We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janelle Sy’mone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Janelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

If I’m being honest,I do wish I had the confidence and risk taking attitude I have now 10 years ago, then maybe I would’ve been where I wanted to be by now, But I’d like to think everything is done in divine timing. Had I started earlier maybe I would’ve missed something or gotten entitled or succumb to all of the ego and arrogance we have as young adults. I don’t know. But this time has allowed me growth and understanding and to be completely unyielding in my dreams—and that’s something I’m proud of.

Janelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started singing when I was six. I didn’t think I’d have a career at that time I just knew it felt good. So I did it often…and loudly (let me mom tell it) . And then many years later and after a few heartbreaks, I said “Hey, I feel my best when I sing…this should be my life.” So I started singing professionally and that was the beginning of Janelle Sy’mone. I think what I want people to know about me is that I’m adamant about being a light in this world, and if my music can make you dance, or forget your heartbreak or heal someone or help you make love or love yourself — I’m here for it! I’m most proud of my team—the people behind the scenes that have helped me become the woman and artist I am today.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn is modesty. It was hard to go about in this world and not shine as bright as I possibly could. I was taught to truncate, be small and fit in—be modest. I think humility and modesty gets used interchangeably and that makes it difficult for people to see how modesty is actually more harmful when your light just has to shine.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To support artists—if you really like them and really love what they do—introduce their work to your friends and family, buy a ticket to their shows, talk about them positively when their not in the room, consume their art. There’s so many things a supporter can do in order to support their local artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.janellesymone.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/therealjanellesymone
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047310324899
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCCDCC7J5LaDt_hrwp5CZGMA

Image Credits
KB Photography GodBox Productions