We recently connected with Dariann Leigh and have shared our conversation below.
Dariann, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
My first dollar earned as a creative came from playing a small gathering hosted by a longtime family friend. I had a very small idea of what I was doing, but the confidence they instilled in me by believing I could do it is something I will forever remember. There may have been 20 people total, all getting absolutely attacked by mosquitos in a park in northern Minnesota. Let’s just say, I’m very thankful they all stuck it out with me!
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 back background and context?
My name is Dariann Leigh, I sparked interest in music at a very young age through theatre. That interest only grew as I got older, and started to perform around my hometown. I went from playing small town gatherings, to contests that brought me to the MN state fair, and then pinch-me-moments opening for some of my musical heroes. I met some amazing people along the way that lent their hand in helping me to get to where I am now. I’m incredibly grateful for them!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the moments where you can feel the audience connect with your music. Wether it be one person, 2 people, or the entire room. Those moments are magical, and when you find them – it’s the greatest reward you could possibly feel.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I graduated high school I focused a lot on my back up plan – convinced myself that I needed to follow through with what that path would provide. And I struggled to focus on college, while fighting what I knew was right. Which was following my dream in music. It came down to making some decisions that felt scary at that time, and taking a chance on what I had already done so much to do. Im incredibly grateful for that experience, thought I probably would’ve said otherwise then.
Contact Info:
- Website: Dariannleigh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariannleigh/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DariannLeigh/
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtSAz7ueMLwv06rKRb-X4Jw
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dariannleigh?lang=en
Image Credits
Justin Hammond