We recently connected with Rodney Iler and have shared our conversation below.

Rodney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Oh wow, this is an exclusive interview because I’ve never shared this story publicly but I believe it can help a lot of people who may be reading. In January 2020, I did a live recording for my first album entitled Secrets. This recording was my introduction to the industry. Before this recording, I had never led worship before, I had never been seriously involved in a live recording to even know what was required, and at the time, I felt like I had no relationships to lean on for support and involvement. Because of this, the recording was my best and worst investment all at the same time.

It was my worst investment because my lack of knowledge and discernment caused me to deal with issues much greater than I felt capable of handling. There was a particular person I paid to be a part of the recording team and this particular person and I, at one point in the process of creating this project, had a disagreement that we did not handle with the maturity necessary for the situation to end with grace and understanding. Over the next few months that followed, rumors and lies about me were spread by the individual which ultimately resulted in me deciding to have a project with that person on it, and dealing with a lifetime of royalties to work through was something I didn’t think I wanted to have to work with. After making that decision, the entire project was then thrown away and all of the money that we spent on the live recording went down the drain. So, it was my worst investment concerning money, thus far.

However, as I stated, this was also the best investment and not in terms of money but time and experience. While we didn’t use the recorded work, having the recording helped me create relationships with people who are great friends and support systems for me today. The recording taught me some of the do’s and don’t of the music business, and the process of planning an event, and even introduced me to a new audience of people who’d eventually become my target audience once I started releasing music.

I am grateful for this experience because from every detail of what took place with this recording, a year later I was able to record my album again in a much more professional, organized, creative, and engaging way. So, to the creatives and builders out there reading this who have made BIG mistakes and don’t know how to recover, find the lessons and blessings in everything you do so that when you try again you don’t make the same mistakes again.

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

I am a national gospel recording artist now with 3 singles and my debut album entitled “Secrets”. I am also a professional graphic designer specializing in flyers, websites, business cards, and promotional designs. Since I’m already giving exclusive information, I’ll also tell you guys that I am adding to this list as I’ll soon be launching a catering/meal servicing company before the first half of this year is out so I can’t wait to come back and share more information about that with you guys.

I am 21 years old and was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in McDonough, Georgia. I am currently a sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in Early Childhood Education. Outside of ministry and business endeavors, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, and spending quality time with my loved ones.

As I continue to inspire and uplift people through the work and ministry I do, I remain focused on the assignment God has given me to bring people closer to him through creative gifts he’s trusted me with. This year, with plans for new projects and ongoing ministry efforts, I am poised to reach even greater heights, touching lives and spreading the gospel far and wide.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist for me is the impact I get to have on the people I connect with. Every time I have an opportunity to sing, it’s an opportunity for someone to hear the God in me, get closer to him, and become saved as a son or daughter of Christ and ultimately as Christians, that’s what our purpose on this Earth is anyway.

As a creative, the most rewarding part about designing for me is being able to bring my client’s visions to life and to see the pure joy that they express when they see it all come together. There’s nothing like a satisfied customer who loves the work that you did for them!

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

When we consider resources, a lot of people think about state or nationwide organizations that are willing to help. The resources that I wish I would’ve taken advantage of earlier are the powerful people I’m surrounded by. I am learning more every day, how much power there is in collaboration. For a long time, I felt like I had to have the answer, solution, and blueprint for everything I was doing, all by myself. Once I decided to let people me, once I decided to start asking for help, once I decided that someone has a better method or idea than me, things in my artistry and graphic design business took off to a whole new level.

I’ve learned that there’s no limit to knowledge. There is always something else to learn and if it’s not a new concept or skill, it could be a new approach to the same skill so as I said in one of the other questions, find the lesson in everything you do and for me, that’s come from collaboration with likeminded people who are striving to build in excellence for God in everything they do.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rodneyilerministries.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodneyiler__/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodney.iler.562/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1bO17MM0NV2-kWBeEieeRg
• Other: http://linktr.ee/rodneyiler

Image Credits

FREZZKNOW
Rodney Iler & G.E.