Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sunny Berry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sunny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I am in the business of helping people (mostly teens) achieve their dreams of learning a musical instrument, as well as helping them find their voice and confidence through songwriting. I invest a lot in my students—their goals, self confidence, and beyond. I do my best to check in with them. I ask questions to get them unstuck when they get impatient with themselves or the process. I truly love connecting and teaching in this way. Sometimes, I pull so hard for others to achieve and grow, I forget my own pursuits and passions. One of the kindest things ever done for me was when someone, in total seriousness, asked me, “What is your dream?” It had been so long since I even considered what my “dream” would be. It was such a genuine question, and so direct. I have been examining the possibilities of having a dream outside of my job. (Jobs and dreams are not always one and the same!)

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.

I have been in the music performance industry as a band and solo acoustic musician/songwriter for twenty seven years. I have also taught guitar, ukulele, and songwriting for thirteen years, privately and at Sweetwater Sound. I am most proud of the mentoring work I have done with local teens who are passionate about music.
I began learning guitar as a teen, and it was a lifesaver for me. I have seen music change attitudes, and enhance lives as it did for me when I was younger and struggling with panic disorder and depression. Teens these days carry a heavy mental load, mostly because of social media and the perceived obligation of constant digital contact. Learning an instrument organically, face to face with a human being, is both rewarding and healing for these young girls.
I have looped my rock band, “Whoa, Man!” into my mission as well. We partner with women’s and children’s organizations in the area, like Destiny Rescue, Rose Recovery Home, and Jennifer’s Harbor. I pursue partnerships with these organizations to highlight their cause and raise funds which go directly toward empowering women in our community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was a young girl trying to navigate the music industry, I expected some obstacles, but I never anticipated what I would be faced with when a friend asked me to arrange, produce and record a song he had written. I spent time arranging and rehearsing, writing and rewriting, and turning the rather drowsy six minute song into a face-forward, rock-n-roll, three minute gem. All the while, being assured by my friend, “It will be great! I fully trust your creative direction.” Studio day came. We set up, and recorded the song. I was so excited to hear my friend’s opinion of the newly polished tune. He looked on in the sound booth as my (mostly female) band let the final chord ring out. I held my breath, (as one does after putting all their guts into a performance). We asked him what he thought. He replied in a disappointed tone, “Well, you definitely womaned it up.” He went on to explain how we turned his “man song into a girl song.” The air was sucked out of the room. We were shocked at his choice of words. No constructive criticism, just unprofessional sexist garbage.
I’m not a hardcore feminist by any stretch, but this lit a fire.
This is one of many instances where a carrot-dangling male felt they could say terrible things to me simply because he was the gatekeeper to our next goal. It’s disheartening, but it serves to propel us forward in our mission to support women in the community.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I have had to unlearn is that success is determined by the amount of fame, money, recognition you receive throughout your work. Not so! You, and only you, determine what success looks like. If your enjoy the work, the process, and you are passionately engaged in growing in your expertise, success is right there in front of you,

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.WhoaManBand.com
• Instagram: @WhoaManBand
• Facebook: Facebook.com/WhoaManBand
• Linkedin: Sunny Taylor/Whoa, Man!