We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Virginia Brick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Virginia below.
Virginia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
Legacy. Such a profound word and what is means to me in this season of my life. Before this recent Christmas break, I randomly bought letter beads and made a bracelet that I have worn every day since. It reads, L.E.G.A.C.Y. For me, this word, the meaning, the intentionality behind it continues to evolve and be redefined what legacy I leave behind means to me and what impact my life’s purpose has been. I will break it down into these three (3) areas: Family, Career, Personal.
Family: I hope that my legacy is a reflection of my roots from Mississippi—its rich history, culture of southern hospitality, and the importance of faith and family. My wish is that Kalob and Parker Shane, my sons, have learned life lessons from my struggles as a single mom pursuing a career in the music industry. I hope they see how my drive to grow into better versions of myself in each season of life has shaped our journey. I want them to understand how to thrive through life’s storms and rise with resilience, bravery, and compassion for others.
I hope my legacy for them means my “presence” in their lives—the unconditional love, the hugs, the time spent together. I hope they inherit a wealth of wisdom and resourceful tools to navigate their own lives. My ultimate wish is that they carry forward the values of faith, love, and perseverance, and that they know their worth and potential to impact the world.
Career: The legacy I hope I continue to always embody is one of empowerment, authenticity and cultural impact. I want to be remembered as someone who inspired others to believe in the possibilities, broke barriers with grace and created safe spaces for people to show up as their authentic selves. I would hope that my legacy reminds people that success is not just about awards and titles but about the lives you touch, the opportunities you create for others and contributing to the ecosystem of creatives that lives on for generations ahead. I aspire for the music I create and curate to resonate deeply with others, carrying a purpose far greater than I could ever envision.
Personal: I hope my legacy is a testament to what a redeeming story looks like. My story is a continued pursuit for personal development, forgiveness, imperfection, the power of healing work and spiritual maturity. I hope my legacy leaves behind a road map of tools, real-life stories or teachings that help others navigate their own lives with courage, purpose and to find inner peace and joy in that pursuit, even in the midst of challenges.
In these three areas—Family, Career, and Personal—my legacy is an evolving story. It’s about the seeds I’ve planted, the lives I’ve touched, and the love I’ve given. It’s about being intentional with my time, my energy, and my impact, so that long after I’m gone, the essence of my purpose continues to inspire and uplift others.
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 consider myself a dynamic and passionate music industry professional with over 20 years of experience, excelling in high-pressure environments and dedicated to empowering artists while creating meaningful impact.
A native of Oxford, Mississippi, I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in December 2007 with a degree in Music Business. Since then, I’ve built my career and life in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where I’ve proudly raised my two sons, Kalob and Parker Shane, as a single mother.
It would take me almost 8.5 years after graduating college to get my first “Yes” in the music industry. There were thousands of No’s in between that time. In my current role at SESAC, I’ve cultivated strong client relationships by addressing performance rights licensing inquiries, streamlining workflows, and delivering strategic guidance to drive customer-focused solutions and enhance retention.
Outside of SESAC, I am deeply passionate about empowering independent artists to thrive by providing tailored services that address the complexities of the music industry. With expertise in artist development, A&R, music supervision, and music publishing, I take a holistic and strategic approach to elevating careers. My services include Music Rights Management, Career Development, Event Planning and Showcases, Education and Mentorship, and Cross-Platform Sync Placements.
One of my proudest achievements is serving as the 2023 President of the Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA Nashville). Under my leadership, the organization experienced a revitalization of in-person community engagement and events. Highlights included the Mindset Matters mental wellness workshop, the Music Is My Business campaign (featuring a t-shirt fundraiser and two-part panel series), and press coverage in prominent industry publications like Billboard and MusicRow, among others. This visibility was crucial as WMBA continued to recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 years. My efforts earned me several member-nominated awards, including the Extra Mile Award (2021), Humanitarian Award (2021), and Wonder Woman Award (2023).
What sets me apart is my ability to cultivate authentic relationships, deliver results-driven customer service, and develop innovative strategies. These professional superpowers are complemented by my spiritual gifts of empathy and vision. I thrive in forward-thinking teams that value quality, integrity, and an empowering culture.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to community engagement. I hold memberships with SOURCE Nashville, WMBA Nashville, Nashville In Sync, Mamas in Music, and a Professional Member of the Recording Academy. I have also served on the Board of the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission (2023-2024) and dedicated countless volunteer hours to supporting arts and cultural initiatives.
