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

Calinnah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Even though I became a registered nurse, music has always been a central part of my life. From the time I was a little girl, I was always creating—singing, performing, and writing. But as I got older, I made a practical choice to pursue nursing so I could provide for myself.

After finishing nursing school, COVID-19 hit, and I began my nursing career during one of the most challenging times in recent history. Seeing so much death and uncertainty deeply affected me. I fell into a state of depression, overwhelmed by the weight of what I was experiencing. It was a dark period in my life, but during that time, I took a leap of faith and turned back to songwriting.

Starting to write again felt like the biggest risk, not because it was dangerous, but because it required me to be vulnerable and honest with myself. Music had always been there, but I’d pushed it aside. It was in this moment, looking inward and reconnecting with what truly made me feel alive, that I realized singing, writing, and performing were my true passions.

In some strange way, the hardships I faced made me stronger and more determined. What could have broken me actually pushed me toward the life I wanted. Now, I’m fully pursuing my passion, and it feels like the best decision I’ve ever made.

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 got into the music industry by being resourceful and reaching out to anyone I knew who was involved in music. Asking for advice and guidance comes naturally to me, and it’s been a big part of how I’ve grown. I’ve always believed in using the tools and experiences life has given me, and that includes everything from my time in business school, years as a hip hop dancer, my creative work, and even my nursing career. All of these experiences have shaped me into the artist and performer I am today.

I’ve come to realize that there isn’t just one right path in life. My journey may have taken longer than others, but without all these lessons, I wouldn’t have developed the same level of seriousness and dedication to my craft. When I’m focused on something, I put in the work to practice and stay consistent, no matter what.

What sets me apart is my ability to juggle multiple roles. I continue to work full-time as a nurse while pursuing my singing career. It’s a delicate balance, but it shows my dedication to both my music and my goals.

I want to help others by sharing my successes and failures with my audience because this journey can get lonely, and no one should have to go through it alone. By being open about my experiences, I hope to convey a message of hard work and resilience. My goal is to inspire others to keep pushing toward their dreams, no matter how unconventional their path may be.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has taken years, and honestly, a lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into it. It’s an ongoing process of trial and error. There’s no set formula for what will resonate with your audience—you just have to try everything and see what sticks. Sometimes, it’s frustrating because you never really know if what you’re doing will work or if it’s time to pivot.

There’s not a week that goes by where I don’t wonder, “Should I just quit?” But you have to stay positive and block out the noise of other people’s opinions. For me, I believe there’s a greater purpose behind what I’m doing. I’d rather live with a little bit of delusion while chasing something I love than live with regret, stuck in something that doesn’t fulfill me.

My advice for those just starting out: don’t be afraid to experiment and put yourself out there. You’ll figure out what your audience likes while also staying true to yourself. Social media is about finding that balance between connecting with others and showcasing who you really are. Just keep going, even when it feels hard.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is seeing my thoughts come to life. We carry so much in our minds that’s meant to be shared, and I believe in releasing those thoughts because there are others out there who feel the same. We’re more alike than we realize, and connecting with others through music or art is such a powerful way to bridge that gap.

What I love most is having those moments with people, even if it’s just for 30 minutes while I’m singing or performing. It sounds simple, but being able to create a space where people can feel something, even just happiness or joy for a second, is a beautiful thing. That connection and shared experience—that’s the real reward for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calinnah
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calinnah/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@calinnah

Image Credits

Corbin Tyler Simms, Carlos Garcia, and Jonathon Ferguson.