Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marlen Lane. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marlen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been surrounded by music. Growing up in a Christian home, my mom’s voice was a constant presence in our house—she would sing all the time, and it created an atmosphere of warmth and joy. My siblings and I all grew up with a deep love for music, but it wasn’t until I was about 13 that I began to truly step into it myself. That’s when I started singing in church and leading worship. The more I sang, the more I felt this undeniable sense that I was made for it—that music wasn’t just something I did, it was a way to connect deeper with God and to serve others.

After I completed a two-year music program, I wrote my first song. That moment was pivotal for me. I remember feeling this deep conviction in my heart: I knew, without a doubt, that writing and making music was my calling. It was like a door opened, and I couldn’t ignore the pull anymore. Music was not just a passion; it was my purpose.

A couple of years later, something amazing happened. I was approached by a U.S.-based label to release music. Coming from Honduras, a place where opportunities like that are almost nonexistent, this felt like a dream come true. It was more than just a career opportunity—it felt like a confirmation from God. I had prayed for doors to open, asking Him to confirm my path and help me serve Him through music, and this was His answer. To be able to release an album as a girl from a small country was a profound gift, and it felt like a tangible sign that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Releasing my album solidified everything. I realized that I wanted to continue making music—not just as a career, but as an outlet to share my faith, my love for God, and my journey with others. My music is my way of serving, of giving back, and of connecting with people on a deeper level. The more I create, the more I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.

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?

My name is Sarai, and I’m a singer-songwriter from Honduras with a deep passion for using music as a means of faith expression and personal connection.
From a young age, I have been surrounded by music and that love for music became a calling. After releasing my debut album in 2014, I knew that this the career I wanted to pursue.
At the age of 22, I moved to the United States and married the love of my life, Jon. I was excited to start this new chapter, but becoming an immigrant brought with it challenges I hadn’t anticipated. As much as I was thrilled to build a new life with Jon, I also had to grieve leaving behind my home country, my community, and the music career I had spent years building. Starting over in a new country was overwhelming, and there was a time when I thought my days of making music were over. However, through perseverance and prayer, God opened doors in ways I never expected, and I’m grateful to say that I am now back to writing and releasing music.

Since 2023, I’ve re-immersed myself in music, and I’ve had the privilege of releasing three singles in the fall of 2024. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish, especially given the challenges of starting from scratch. The road hasn’t been easy, but I’m most proud of not allowing those difficulties to deter me from continuing to share my music, my faith, and my stories through song. Music is still my way of connecting with others and offering encouragement, hope, and a reminder that, no matter the setbacks, it’s never too late to start again.

What sets me apart as an artist is my unwavering commitment to authenticity. My music reflects not only my faith and life experiences, but also my resilience in the face of adversity. Whether it’s through my worship music or my personal songs, I strive to create pieces that resonate on a deep emotional and spiritual level. I want my work to be a source of hope and inspiration for those navigating their own challenges, whether they are immigrants, dreamers, or anyone working to rebuild from scratch.

For me, music is about connection—about sharing the raw, beautiful parts of life with others. It’s not just about songs; it’s about serving others, offering a message of hope, and reminding people that they’re never alone in their struggles. My brand is rooted in faith, resilience, and a heart for people, and I hope that’s reflected in everything I create. Whether it’s through music or the stories I share, I want my listeners to feel seen, understood, and inspired to keep going, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the lie that we have to do everything alone. Society often tells us this incomplete truth—that success comes from knowing it all, doing it all, and achieving everything on our own. I spent a lot of time believing that if I was going to make it as a musician and creative, I had to have all the answers, handle everything myself, and keep pushing forward solo. But through my journey, I’ve learned that this approach can actually hinder growth, not foster it.

In my creative process, whether I’m writing songs or working on new projects, I’ve found that doing things with others is not only powerful, but it makes the work stronger. It keeps me humble and reminds me that my ideas are just one part of a much larger picture. I’ve seen time and again how including others in my projects brings in new perspectives and makes the final result far better than anything I could’ve done on my own.

There’s a saying I’ve come to appreciate, and it’s rung true throughout my journey: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This idea resonates deeply with me, especially as an artist. There is something profoundly beautiful about creating in a communal way—about letting others walk alongside you, contributing their unique gifts and talents. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me from my culture in Honduras, where community and collaboration are core values. The act of creating together is something that brings out the best in us, and it’s a reminder that we’re never really alone in the process.

When I first moved to the U.S., I had to start from scratch—learning how to rebuild my music career and find new connections. At first, the idea of starting over felt incredibly defeating. I didn’t know where to begin or who to turn to. But as I opened myself to letting others support me, I realized how much less scary the journey became. Allowing people to walk alongside me, offering their ideas, resources, and encouragement, made all the difference. It’s humbling and incredibly rewarding to realize that the path forward doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Sometimes, letting others in is exactly what makes your work shine brighter.

So, the lesson I’ve unlearned—and one I’m still learning—is that you don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. There’s so much power in community, in collaboration, and in allowing others to help you shape your vision. When we embrace that, not only do we go farther, but we also create richer, more meaningful work along the way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the incredible impact my music has on others. There’s something deeply beautiful about creating music and then hearing how it resonates with people. When I receive messages from listeners sharing how a song I wrote has encouraged them or drawn them closer to God, it truly touches my heart. It’s a humbling reminder that music has a unique power to connect, inspire, and uplift in ways that words alone can’t.

One of the most fulfilling things about being an artist is knowing that my songs are a vehicle through which others can experience God. Whether it’s through a worship song that brings someone peace or a personal song that speaks to a shared struggle, it’s amazing to witness how music can create a bridge between my story and someone else’s. I love that I get to be an avenue for others to see and hear God through my own experiences and the stories I share in my songs.

Ultimately, it’s the personal connections, the stories and messages from people that remind me of why I create music in the first place. It’s not just about making music; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. The joy of knowing that something I created can inspire someone, encourage them, or even change their perspective is what makes this journey so deeply rewarding. My hope is to always glorify God through everything I say or do and to serve others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saraimusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlen_sarai/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlensaraioficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlen-lane-256085118/
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3orEr2BR9uXy69FIqGi1Ua

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sara%C3%AD/1772316994

Image Credits

– Erick Hodge
– Sadie Tucker