We were lucky to catch up with Raquel Herring recently and have shared our conversation below.

Raquel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mother, a hard working and dedicated single parent, worked tirelessly to provide me with the best opportunities in life. She didn’t just focus on meeting my basic needs—she made it her mission to nurture my confidence, talent, and education. Recognizing my passion and gifts for the creative arts, she ensured I was always engaged in activities that allowed me to grow and shine. Her unwavering belief in me and her relentless efforts paved the way for my early successes, including my appearances on Star Search and the Mickey Mouse Club. I owe so much of my journey to her vision and dedication.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I’m Raquel Herring—a storyteller, motivator, and creative force who wears many hats as an author, podcast host, entrepreneur, performer, and advocate for resilience and faith. My journey has been defined by unwavering determination and a deep belief in the power of transformation. As the first Afro-Latina Mouseketeer on Disney’s All-New Mickey Mouse Club—a groundbreaking achievement on an iconic, predominantly white children’s program—and the grand champion of Star Search as both ‘Best Teen Vocalist’ and ‘Best Teen Performer,’ I built my foundation in the entertainment industry. Those early experiences not only honed my craft but also taught me the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and using my voice to inspire connection and change.

How I Got Into My Craft:
My love for creativity and connecting with others began as a child, performing on some of the most well-known stages. My mother was the force behind all of it. Over the years, I’ve evolved from entertainer to author, entrepreneur, and mentor. My experiences in the entertainment industry and my personal trials have given me a unique perspective on faith, resilience, and transformation—core themes that define my work today.

What I Provide:
Author: My book Falling Up: The Unstoppable Journey of a Teer available on Amazon is a powerful guide to overcoming adversity and embracing one’s purpose. It’s a reflection of my life’s highs, lows, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Podcast Host: As the host of the PlanetRoq Podcast on Envision-Radio.com every Thursday at 12 noon, I create a space for meaningful conversations about relationships, faith, personal growth, and accountability. Each episode dives deep into relatable topics, offering inspiration and practical takeaways. PlanetRoq is also available on my YouTube channel, Raquel Herring.

Entrepreneur: I’m also the founder of NV Luxury Exclusive, an artisan organic skincare brand designed to help people radiate confidence from the inside out. Our products are crafted to meet the needs of individuals seeking natural solutions for healthy, glowing skin.

Publishing Company: As the founder of 3R Publishing Group, I help aspiring authors bring their stories to life. From editing to design and distribution, we provide a full suite of services to ensure your book reaches its audience effectively.

Performer: My one-woman show, The Unstoppable Journey of a Teer, brings my story to life through my music, video, and heartfelt storytelling, showcasing the resilience that has defined my journey. My songs can be heard on my YouTube channel and Spotify. My album “Always Count On You” and my singles “Hands in the Air” and “Running to You” can be purchased through online retailers.

What Problems I Solve:
I help individuals reconnect with their faith, find resilience in their challenges, and embrace self-care as a critical component of their personal growth. Whether through the wisdom shared in Falling Up, the conversations on PlanetRoq, or the confidence-boosting skincare routines I promote, my work is about empowering others to live authentically and boldly.

What Sets Me Apart:
What makes my brand and message unique is my authenticity. I’ve lived through the struggles I talk about, and I use my platforms to be open, honest, and relatable. My work is infused with my lived experiences—navigating the entertainment world, battling personal setbacks, and ultimately finding purpose and peace through faith.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of being able to inspire others to believe in themselves. Whether it’s someone picking up my book and finding the strength to move forward or a podcast listener who feels seen and heard, knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life is the greatest reward.

What I Want Followers, Clients, and Fans to Know:
I want people to know that my work is about them as much as it is about me. My goal is to create resources and spaces that encourage healing, growth, and confidence. Whether you’re tuning into PlanetRoq, reading Falling Up, or trying NV Luxury Exclusive skincare, I’m here to walk this journey with you. Together, we can rise above any challenge and live purposefully. We can choose to be Unstoppable.

Closing Message:
To everyone who’s supported me, thank you. If you’re new to my world, welcome—I’m thrilled to connect with you. Let’s keep growing, learning, and shining together.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the most profound yet often overlooked aspects of being a creative is the relentless pursuit of authenticity and the vulnerability that accompanies it. For those outside the creative spheres, it can be difficult to grasp the emotional and mental investment involved in creating something truly original and heartfelt. Creativity is not a linear process; it ebbs and flows, often requiring us to dig deep into personal experiences, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting.

Non-creatives might find it challenging to understand the concept of ‘creative blocks’ or why inspiration doesn’t always strike on demand. It’s not simply a matter of discipline or effort—creativity can be deeply tied to our emotional states and external environments, making it unpredictable and sometimes elusive. The expectation to consistently produce can weigh heavily on a creative, as the fear of not meeting that expectation can stifle the very inspiration we seek.

Moreover, contrary to what might be assumed, creatives do not always operate with unwavering confidence. The very nature of creating something new and putting it out into the world involves a significant degree of uncertainty and self-doubt. Each piece, whether it’s a painting, a musical composition, or a written article, is a piece of the creator’s soul. Presenting this to the public can be daunting; critiques of our work often feel like critiques of our very essence, which can be a heavy burden to bear. This inherent vulnerability can lead to fluctuations in confidence, making the creative process even more challenging.

To those who live outside the creative world, consider this: creativity is not just about producing art or novel ideas; it’s a way of seeing the world, of processing our human experiences. It requires courage to explore the unknown and resilience to continue despite setbacks and self-doubt. Understanding that confidence is not a constant companion to creatives but rather a variable that fluctuates can lead to a deeper appreciation of the challenges and triumphs in the creative journey.

For anyone on the cusp of a creative endeavor, or for those who interact with creatives, I encourage you to embrace the chaos and the calm that creativity brings. It’s in understanding these dynamics that we can truly appreciate the art and the artist alike.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative are the connections it fosters—both within oneself and with others. Creativity is a deeply personal journey that allows an individual to explore and express their innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This expression can be incredibly liberating and insightful, providing a unique mirror into one’s soul.

Sharing this creative output with audiences opens up avenues for connection that go beyond ordinary communication. It’s about touching the lives of others, sparking emotions, and sometimes even changing perspectives. Whether it’s a piece of music that moves someone to tears, a painting that captures an unspoken beauty, or a story that resonates across cultures, the ability to evoke such responses is both powerful and humbling.

Creativity is also sort of a universal language, one that can bridge gaps between diverse groups of people. It’s rewarding to see your work appreciated by individuals from different backgrounds and cultures, each interpreting it in their own unique way. This aspect of creativity plays its role as a catalyst for broader societal understanding and empathy.

Lastly, the joy of continuous learning and self-discovery keeps the creative process exciting and fulfilling. Each project is an opportunity to challenge oneself, experiment with new ideas, and grow both personally and professionally. The never-ending pursuit of mastery in one’s craft is a journey that rewards patience, resilience, and curiosity, making each accomplishment all the more satisfying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.RaquelHerring.com, https://www.palnetroqpodcast.com
• Instagram: my_roque
• Facebook: my_roque, planetroqpodcast, officialraquelherring
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelherring
• Youtube: RaquelHerring
• Other: TikTok: my_roque1