirations for musicality led me to embark on international tours, where I gained invaluable experience through interviews, guest appearances, and judging contests. One truth became evident throughout this journey: art and music have the power to bring people together in a magical way that can heal communities when people care and give back.
However, as I witnessed the marginalization of diverse voices within the industry, I felt compelled to take action. As a creative activist, I began composing music and creating art that addressed these stigmas, often facing harsh criticism in Arizona.
In 2017, I launched a podcast and radio show that later evolved into The House of Rossi, a 501(c)(3) organization. Through this platform, I dedicated myself to combating racism, ageism, sexism, and social stigma prevalent in the United States—issues that are often overlooked due to deeply ingrained cultural norms. During this time, I encountered individuals living with a “sundown mentality,” revealing that these struggles were not mine alone but part of a broader systemic problem.
My husband, recognizing the pervasive nature of sexism and racism, became my strongest advocate. Initially serving as my manager, he helped uncover how these issues transcended individual instances and were deeply embedded in the industry. After facing ostracism in Tucson, we relocated to the Bay Area and conducted a thorough analysis of the local music scene.
The move inspired me to express my artistry without fear of offense or being banned. Performing outside Arizona’s market allowed my music to gain acceptance and recognition, empowering me to advocate for others through my radio programs. These programs ultimately transformed into a music label based in California.
The music industry often favors cover and tribute bands, sidelining innovative artists and new voices. In marginalized communities, socioeconomic disparities hinder exposure, prevent stories from being told, and lead to exclusion based on physical attributes, age, disability, gender, or race. These barriers ignore the true talent and powerful messages many artists have to share.
In response, we established RH Media Productions to champion original artistry and ensure it is free from bias based on pigment, gender, orientation, age, or disability. In an industry that often prioritizes repetition over innovation, we are committed to advocating for new voices and diverse perspectives.
As we rebuild, we recognize the critical need for exposure, networking, media representation, and partnerships. While California offers a supportive environment for our work, we remain dedicated to connecting with and amplifying the voices of talented individuals from across the country. These systemic issues represent an “elephant in the room” for the entertainment industry, one that must be confronted.
At RH Media, our ultimate goal is to foster unity and understanding through art, music, and media, highlighting the shared humanity that transcends the industry’s narrow perspectives. We believe in the power of people—not the industry—to drive change and celebrate authentic artistry.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One aspect many people may not know about my partner and me is that we both have disabilities. I live with mental and physical disabilities, including an autoimmune disease that presents daily health challenges and limits how often I can perform. Additionally, as a survivor of trafficking and abuse, I manage PTSD, which requires ongoing adaptation. These experiences have shifted my focus to the backend of our work, though I still perform occasionally.
My partner has autism and social disabilities, which also come with their own unique challenges. While these unseen disabilities require us to work harder at times, they are also a source of strength and inspiration. They fuel our dedication and passion, allowing us to connect with others and show that disabilities are not barriers to success.
We take pride in being role models for others with disabilities, demonstrating that achieving your dreams is possible regardless of the obstacles. Advances in technology and education have revolutionized our lives, enabling us to innovate, create, and inspire others in ways that were once unimaginable. Our journey reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to turning challenges into opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rhmediaproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhmediaproductions/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thormusicmedia/about/
- Other: https://anchor.fm/thorradio
Image Credits
All photos courtesy of RH Media Produtctions