We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Setoria . a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Setoria, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My most meaningful story is the writing of my single, “Back 2 Me.” That song took an entire year to complete. I reached out to an incredible songwriter and friend, La’Trese Jones-Epps, to help bring it to life. At the time, I was quietly battling depression—and writing that song became part of my healing. The truth is, I didn’t even realize I was depressed while I was in it. I didn’t understand what was happening until I came out on the other side. I was suffering in silence. I didn’t think depression – I just knew I wasn’t happy. That season forced me to re-evaluate my life and ask myself how I could get back to a healthier place—mentally and physically.
After the song was finished, I let a friend hear it. He said, “If you release this song, you know you’re going to have to tell your story, right?” That stopped me. I’m a very private person, and I’ve always believed my personal life is my own. But I also realized that this song might be bigger than me.
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?
I’m Setoria —a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur whose work is rooted in authenticity, healing, and connection. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but my professional journey truly began in the DMV area, where I honed my voice singing in local go-go bands. That experience shaped me in powerful ways—it taught me discipline, stage presence, versatility, and how to connect with real people in real time. Go-go is communal, energetic, and honest, and that foundation still shows up in my music and performances today.
As I grew as an artist, I transitioned into writing and performing original music that blends R&B, Soul, and my lived experiences. I’ve had the honor of being selected to participate in WBAL-TV’s 2024 “Season to Celebrate” holiday special where I was able to officially release my first Christmas single, “Loved At Christmas Time.” The making of this record was special to me because the band and I simultaneously recorded the song live in the studio and shot the music video. I invited my family and a few close friends to be a part of the moment, blending my art and my real life in a way that felt honest and full-circle. It’s pretty cool to have two music videos for my first holiday project! I also recorded a Go-Go version of the song. I’m currently working toward the release of my debut EP, which represents years of growth, vulnerability, and refinement of my sound.
I am the founder of Setoria Collective, a purpose-driven lifestyle brand rooted in my signature mantra: Serenity, Style, Sound. What began as an extension of my artistry has grown into a complete self-care experience—featuring handcrafted body butters and sugar scrubs, meaningful and motivational t-shirts, and inspirational, positive-energy music designed to nourish both body and soul. I intentionally combined beauty, fashion, and sound to create a brand that feels indulgent, empowering, and aligned.
That business grew from the same values that fuel my music—healing, self-care, and intention. I believe self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for people who spend so much of their lives pouring into others. Whether through music or skincare, my goal is to help people reconnect with themselves.
Through a partnership with Ayo University, my products are now available at Ayo Boutique – TownMall of Westminster in Westminster, MD and Ayo Boutique – Hagerstown Premium Outlets in Hagerstown, MD, allowing me to expand the impact of my brand into communities that value empowerment and entrepreneurship.
I also serve as the Music Brand Ambassador for the Smooches Women Movement, an organization with a mission to empower women to rise, lead, and live boldly. As a music advocate and mental health advocate, I am committed to using every platform I touch to inspire healing, confidence, and intentional living. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business—it’s about building a movement rooted in purpose.
What truly sets me apart is that I don’t separate who I am from what I create. I’m not focused on chasing trends—I’m committed to honoring the truth of my journey. Every song, every performance, and every product carries real stories, honest emotion, and intentional purpose. I’m grateful for the resilience that has shaped me, the courage to be vulnerable, and the opportunity to build something meaningful while staying grounded in who I am. It means so much to me that my work—whether on stage, on screen, or through my business—helps create safe space for conversations around mental health, self-worth, and healing.
What I want potential fans, collaborators, and clients to know is that my brand is rooted in intention and integrity. I lead with heart. I care deeply about the impact of what I create. When you support my music or my business, you’re not just supporting a product or a performance—you’re supporting a real story that is still unfolding, centered on love, growth, and community.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
A thriving creative ecosystem starts with valuing artists as professionals, not hobbies. Society can support creatives by paying them fairly, protecting their intellectual property, and creating more opportunities where art is treated as essential—not optional. Too often, artists are expected to give their work away for “exposure,” but exposure doesn’t pay rent or fund the next project. Respecting the work means investing in it.
Access is also critical. Communities need more inclusive platforms—grants, performance spaces, residencies, and programs—that are accessible to independent and emerging artists, not just those with industry connections. Local venues, arts organizations, and media play a huge role in spotlighting diverse voices and making sure creatives from all backgrounds have a seat at the table.
Equally important is mental health and sustainability. Creativity thrives when artists are supported as whole people. Providing resources for wellness, education around the business side of art, and spaces for collaboration instead of competition helps artists build long-term careers instead of burning out.
Lastly, society can support artists simply by showing up—attending shows, buying music, buying merchandise, support fundraising opportunities, sharing artist work, and telling artists their work matters. Art shapes culture, tells our stories, and helps us heal. When we invest in creatives, we’re really investing in the soul and future of our communities.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to create something out of nothing. There’s something powerful about starting with a feeling, a thought, or a moment and turning it into something tangible that didn’t exist before. It requires bravery—to step outside of the box, to be vulnerable, and to trust your voice even when it feels exposed.
Being a creative gives you the freedom to express yourself in ways that words alone can’t—musically, visually, theatrically, and beyond. It’s about translating emotion into art and telling stories in a way that feels honest and intentional.
Most of all, it’s a blessing to have the gift of connection. When something you create resonates with someone else—when they feel seen, understood, or inspired—that’s priceless. In those moments, you realize your creativity isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about shared humanity. That connection is what makes it all worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.setoria.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setoria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Setoria1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/setoria-227a83b4/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@setoria?si=3mswyJiu6UjIt2Oy
Image Credits
Captured by WoodD