We were lucky to catch up with Leyla Taghiyeva recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leyla, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Leaving behind the familiar streets of Baku, Azerbaijan, and the comfort of my stable job, I embarked on a journey into the unknown, chasing my dreams with nothing but determination and courage as my companions. The decision to move to Houston, Texas, marked a significant turning point in my life, one fueled by the desire to pursue my passions and carve out a brighter future for myself.

A mere year ago, I found myself trapped in the monotony of a 9-6 job that left me feeling unfulfilled and discontent. Despite my best efforts, my expenses far exceeded my income, leaving me feeling financially burdened and emotionally drained. I felt stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, yearning for something more but uncertain of how to break free.

The prospect of uprooting my life and starting anew in a foreign country initially filled me with a sense of overwhelming anxiety. The thought of navigating unfamiliar terrain, building a new support system from scratch, and facing the uncertainties of adulthood in a foreign land seemed daunting, if not downright terrifying. Yet, deep within, I knew that remaining stagnant was not an option, and the call of opportunity beckoned me to take a leap of faith into the unknown.

As I boarded the plane bound for Houston, a whirlwind of emotions got me trapped – excitement, sorrow, fear, and hope intertwined with uncertainty. Leaving behind my family members, their loving embrace, and the warmth of home was undoubtedly one of the most difficult choices I had ever made. Yet, deep within, I knew that this leap of faith was necessary for my personal and professional growth.

The distance between Baku and Houston felt immeasurable, not only in miles but also in the vast expanse of the unknown that lay ahead. With a time difference of nearly ten hours, the familiar rhythms of home were replaced by the pulsating energy of a city that never slept. In a place where I had no friends or family, each step forward felt like a leap into the abyss, each decision a gamble with the unknown.

In Baku, I was accustomed to a life filled with recognition and acceptance. People recognized me, accepted me, and embraced my talents. I had gigs every other week, and I even participated in The Voice Azerbaijan, where I showcased my vocal prowess. Additionally, I was honored to be a semifinalist on Central Asia’s Got Talent. However, moving to Houston meant leaving it all behind and starting from scratch.

Now, as I navigate the bustling streets of Houston, I find myself grappling with the realities of adult life. I am learning to pay rent from the money I earn myself, to budget wisely, and to make responsible decisions about my future. Making new friends in a city where I initially knew no one has been a challenge, but each interaction brings me closer to building meaningful connections and creating a sense of belonging in my new home. I recently started getting offers for gigs, joining bands, partnerships, etc. which makes it all make sense now- that taking a risk is often worth it if you listen to your intuition.

Looking back on my journey from Baku to Houston, I am filled with gratitude for the courage that propelled me forward and the opportunities that awaited me on the horizon. While the path ahead may be fraught with uncertainties, I embrace each twist and turn with an open heart and a steadfast resolve, knowing that every risk taken brings me one step closer to realizing my dreams.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been singing since I started speaking at the age of 2. It began with family events, progressed to local concerts and festivals, and led to participating in kids’ choirs, bands, and solo performances at major events in my country and abroad. I’ve performed across Europe with my EU-selected song on peace titled ‘8 Billion People,’ taken part in competitions and shows like The Voice and Central Asia’s Got Talent, got dozens of media exposure, and even gained viral fame through my TikTok videos. This journey opened doors to collaborations with local TV channels, where I once ended up as a guest actress in a TV series. Now, I’ve made the move to America, pursuing my passion for music on the side.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist or creative is the deep connections we form with strangers that transcend language, culture, and borders. Recently, during one of my regular performances at a local church, a group of girls from a completely different cultural background approached me to share their thoughts. As they warmly hugged me, they expressed how moved they were by my performance. This encounter perfectly captures why I love what I do – the ability to touch people’s hearts and create meaningful connections regardless of where we come from. Through our art, we communicate emotions, feelings, and values that resonate universally, making every challenge and sacrifice along the way worthwhile.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

There’s definitely a big goal pushing my creative journey forward, one that’s been with me since I was a kid. You know, watching old videos my mom recorded, I can see myself belting out tunes into a toy microphone, even back then convinced that music was my thing. I remember this one moment when my grandma called me by my name, and I quickly corrected her, saying, “Call me the singer.” That promise I made to myself as a little kid still drives me today. But as I got older, I realized that making it in the music world would be tough, especially coming from a small country that hardly anyone knows about. Still, that realization only made me more determined to push through the challenges and chase my dreams, sticking to the pledge I made to my younger self.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leilataghi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilatagiyeva/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leyla-taghiyeva-0101b7189/