We were lucky to catch up with Patrice LIVE recently and have shared our conversation below.
Patrice, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
In my late teens and early twenties, I was a waitress. It was the best job I ever had. My natural disposition of helping, serving, and cultivating an experience for others made it easy. The experience also taught me how to work with a team and individually to meet a goal.
Communication, knowledge, time management, and efficiency are vital to success as a waitress. I learned that people will be patient and accommodating if you communicate when there’s a challenge and offer small and inexpensive gestures along the way.
I had to learn about pairing wine and different cuts of meat to advise clients on what to order, and honestly, most people either know exactly what they want or want you to tell them.
The experience elevated my vision of what it meant to be of service in any capacity. It has also helped me to be a great performer because I lead by creating an environment that makes my audience feel welcome. My “service” to them is being the best I can be so that they can have a great time.
While many people view “service” as subservient, I believe serving others is the most authentic act of love. My aim will always be to be good at what I do, invest the time into being knowledgeable, create a standard for my audience before they arrive, and have a posture of gratitude. Whether serving a meal, crafting a marketing strategy, or performing on stage, I am grateful that I was chosen to elevate someone’s experience for a few hours of their lives.
Patrice, 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?
I am a singer, songwriter, marketing executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from the Washington, DC/ metropolitan area.
My journey into the music industry started at age five when I was winning local pageants and talent contests. My grandfather, a Grammy-nominated gospel singer, coached me, and I later found my confidence as a musician when, at age 15, I wrote my high school’s alma mater, which remains the school song to this day.
To strengthen my stage performance and learn to engage an audience successfully, I performed with several R&B and go-go bands in DC and as a backing vocalist for major artists like Joss Stone, Yolanda Adams, and more. While honing my craft in music, I simultaneously pursued a degree in marketing to ensure I would gain success on stage and create generational wealth.
In 2015, I released my debut album, Ghosts of Boyfriends Past. In November 2017, I released my highly acclaimed sophomore album, Wonder Woman, with the gogo-infused lead single “Promise” and ladies’ anthem “Dope Gold.” I opened for industry giants like Brandy, Teyana Taylor, Monica, Keke Wyatt, and Chrisette Michelle to support both albums.
As an innovative and powerhouse marketer, I have over 15 years of marketing, branding, communications, advertising, and public relations experience across several sectors, including the nonprofit and trade association industries. I am currently the Director of Marketing for a countywide credit union and an MBA candidate.
Outside of my personal music endeavors, I am a well-sought-after talent agent, creative director, songwriter, vocal producer, and music business educator. I am a voting member of the DC Grammy Chapter and have hosted and served as a guest speaker for several national music education and women-empowerment events. I am an active community member, budding fitness enthusiast, and mother to Sean (13) and Samantha (11).
In Fall 2024, I will release a 3-part EP, Sequins, Suits & Sweatpants, and relaunch a music-based educational series with co-host and bassist Candra Rutledge.
My mission is to help more Creatives gain the tools, education, and resources they need to succeed in entertainment and their personal lives.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2012, I found myself at a crossroads. I was newly married, had a young son, was pursuing my undergraduate degree, and was still singing and doing gigs on weekends. I was not ready to have another child, but my doctor advised that if I ever wanted another child, now would be the time because I may have complications later.
I decided to get pregnant with my (now) daughter, take six classes to complete the final semester of college, do gigs on the weekend, and continue to work full-time. Even with a HUGE belly, a looming fear of failing my statistics class, extreme exhaustion, and little money, I believed in my ability to rise to the occasion and work hard for 5-6 months to manage everything I was given.
The Spring Semester started in late January 2013. My son Sean was an active toddler, and his sister Samantha was born via C-section on Thursday, March 28th. I returned to classes (unbeknownst to my doctor) on Monday, April 15th, and graduated on May 17th, 2013. I even received a “B” in statistics; trust me, it felt like an A+ coming from me!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Most people do not respect pursuing a career rooted in creative, music, or visual arts because there is no clear path to success. It seems like you have to have “luck” to make it, and the goal for most is to become the next Beyonce or Taylor Swift. Anything (seemingly) beneath those ideals seems like a failure.
Most people need to recognize that there are many other ways to make money, succeed, and thrive when you are creative. I know musicians in the DC area who make well over six figures by diversifying their service offerings and managing their time well. Creatives just need more resources and local leaders to connect the dots and offer curated solutions.
I want non-creatives to show more respect to people who serve in some of the most important spaces and the most pivotal moments of their lives. The painter who makes the home or office more welcome with a beautiful piece, the singers who sing during the bride & groom’s first dance, the comedian who curates a routine for a fun girl’s night, and the podcaster who helps an employee get through a slow work day.
The doctor and the painter BOTH bring life to people each day and should be revered and respected.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.patricelive.com
- Instagram: @patrice_live
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricejonesforbes/
- Youtube: @PatriceLIVEMusic