We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Violet Grae. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Violet below.
Hi Violet, thanks for joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
With over sixteen years of experience of promoting visibility and protecting the reputation of both entertainers and brands, I have dedicated my life’s work to creating an inclusive opportunities for talent and entrepreneurs. When I initially founded Grae Agency, I was able to create a safe platform and space for women, LGBTQIA+, and POC entertainers and small business owners. This path became clearer to me throughout my own life experiences. I have personally endured and witnessed the unjustifiable imbalances in equality within the entertainment industry and community. This includes everything from pay, opportunity, safety, and overall treatment. I knew I had to do something. There has to be more space and protection for my community as well as minority groups.
Throughout my professional career I hired a team to effectively run a full faceted boutique dedicated to understanding the quintessence of biases, political issues, racism, and civil unbalance within our country. I took ownership of coordinating logistics, legal, press, securing endorsements, and influencer marketing. Most of all, I became a mentor and a helping force for so many voices that have been unheard. My advice is to do your research and communication is key for every business.
You truly have to have varying perspectives and diverse voices within your team. This will inspire innovation and authenticity that makes up the soul of your business. As a founder and leader, listening is truly your best resource.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am originally from small town in Pennsylvania with a staggering population of five thousand. As long as I can remember I have been a performer in every way, I started touring and performing with bands at the very young age of fifteen. Being an artist I have learned so much during this unparalleled journey, I slowly started working with other musicians and vocalists along the way. I realized after giving out countless free advice to artists and bandmates, that I could really start doing this as a career and here we are!
Since then, I am now a Los Angeles based, self-produced music artist, award winning songwriter, Grammy ballot nominated, and the proud founder of Grae Agency LA. I am still pinching myself! As a queer business owner, I have made it my lifelong mission to highlight marginalized voices, including that of the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and BIPOC. After attending Berklee College of Music for Music Business Management and Vocal performance, I have been working diligently in the entertainment industry for the past fifteen years. I have had the immense honor of mentoring over 785 artists and creatives within that duration. I have written over fifty songs for both label artists and rising talent. Violet has coached cast members from the motion picture Cruella, Saturday Night Live, Netflix’s Wednesday, and actors from TV networks TNT, Paramount, NBC, and more.
I offer several services as well as mentorship to rising talent, influencers, and entrepreneurs. This can be representation, contractual negotiation, coaching, writing, production, social media management, artist advocacy, and much more. I also prioritize new releases and promoting all of my artists. I always strive to be the sounding board, support system, backbone and cheerleader for the entirety of the Grae roster. I am so proud of each and every one of them.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Your word is everything when it comes to your business. I hold my word to an obscenely high standard. When I started working in the music industry full time, I noticed that following through was incredibly rare and false promises were more common than not. I told myself from the beginning that I would always stay true, and I would quit if I ever started to fall into the categories I have listed above. The music community is big, but also incredibly small. Word does travel fast, and you start to know who the good and bad players are. I have been able to get most of my business through word of mouth largely due to the bar I have set for my own business practices. Your integrity is everything! Be honest when it comes to your capabilities and connections.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Previously, I have worked for several different music companies, studios, and labels as an employee or contractor. From some of those experiences I have learned what to do and what not to do. One of the biggest contributors to starting my own business was because of how clients or artists were being mistreated and misled under the company’s guidance. I have had employees from these businesses as well as the roster reach out to me with their frustrations and heartbreak. I knew the only way I could make a real change is to step out of the shadow of their poor leadership and create a safe and nurturing space of my own. It was one of the best and hardest decisions I have ever made. My advice is this, if something is not good for you or for the people around you, leave. Loyalty is absolutely earned not given. Have the faith and bravery to stand on your own two feet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graeagencyla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetgrae/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetgraemusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-grae
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/violetgrae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNNuqnJOTrdtntYUQVRIujg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/voice-with-violet-los-angeles
- Other: https://tiktok.com@violetgraemusic
Image Credits
Photos taken by my partner: “Thursdae” Edited and Subject: “Violet Grae” Recording Studio: “The Sound Factory” in Los Angeles, CA Subjects in photos: Sound Engineer and Musician “Davide Cinci” Artist Session in the studio: “Eileen Roman”