Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nah’Ryan Reed-Crawford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nah’Ryan, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
To begin my story, I would like to start with a quote “Age doesn’t make you older, experience does”. It all started at 4 years of age, when I began to understand that I could sing. I took after a handful of amazing elders, who were also talented. Singers, dancers, artists, athletes, and more is a huge part of my family tree. My mom took notice of my repetitive singing of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at ages 4 to 5 and knew that I too was given a gift. From that point, I went through my early years of life singing at family gatherings and even attempted to sing in church when I could. Emphasis on ‘could’ due to my overwhelming stage fright. At 7 years old I was given the opportunity to sing on stage in front of my first big audience and I decided to stare at the sea of people before me and cry. I’m sure we all have encountered embarrassing moments such as this one. Starting in 5th grade, I attended a program for kids who had unique talents such as singing, dancing, writing, etc. Every Friday I went to one of the middle schools in the district and we would split off into groups of our specific talent. Some of our weekly activities were lessons of all topics including vocal, arts and crafts, and small field trips. It was during my 7th grade year when I began to build the confidence to perform in front of large crowds. That year I started a drill team known as the Kansas City Marching Pythons. I marched with that team for a total of 2 and a half years. With the drill team that is where my life took a turn towards what some would call the fast life. We always had out of town performances in places like Texas, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Iowa, Georgia, and more. Seven-minute shows in front of hundreds of people can make anyone gain confidence. During that experience I became head captain within 3 months of joining, I consider myself to be uplifting and patient. I also joined 2 branches of the drill team that focused on hip-hop dancing and majorette dancing. Aside from the drill team, I took part in sports all through school until high-school graduation such as Volleyball, Track, and Basketball. In these experiences I began to realize I am a leader of all kinds. One lesson that everyone should know is, you must learn how to be a good follower before you can be a good leader. Sometimes I lead and sometimes I follow. Each time I gain new experience and great lessons. In high school I began to transition into performing my own natural talents. First, I created a YouTube channel under ‘Nah’Ryan Symone’ which is my first and middle name. Then, I signed up for every talent show held in my high school. I also began to sign up for things different from dancing or singing such as committees, clubs, and even beginning my first real job at 16. My hobbies turned into responsibilities and my responsibilities turned into a sea of passions. From that point forward, I became a singer who loves music and hope one day I become a superstar as well as a businesswoman who enjoys school and wants to work with the best companies.
Nah’Ryan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After grade school, I attended Missouri Western State University and became a college graduate with two degrees, one in supply chain management and in accounting. During college, I became well experienced in business. Some of the duties I had during that time were but not limited to, President of Western Activities, Student Ambassador, Homecoming Committee Steer Head, Student Representative for the alumni board, Transition Mentor, and even joined a few dance teams and clubs. All of which help me learn to market, plan, organize, and direct. Before graduation in May of 2021, I worked in the supply chain department of Mosaic Hospital then after a month out of college I got my first corporate job at Shamrock Trading Corporation as an Account Representative. Some of my responsibilities included full-on auditing and factoring of 75 to 120 invoices a day. Also, maintaining financial accounts by processing customer adjustments. Provide daily funding and handle collections for assigned customers. Lastly, perform risk assessments and ensure that procedures are in place to minimize risk.
My college experience taught me how important it is to have a good understanding of handling your own business. As of now I am working for a different company with less responsibilities so I can fully focus on music and see where it takes me. Within this past year of no school, no assignments, and no extracurricular activities I have been in full focus mode to learn about the music industry and recording music. I am understanding the background work every day and it is just as important as “performing” or “getting on that stage”. My work at the moment consists of singing, recording, and writing. I have released music on all streaming platforms which I am most proud of. As I said previously, I post covers which is another form of work to get my platform built. I have been singing all of my life and I look forward to the upcoming new year to begin performing professionally. I am open to singing for a variety of events such as but not limited to, opening acts, weddings, musicals, fashion shows, etc. Those moments were like practice for the real thing to me and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I’ve come to learn that the world revolves around biases, opinions, and judgment. I also know that it’s important for a lot of people to obtain a large number of people who like them or to think they’re physically appropriate for society’s standards. And I think the world has lost touch with naturalism, authenticity, and originality. The way I intend to put forth my talents is not going to be based on what’s popular or what’s liked. Not even what sells. I shall create and lean on what makes me feel most expressive and pure to me. Don’t get me wrong, having a catchy tune is always nice however, as the creator how does it help your purpose. I do not seek to be paid because I am liked but to be paid because I create sounds in a mic. I also like to share stories that may not be of my own. I have experienced so many situations that aren’t my own so there will be plenty of my music for anyone to relate. That’s what I want to be paid and loved for. This will be my biggest struggle, or it may not be.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of the creator’s life is the feedback. Good and bad feedback. It’s such a reassurance to a creator to know that your work is worthy enough to be talked about. Even if someone doesn’t like something, it was great enough to gain a piece of criticism to be better or not to be better. Either way feedback just keeps you on your toes. On a personal level, I enjoy the emotional expressions from people. I have sung for many people over the time of my life and each time someone sheds a tear or laughs. Letting me know to keep singing without really telling me. I am a huge empath and when people feel any emotion while listening to me, I can always feel that from them and so far, I have had nothing but great feelings. Even when I feel bad about myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nahryansymone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nahryan.reedcrawford
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nah-ryan-reed-crawford-517286187/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCRyQ7xd-m8DCq8-dF5l26UA
- Other: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/PLHqghbydfUJL3KFA
Image Credits
Arianne Boma