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

Crystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I enrolled in a magnet middle school for music, everyone there was always in a practice room working on repertoire. The environment inspired me to practice too. It was then that I knew music would be a major part of my life. It was much more than something to do. It was a part of who I am.

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 background and context?

My name is Crystal A. Sawyer and I am the founder/director of the Lady of Harp Academy. The Lady of Harp Academy was created to provide a safe musical space that centers children of marginalized communities. This affords them the opportunity to connect to their creativity through the musical arts while empowering them with the strength of their cultural identity. Representation makes a huge difference.

As a college student in the late 90’s I played the harp at a conference. Little did I know that I was not just playing the harp when I was approached by an enthusiastic black mother with her daughter. She approached me after the performance, hugged me and told me, “Now my daughter can play the harp!” The depth of this interaction has motivated me ever since. In this moment, I was able to provide representation as a black harpist for not only someone’s daughter but them as well. The importance of representation is critical for all people. It can shape how historically excluded populations are viewed by society and how they view themselves. It is imperative for children and young people to have people who look like them and may have similar backgrounds to help them feel seen, heard and centered.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

If there is a creative that resonates with you, or a project, ask what can you do to ensure its future. Funding and sponsorships go a long way in getting projects off the ground. We can have the most amazing ideas on earth, but without a sustainable budget behind it, it dies as quickly as it emerged.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

When I started dealing with a graphic designer that had a background in marketing, things changed for me. I acquired a business line which immediately separated my work from my personal life. My business became a brand with a way of being identified. I saw my very own story take shape and be recognized by the outside world. Branding is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ladyofharpacademy.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lohacademy?igsh=MXRrZ3NxcDdtdzRiYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063577598133