We recently connected with Haven and have shared our conversation below.

Haven, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first moment I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path began when I was just six years old, writing short stories and children’s books. I was always fascinated by the way words could create entire worlds, and that passion evolved as I grew—by the time I was 9 to 12, I shifted to poetry. Poetry gave me a way to express big feelings in a concise, creative form that felt more immediate and powerful.

At 16, that passion transformed into something deeper. Around that time, I became heavily influenced by Rihanna—her artistry, fearlessness, and ability to create entire moods made me feel like I could do the same. I started writing and recording music almost every day in my basement, experimenting with sounds, putting out DIY music videos, and exploring who I was as an artist. At 19, I left college, moving back to New York, and taking gap years to pursue the arts with everything I’ve got and had learned so far.

But it wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles recently after living abroad for a couple years, that I truly decided to pursue music more meaningfully, with maturity, newfound hope, and with full focus again. LA has been giving me the space to refine my voice, discover my sound, and align my art with my identity. What started as a childhood love for storytelling has now grown into a full artistic journey—one rooted in experimentation, resilience, and the desire to create something that moves people.

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?

I’ve always been a writer at heart—it’s the one thread that has followed me through every chapter of my life. As aforementioned, from the time I was six years old, I was creating stories and children’s books, fascinated by the power of words to build entire worlds. As I grew, that passion evolved into poetry during my preteen years, where I discovered the beauty of saying something profound in a few powerful lines.

In college, that love for language turned into a service—I found myself writing essays for others and helping students craft their ideas into clear, compelling work. I didn’t just write for them; I guided them, helped them find their voice, and watched them grow. That was the moment I realized that writing wasn’t just my skill—it was my way of helping others succeed.

Today, that passion has expanded into the music industry. I not only write and perform my own music, but I also help smaller artists write theirs. Whether it’s crafting lyrics that truly capture their stories or shaping a song to reflect their vision, my goal is always to use my pen as a bridge—to connect their emotions with their audience.

Singing is a joy, but writing is in my blood. It’s where I feel most authentic, and it’s the gift given to me from God that I most love to share. What sets me apart is my ability to merge storytelling with genuine emotional resonance. I bring the same care to every project, whether it’s my own or someone else’s, ensuring the work doesn’t just sound good—it means something.

I’m most proud of being able to transform words into impact, whether through songs that heal, lyrics that resonate, or writing that elevates someone else’s vision. For anyone new to my work, I want them to know this: my brand is rooted in honesty, creativity, and the belief that stories—whether sung or spoken—can change how we feel, think, and connect.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that success in music has an expiration date. Growing up in the Gen Z “microwave” generation, I was surrounded by SoundCloud artists who seemed to blow up overnight. As a teenager, I internalized that pace. By 19, I felt behind. I remember telling my brother at 20—after leaving college to pursue music—“It’s over. I’ve failed,” because I wasn’t a well-known singer within a year.

Looking back now, I see how misguided that mindset was. Many of those same artists I once looked up to have since faded away, their careers disappearing as quickly as they came. Some of the best artists I know today didn’t gain traction until their 30s or 40s, and many spent nearly a decade shaping their craft before they could truly live off their music.

I had to unlearn the lie that quick progress equals lasting success, and instead embrace my own timetable. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust Jesus with the timing of my journey. There are things I couldn’t see then—the trials, the industry pitfalls, the shaping of my character—that needed to unfold first. If I had achieved everything at 19 or 20, I wouldn’t have been ready for it. Now, I see that everything is happening in the Lord’s perfect timing, not mine.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing non-creatives may struggle to understand about the journey is that it’s often filled with doubt—not just about success, but about worth. There are times I’ve questioned the value of my own voice, wondering if it’s strong enough, unique enough, or even important at all. But what I’ve learned is that God sees the beginning and the end—He knows the outcome, and He knows me more deeply than I know myself.

My purpose in creating music isn’t only about being heard; it’s about helping someone else feel seen. If my songs can move someone emotionally, or even inspire them to chase their own dreams, then my work has meaning beyond my own doubts. That’s a perspective I’ve had to grow into—trusting that what I create has value, even when I can’t always see it in the moment.

And you know what they say. If you can put all your passion into what you love with only 10 listeners, imagine what you’ll be able to accomplish when the thousands come. They will come, it’s only a matter of time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haven4.bandzoogle.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h47en/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@h47en
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/h47en

Image Credits

illustrated cover of me in pink dress with buns on head holding a fan drawn by @kiloxkreates on instagram