We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keanna O’Quinn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Keanna, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Honey+Vinyl was born from an unforgettable experience on stage. At the time, I was working with a prestigious talent agency and had been hired to perform with a band at a wedding rehearsal dinner for a prominent celebrity. As I stood there, immersed in the performance, I began to observe the room and the interactions of the guests.

As people arrived, they greeted each other with warm smiles and friendly embraces, but something was off. I noticed that guests were inching closer and closer to hear each other, straining against the overpowering volume of the music. It was clear—the music was too loud. Glancing at the bandleader, I saw he was entirely focused on the set list, oblivious to the growing discomfort in the room. He signaled the next song, and the guitarist, a brilliantly skilled Berklee-trained musician, launched into the iconic riff of “Living on a Prayer.”

My heart sank. This wasn’t a dance party. It was a rehearsal dinner meant for mingling and heartfelt conversations. Instead of engaging with the music, guests were retreating to the farthest corners of the room, seeking solace from the relentless noise. The music, though technically flawless, had become a barrier to connection, a cacophony that drowned out the very essence of the celebration.

In that moment of clarity, I realized that music should enhance an experience, not compete with it. The epiphany was powerful: I would create music that perfectly matched the moment, enhancing the atmosphere rather than overpowering it. Right then and there, Honey+Vinyl was conceived.

Honey+Vinyl was founded on the principle that music should be an integral part of the event’s ambiance, tailored to fit the occasion and elevate the experience. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it addressed a gap no one else seemed to notice—a unique approach to live music that prioritizes harmony with the environment and the needs of the guests.

This idea excited me immensely. It wasn’t just about playing songs; it was about crafting a soundtrack that resonated with the emotions and dynamics of each event, creating unforgettable memories. Honey+Vinyl was my answer to transforming noise into meaningful, moment-defining music.

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.

From as early as I can remember, I have always been enchanted by music. As a child, I eagerly watched biopics of famous musicians, award shows, music videos, and binged as many episodes of VH1’s “Behind the Music” as my parents would allow. However, despite my passion, the cutthroat nature of the music industry deterred me from pursuing it as a career. Instead, I chose to attend university and embarked on a career in education.

But music never truly left my heart. When I discovered an administrative position at a performing arts high school in Harlem, I felt as though I had struck gold. This role allowed me to merge my love for the arts with my dedication to education. My primary responsibility was to immerse students in the arts, inspiring them to believe in the possibility of becoming working artists. In doing so, I was also rekindling my own passion for music.

This newfound inspiration led me to audition for American Idol on a whim. Despite not having sung for years, I summoned the courage to advance through several rounds, reaching the end of the infamous Hollywood Week. Though I was ultimately sent home, this experience solidified my resolve to pursue a career in music.

I began auditioning for everything from Broadway shows to TV commercials. It was during this time that a friend mentioned a wedding band in need of a new singer. I auditioned, secured the spot, and my career began to take off. My childhood study of music and the industry became invaluable as I transitioned from singing to styling talent. This role evolved into artist development, A&R, and the creation of new band concepts.

I was too young to fully grasp my impact on the company’s growth. However, once I recognized my contributions, I mustered the courage to ask the owner for equity and a new title. When he declined, I made the bold decision to walk away.

I am most proud of myself for having the courage to advocate for my worth and for taking ownership of my ideas by investing them into my own brand, Honey+Vinyl. This venture has allowed me to meet numerous up-and-coming musicians and talent agency founders, many of whom have shared how inspired they are by Honey+Vinyl’s success. This journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs, continues to fuel my passion for creating music that perfectly complements each moment.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market has been an organic and rewarding journey. Working at a large talent agency was akin to working in a bustling shopping mall. Just as a mall boasts a multitude of stores where shoppers can find something that suits their tastes, a large talent agency offers a variety of bands, ensuring clients can find a match to tickle their fancy. The most popular bands become highly coveted, leading to a high volume of events and a steady stream of work and income for musicians. This environment guarantees consistency and sustainability, making it an attractive option for many.

However, Honey+Vinyl is the antithesis of this mall-like approach. We are a boutique, offering a bespoke and artisanal experience. Clients seek us out because they desire something handcrafted and customized to their unique vision. This personalized approach allows us to build and maintain deep, meaningful relationships with our clients—relationships that wouldn’t be possible if we operated like a store in a mall.

Moreover, our boutique model enables us to foster close connections with our talent. We’re committed to treating our musicians well, securing opportunities that not only sustain them financially but also preserve and enhance their artistry. This dedication to both clients and talent has been instrumental in establishing and solidifying Honey+Vinyl’s reputation in the market.

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

Building our audience on social media has been a journey rooted in authenticity and intentionality. From the beginning, we never prioritized having a large following. Instead, we focused on attracting the right people—those who genuinely connect with our brand and values. For us, it has always been about quality over quantity.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media, with its elusive algorithms and fluctuating trends, can be challenging. We often grappled with questions about how frequently to post and what content would be favored by the algorithm. However, we discovered that the key to resonating with our audience lies in authenticity. By sharing content that genuinely reflects who we are and what we believe in, we naturally attract followers who appreciate and support our vision.

Our advice for those starting to build their social media presence is to stay true to yourself. Post what feels most authentic to you, and let your passion shine through. Authenticity resonates more deeply than any carefully calculated strategy. Focus on engaging with your audience, building meaningful connections, and cultivating a community that values your unique voice. In the end, it’s the genuine interactions and loyal followers that will sustain and grow your presence in the most impactful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://honeyandvinylmusic.com/
• Instagram: @honeyandvinyl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeyandvinyl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keanna-oquinn-11870628/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@honeyandvinyl384?si=EZVlbnFASMPuipNY

Image Credits
Sarkis Studios \Andre Maier KT Merry Samm Blake Anthony Hatchuel Abby Jiu