We recently connected with STAR Steph and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, STAR thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Learning music dates back to my elementary days. I spent most of my extra curricular activities in music and band classes. I learned to play many instruments, read and write music. Rapping however, began in 7th grade. I remember being in computer class typing my rhymes when I should’ve been doing the class work. Rhyming came naturally…it was easy and fun to do. Knowing what I know now, I would’ve done more research to speed up the learning process. Music is broad, you know. There are still many things I do not know about the craft. The most essential skill is the ability to be teachable. As a creative, I would rather create “a way” then to be taught a way. It’s important to be taught first, then allow my creativity to follow. Most of my obstacles that stood in the way of learning more has to do with socializing and networking. Sometimes I get so caught up in the craft I forget the most important thing behind the craft is the people.

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

I’m was born Stephanie Hayes, hence the STAR Steph. I didn’t always have a deep passion for music but I liked it and I like to perform. When I say perform, what I really mean is that I like to be the lead in things. I’ve had many jobs, duties, and roles where I’ve lead people. Being a leader comes naturally to me. I started rapping in a small group called YTG in 7th grade. We wrote our first song called We So Cold. I remember the time and enthusiasm I put into my verse. I even showed several teachers my verse, seeking feedback. It was a good time. By high school, I joined the band and was a majorette for 4 years. I also played several sports. In college, I took a more professional route and majored in Finance and Health. I was involved in several campus organizations at my HBCU and I even started my own fitness and wellness business. Eventually all of these endeavors lead me back to music and rap. After my father passed, I released my first single, Tell Me. I sat down one day and really took a close look at my experience and skills. My gift is to bring people together, I just had to choose the path I would use to do that. I thought I had wasted time venturing off into business, health, fitness, and finance. I soon realized that these things worked beautifully together if I pursued music full time. It makes me such a well rounded artist. I went on to release my first EP, Scratchn the Surface, Vol. 1. and I haven’t looked back since. I’m proud of my story and all the paths I’ve walked in life, it makes me relatable while also setting me apart. I want my fans and followers to know that my heart is with the people, no matter the path taken. My goal is to always work in ways that benefit the people.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Omg yes. I don’t think I will ever forget this period in my life. It was so many life altering changes in a short amount of time. At the time, I wasn’t even thinking about music. I was working in education. I was in a long relationship. We broke up and my father got sick, then I moved into my fathers house to care for him full time. I had to quit my job. Then my father passed. Then my dog died the day of my fathers funeral. Then my mother got sick. I really didn’t know what to do. I was very sad. So, I began writing. I was obsessed, I spent hours writing and filling up journals and composition books. I wrote because it was the only thing that gave me relief. I didn’t know it would catapult me into music. I still say till this day, I have a decade worth of music in those journals. Lol

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is being able to stamp a moment in history with my craft. It’s beautiful and the art lives on forever. It’s such a precious thing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/star_steph
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.hayes.3785373
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFYQ7En5SnqflBRIsmv5Q3w

Image Credits
Blu3visions LetBShootYou Tracyshotme