Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrienne Parran. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Adrienne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

It took me a while to learn and execute this, but they [my parents] taught me the importance of keeping a steady pace, and going to work and going home. I have learned that although my particular industry is built on relationships, sometimes it can be draining to work with people and parlay as well. A lot of my woes I feel could have been prevented had I simply gone to work and home. I also feel that a steady pace and focus is also a very important factor when it comes to building. My parents are 9-5’ers and they are both very successful and drama free. Our music scene, unfortunately is infestested with drug and rape culture and in order to prevent those things from happening and continuing to ruin our people, I chose to create a space free of those elements to help enrich our culture. As a woman, it is always best to have allies in your field of work. I want everyone, especially our women in music to feel safe. I am looking forward to expanding and growing into a multifunctional facility.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Adrienne. My stage name is Colada Pen and my band’s name is Pinx Money. I have been a musician for as long as I can remember. My father and my uncle were DJs in the early 90’s. I got my first keyboard at the age of 7, and have been working toward my passion ever since. I currently provide a creative space for artists to create, unwind, record, rehearse and reset. Music has always been an outlet for me and I have created a space for it to become an outlet for others. I think the atmosphere I provide sets me apart from others because I offer a sense of freedom (including a nostalgic gaming outlet) . I am most proud of the relationships that I have built and maintained with my partners and future clients and I am excited about growing bigger and better and executing the ideas I have in mind. Over the years, throughout my career I have accomplished many of my goals, including teaching, acting, and radio and I encourage others to live and do the same.

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?

Whew… to be a creative does not offer immediate stability. I’ll start there. It is a level of insanity I could never describe. Healthy relationships, commitment, dedication, and perseverance are the only things I can say that have kept me mentally and physically afloat. The mind of a creative person is different, at least mine anyway. A 9-5 40-hr work week can be more draining to us than a 72-hr non-stop building of a song, work of art, or facility. The reward of something you built from the ground up is like a child that you’ve poured energy into and prospered. That’s it. And once that child goes on to take proper care of themselves and their family, is the joy and satisfaction you receive from your creations generating revenue for you.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Pick good people to work with. It’s simple. I was told for years that I had anxiety, when in actuality I was actively choosing bad people. If you have a gut feeling about someone–DON’T IGNORE IT. Businesses are PEOPLE. There are bad consistent people, as well as good inconsistent people. Find good, consistent people. Maintain and honor your boundaries and keep those people around who respect them. Ask for advice from your team. Ask for feedback from your team. Be considerate. Be kind. Keep a steady pace. Work together. Don’t rush, it will get done. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s just stay true to the journey ahead of you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @pinx_money
• Linkedin: Colada Pen
• Youtube: @coladapen9571

Image Credits
@yowiththecamera