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

Alright, #Zammy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

As I navigate the vast realms of creativity as an independent recording artist, a fearless entrepreneur, and a day-dwelling computer engineer. In this boundless journey, I have encountered a plethora of issues and unforeseen challenges.

The lesson bestowed upon me by recent trials is the realization that we often invest copious amounts of time, effort, and resources in assembling a formidable team of beloved friends, all in pursuit of success. Therein lies the dilemma—the incompatible coexistence of business and friendship. Demanding levels of professionalism, dedication, determination, and even sacrifice, which we rightfully expect from our inner circle, can prove elusive due to the intrinsic nature of friendship. Consequently, we find ourselves entangled in a struggle to inspire our friends to unleash their fullest potential while treading cautiously so as not to jeopardize these friendship bonds. Although a few may gracefully accept constructive criticism, the majority will raise an eyebrow, questioning the very essence of our friendship. Thus, the convergence of friendship and business becomes a treacherous path, when in truth, they ought to remain separate.

So the solution that hindsight has graciously made clear to me is— Cast aside the notion of recruiting friends as your comrades on this artistic expedition. Instead, build a team of individuals solely dedicated to the common purpose of triumphing together. Seek out those who bring their unique talents and unwavering commitment to the table. By embracing this paradigm, you’ll liberate your creative aspirations and propel yourself towards achievement.

That being said, the solution to this problem I wish I recognized earlier is that you’re better off building a team of individuals that aren’t friends and are a part of your team solely to work and reach results.

#Zammy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The path to Creative Entrepreneurship has been both clear and elusive to me. Since my early school days, engaging in creative exercises like music, drawing, and product creation was a natural hobby that brought me joy without any expectation of making a living from it. Alongside these creative pursuits, I found myself drawn to small entrepreneurial endeavors, from shoveling snow for money to selling lemonade, and even venturing into less conventional but creative ventures that proved lucrative. The love of sales, making money, growing a business, and helping others always came naturally to me, guiding me to where I am today.

In today’s world, as a young individual, I firmly believe that dedicating oneself to a passion is the essence of life. Rather than investing all our efforts into a job we don’t love, why not channel that energy into pursuing what brings us fulfillment? This conviction fuels my drive to transform my creative and entrepreneurial ideas into a way of life, with unwavering dedication. While I have made strides towards this goal, I remain steadfast in my pursuit, refusing to relent until I attain the blissful state of making a living from what I genuinely love to do.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Embracing the necessity of pivoting in creative and entrepreneurial endeavors is paramount. Rarely does one’s journey unfold precisely as planned when pursuing a dream. Those who achieve remarkable success often credit their ability to observe social cues, gather feedback from clients and consumers, and adapt accordingly. They shape their path in response to the desires expressed by the world around them.

Countless examples exist of business owners initiating ventures within a particular domain, only to pivot towards a niche that propels exponential growth. Likewise, creatives may start as recording artists, only to emerge as industry-leading A&R or Producer. The common thread among these individuals is their skill to pivot, capitalizing on the momentum they have already garnered.

In my own creative career, I have undergone multiple pivotal shifts. Most recently, I transitioned from focusing on music promotion to crafting a podcast called “Quotables,” where I share advice for creative entrepreneurs like myself. Did I ever envision myself as a podcaster? Was it part of my original plan? Not really. Yet, I embrace the spirit of exploration and experimentation, and it appears that this unexpected venture has resonated the most with my creative pursuits thus far.

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

Creating art that will last forever, a timestamp of your life, a visual and audio diary that will be playable from now into the future for anyone to understand me as a person even after I’m long gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.duketv.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zammyzamuel/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZammyZamuel

Image Credits
@Jake2smooth @Shabluntsky @Kayla.Optics @Ennck @robtirrell