Ultimately, my career is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. I am excited to continue creating opportunities for artists and making a lasting impact in the music industry.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I am in a transformative season of unlearning deeply ingrained patterns and addressing past traumas. Both EMDR and talk therapy have been invaluable tools, guiding me to confront the uncomfortable truths of my journey and transform them into opportunities for growth, forgiveness, healing, and self-discovery.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve been working to unlearn is the belief that my worth is tied solely to external achievements—romantic relationships, work productivity, and society’s narrow definitions of success. Growing up, I internalized the idea that value could only be measured by accomplishments, leading to cycles of overworking, overeating, neglecting self-care, and feeling perpetually “not enough.” For over two decades, this mindset fueled burnout, strained relationships, and an inability to celebrate my achievements. I also noticed a pattern of starting creative projects but leaving them unfinished, further deepening feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
The turning point came during the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic, a time that forced me to confront the state of my mental health. I realized I had been neglecting myself in profound ways, experiencing brokenness, heightened anxiety, and severe brain fog that clouded my ability to function fully.
One night, in a moment of complete surrender, I cried out to God, asking Him to reveal the areas of my heart that needed healing. I prayed for guidance, for strength to face the truths I had long avoided, and for people who would pour wisdom and encouragement into my life. That night marked the beginning of a profound journey—a journey of deep healing, self-discovery, and renewal. It was a pivotal moment that transformed my pain into purpose and allowed me to rebuild my life on a foundation of faith, clarity, and resilience.
Through my growing relationship with God, the unwavering support of my church community, therapy, mindfulness practices, and intentional self-reflection, I have begun dismantling the unhealthy beliefs that once defined my self-worth. I am learning to see my value as inherent, not something to be earned or proven. This journey has taught me the importance of resting without guilt, setting healthy work-life boundaries, and nurturing myself with the same care and dedication I extend to my ambitions.
Unlearning these patterns has been a liberating and life-changing experience. It has brought an inner peace that is difficult to describe—a daily calm that soothes my nervous system and allows me to embrace joy fully. This process has reminded me that true growth often requires not only learning new habits and perspectives but also unlearning the ones that no longer serve us. It’s a journey of grace, courage, and rediscovery, and I am profoundly grateful for every step along the way.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
If I could speak to my younger self, I would say: there is no shame in asking for help or seeking direction in life. You don’t have to have it all figured out, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone.
Seek out resources like the Nashville Entrepreneurial Center, which connects you with mentors and offers programs to develop young professionals. From creating business plans and resumes to building brand identity and managing finances, they provide tools to help you succeed. Explore organizations like the Arts & Business Council of Nashville, which offers invaluable resources and a supportive community to empower your journey. Nashville Industry Fund offers downpayment assistance for first home buyers for entertainment industry professionals. Tennessee Arts Commission and TN Entertainment Commission has grants and other resources for creative projects.
Take advantage of local gems like the Linebaugh Public Library, which provides meeting spaces and access to podcast and music recording equipment—free to use with your library card. Volunteer your time at industry conferences and film festivals to gain access to educational panels and networking opportunities.
Join industry organizations to build a sense of community and discover creative collaborations. Invest in tools like Canva to develop branding and marketing ideas. Explore certifications, such as Google Career Certificates or courses on platforms like Coursera, to expand your skill set and enhance your career prospects.
Also, don’t forget to tap into the resources available through your current employer. Reach out to HR to explore perks like tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offering free therapy sessions, legal advice, or financial guidance.
Most importantly, start taking inventory of your unique skill sets and superpowers. Knowing your value will empower you to confidently negotiate salaries or create value-based packages as a freelancer. Lastly, consider joining Toastmasters, a free community-centered organization that helps you build confidence and hone your public speaking skills.
If I had known about these resources earlier, I could have started building my foundation and network of skills much sooner. The key is to embrace learning, stay curious, and remember that every step you take toward growth matters.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @queenp227
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpbrick/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiapbrick/
- Other: Press:
MusicRow Magazine: 2023 Wonder Woman Awards
https://musicrow.com/2023/12/wmba-hosts-its-2023-wonder-woman-awards/MusicRow Magazine: WMBA Board of OfficersWomen’s Music Business Association Announces 2023 Officers, Board
MusicRow Magazine: WMBA “Mindset Matters”
MusicRow Magazine: “Music Is My Business”
https://musicrow.com/2023/07/wmba-announces-music-is-my-business-panel-series-fundraiser/
Image Credits
(2) Images by John JO Photography (with WMBA Step & Repeat in background)
(3) Selfies photos by me – Virginia P, Brick
(1) image by Virginia P, brick – Studio image
(1) image by random MTSU student passerby – MTSU group
(1) Music Is my Business photo by Jessica McIntosh Photography