We were lucky to catch up with WVN recently and have shared our conversation below.

WVN, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I think there were several things that my parents did right. The first thing they taught me to do is pray. My dad even used to meditate. I think regardless of your beliefs, praying helps to express your thoughts and speak your dreams. It allows you to take a minute and reflect. I still pray now before every show, no matter where I am. Not even because I’m worried, it’s like instantly my soul is calmed, and I can put on the best show possible. My mother always used to teach me to pray for wisdom. I think that’s the best thing she couldve told me to pray for. You can achieve a lot of things in life, but if you don’t have wisdom, you might not know how to handle the success that comes.

Another thing my parents did well was having my sister and I literally try every sport or activity that we could try. I’ve been in plays, an usher at church, apart of a GAMAC Girls choir, played basketball, played softball, in the military, graduated college, the list goes on and on. I really appreciate how they always encouraged me to do my best at something and to my greatest ability. Even though I did try different things, I never quit in the middle and would finish out that activity, until I felt like I wanted to do something different. This really helped me out in life and made me feel confident that I can do anything.

WVN, 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?

My name is Camry Rucker, or Cam for short. I am an artist/entrepreneur from Anderson, South Carolina. I started out as a clothing designer. My company is named EnTotum Enterprises LLC and I started it right after I graduated from the University of South Carolina. I worked really hard to build the brand in Columbia, SC and other cities throughout the state. My brand was featured in several fashion shows, music videos, and even on a billboard in Atlanta, Georgia. Being around the music culture is what really made me want to move forward with pursuing a music career.

I’ve always written poems and music. I think that comes from my mom most likely. I love to put on performances and be on stage too, even at an early age. My first talent show was in elementary school and I did a routine with one of my best friends to Missy Elliot. I think I was always going to make music, but it took a while before I was ready to share it. I had friends and family that made music, so I was definitely around it. My first ever performance was in Anderson, South Carolina. I drove down with some friends and went to an open mic. The response I got once I finished performing, it was like the cloud was just roaring with applause and cheering me on. I knew then I was really in my lane and I started doing more live shows.

I moved to Greenville, South Carolina and this is. where my career really blossomed. I was still incorporating music with fashion and I was even hosting my own events and show. I’ve collaborated with a lot of different artists and creatives and that’s the best part about it really. You never know who you may be in the room with or what they’ve done. I think that’s what I’m most proud of, my network. I really know somebody in every field. If I can’t figure it out, I know someone that can.

The main thing I want people to know about is that I will always do good business! I think my word and reputation is the most important, especially in this industry. There’s always people making false promise or not following through with what they say, and I strive to never be that person. If we have something planned, I’ll be there and on time. I think that’s the military part of me for sure. I also want people to know that I’m not in competition with them, even if you’re an artist too. There’s so much to be accomplished, and there is strength in numbers.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me, is the reaction of people when they hear my music. It’s like a chef watching someone taste some food that’s really good. Especially if there’s someone that’s known me for a long time and they hear a song and they’re like “OMG, I can’t even believe that’s you”. That’s the best feeling for me because it’s really unintentional. Of course I want people to like my music, but I don’t write it for them to like. I really write for myself and to express some type of built up emotions. So for people to enjoy something that’s therapeutic for me is crazy.

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?

The thing that non-creatives struggle to understand is support. I can’t tell you how many people that claim they love me that haven’t been to one of my shows or even knows one of my songs. Something so simple as sharing or streaming will help out your creative friends. And that’s free! I think that people don’t realize, the more you invest or help a creative out, the more that they’ll be able to do.

Then you’ll have one of your family members or friends start a business, and they’ll want all the support and want you spend money on their product and they’ve never shown you a bit of support! I think everyone should support each other honestly. Start within your own family, hell you can start with me! If you have someone close to you that does something well (not saying if you should support crap), you should invest in it. Share it, like it, tell someone about it. It’s just good business karma and it won’t hurt lol.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wan.pdf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/023cam
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTlRGsNzfa3Ngyxd0QGPtdA

Image Credits
Trey Young, Ana Rucker, Luckycat Photography, Josh Holt