We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lee Valentine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Yes. Everything I do and have been doing has never been seen before. I hear it all the time.. “You’re different!”. The thing is, I stay focused on the goal no matter what. I don’t let “bad business” shift me. I stay humble, I stay true to myself and I keep pushing no matter what. I can see why many give up being in the entertainment industry but I don’t let no one or nothing discourage me. What makes me different is my style and what I offer. Some say I’m a triple threat lol since I can sing/rap, act and I’m the best graphic designer in Texas. Over all I’m a good business partner and I’m also a good friend if the energy is returned.
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?
Born Feb.14th,1990 in Pahokee, Florida, Rudy Lee Valadez, better known as Lee Valentine, is a multi-talented Latin Singer, Actor and Graphic Designer, known for his dynamic performances and innovative artistic vision. Hailing from San Antonio, Rudy’s musical journey began at a young age, leading to a successful career marked by powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Alongside his music, Rudy has captivated audiences with compelling roles in film, showcasing a versatile range that transcends genres. As a Graphic Designer, he blends creativity with technology, producing eye-catching visuals that enhance his artistic projects. Passionate about storytelling, Rudy continues to inspire fans through his diverse talents and commitment to artistic expression.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I’ve been a “hustler” all my life. Coming from a migrant family, I worked in the fields as a toddler in Florida. When I turned 16yr I started working at Wendy’s I spent most of my checks on studio equipment. From there forward I started instantly investing into my music. But I always had (2) jobs to balance out my music and daily life. I made a lot of bad calls in the beginning but it all led me to where I am today. But being an investor in myself and music was always there. Over the years as I grew, so did my music and graphic designs. I’ve came along way and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I’ve spent too much time and money into myself to give up or stop.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is, you can take a horse to the water but you can’t make him drink it. I’ve wasted so many years believing in other artists when they never believed in themselves. Countless times I thru bones to people, tried looking out, etc. and all they did was use me for their benefit. They never wanted to excel in the music industry, and I learned the hard way. It was always me, I had the Star Power all along, as cocky as that may sound, but it’s true. That’s why now I just focus on myself and my business. If I could take all that time I spent on certain individuals back I would.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.leevalentinemusic.com
- Instagram: @theleevalentine
- Facebook: Lee Valentine
- Youtube: Lee Valentine
- SoundCloud: Lee Valentine
- Other: Tiktok: @theleevalentine Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Javi Almendariz