We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephen Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Music has always been in my DNA, even before I was born, as I am my mother’s miracle child. While she was pregnant with me, the only time I would move during her ultrasound was when she drank Mt. Dew or played music — usually, it was both. This might explain my love for Mt. Dew growing up! (Lol.)

I truly fell in love with music in elementary school. I sang at talent shows and, when my school put together a play, I was chosen as the lead singer. After school, I would record in the school’s small portable studio. It was then that I realized how much I loved and enjoyed music.

During my middle school years and into high school, I knew I wanted to record music in a professional studio. I started searching for studios in my city, and as I did, I became fascinated not just with recording, but with the whole process. I loved the engineering side — moving files, experimenting with new ideas.

Eventually, I met some people who were involved in the music business. One of them took me under his wing and began teaching me the business side of things. The more I was around it, the more I learned — not just about the music business but about business in general. I was still a teenager, but I was already developing the mindset of an entrepreneur.

Stephen, 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?

Memory updated
I got involved in the music industry as a teenager. I am an artist, entrepreneur, and business owner of Creative Hearts Enterprises and Creative Hearts Entertainment. My journey began with a passion for music and business, and over time, I’ve been fortunate to have some significant achievements. As an artist, I have been considered for five Grammy Awards, received a plaque for hitting No. 2 on the iTunes charts with Blake Shelton, and shared the stage with major artists. Most recently, my new song “Back Home” was endorsed by Billie Lennox, a producer who has worked with Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Notorious B.I.G., Lil Kim, and many more.

As a business owner, my companies offer a wide range of services, including marketing, social media management, artist development, business development, strategic planning, advisory, mixing and mastering, production, photography, videography, branding, and more. Through Creative Hearts Enterprises and Creative Hearts Entertainment, we help artists and businesses grow and succeed by providing the tools and services they need.

I’ve learned that many artists and businesses require comprehensive support to thrive, and that’s where we come in. What sets us apart is our hands-on approach, which is not only rooted in industry expertise but also in genuine passion for the creative process. We don’t just offer services; we help our clients build strategies that align with their vision.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made by guiding artists and businesses through their growth journeys. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that we are dedicated to providing top-notch, personalized services that cater to the unique needs of each project. We’re here to inspire, develop, and push creative boundaries, and we’re always ready to work with people who share that passion.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level through my work. Whether it’s a song that resonates with someone’s personal experiences or a piece of advice that helps guide an artist or business to the next level, knowing that what I create can inspire, heal, or empower others is incredibly fulfilling.

I also love the creative process itself—watching an idea evolve from a simple concept into something tangible that can impact lives. There’s something special about taking raw emotion or a vision and turning it into a piece of art or a project that others can relate to and appreciate. Every time I step into the studio or sit down to work with a client, I’m reminded of the power of creativity and the positive influence it can have.

Ultimately, it’s about making a difference and helping others reach their potential, whether through my music or the work I do as a business owner. That sense of purpose and fulfillment is what keeps me driven and inspired.

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 thing non-creatives may struggle to understand about the journey as a creative is the constant balancing act between passion and the practical demands of life—especially when it comes to relationships, financial stress, and managing projects.

In relationships, it can be difficult for others to grasp just how much time, energy, and emotional investment goes into creative work. The creative process doesn’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and inspiration can strike at odd hours. This can sometimes create tension or misunderstandings with loved ones who may not fully understand that our work isn’t just a job—it’s an extension of who we are.

Financial stress is another big challenge. For many creatives, there are periods of uncertainty where income is unpredictable, especially when you’re in between projects or trying to fund a new one. Non-creatives may assume that once you’ve had some success, the financial side becomes easy, but that’s not always the case. It takes a lot of careful planning, sacrifices, and patience to navigate the ups and downs of a creative career, particularly when you’re running a business and trying to fund new ventures.

When it comes to projects, the sheer complexity of managing multiple creative endeavors while ensuring they all stay true to your vision can be overwhelming. Non-creatives might not see the behind-the-scenes hustle—the late nights, the endless revisions, or the pressure to meet deadlines while still maintaining your artistic integrity. Each project is a labor of love, but it can take a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and even physically.

Ultimately, being a creative is about finding a balance between following your passion and handling real-world responsibilities. It’s not always easy, but for those of us who live and breathe creativity, the reward is worth every challenge. And with that being said “I have just released a new song called “Stay Strong.” Which speaks on giving us the courage and strength to overcome the challenges we face in life. And it’s available on all digital streaming platforms. As I am a true witness of facing challenges head on and seeing the reward be worth it. Which is why I encourage all of my friends, creators, those battling life’s struggles, and our troops to stay strong and overcome. Understanding this may help others see that our journey isn’t just about artistic expression—it’s about perseverance, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephentmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephentmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephentmusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-thomas-82a752129/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/steveotvinc
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stephentmusic1

Image Credits

Beth Brown

Josh Hanna