We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zola Stone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zola below.

Zola , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My whole career and life has been about taking risks! The bigger the risk, the closer you are to success I like to think haha.

When I graduated from high school, I knew I had to leave Minnesota if I wanted my dreams to come true, also to live a better life. I had only $500 in my pocket and I drove to Los Angeles by myself to find more opportunities and work in the entertainment/music industry. I experienced the Hollywood lifestyle to the fullest for 10 plus years. I went through it all, good and bad. This industry is tough but the number one rule is, NEVER GIVE UP… No matter what!

Trust me, I’ve been through the worst parts of trying to make it in this industry. It’s not all glitz and glam. Not trying to scare you but I’m the type of person that will do whatever it takes to make things happen. I’ve been through all the struggles of becoming successful; being homeless, going through financial issues, depression , constantly being told no, some record deals not going through, even working 4 jobs at once (I worked at a nursing home and dispensary during the day, strip clubs at night and then barnes and noble on weekends). Eventually I had to quit and become a stripper full time. I always lived alone (you know rent is expensive in LA and I went to Los Angeles Recording School at the same time for music production). Yea, I don’t know how I did it either but my life was always in survival mode. This list goes on forever and hey everyone’s story is different but for me? I was going to win by any means even after the fall (and there will be plenty of downfalls but the most important thing to remember is what actions you take to get back up! once you up, stay that way and show these haters and your ex’s what’s really good! hope y’all reading my article too! 😘).

Some people might see all this as a fail but my marathon still continues! How many people you know been to Drake’s house? (Yea I’m talking about rapper Drake haha .. also shoutout to Nip and rest in paradise, I had the pleasure of meeting him as well). I’ve seen it all, done it all. I’m really in the industry and took the risks necessary to be respected and recognized in my craft.

When I first moved to LA I was a successful model and booked frequently for music videos, brands, magazines, print work, reality tv, movies etc. Behind the scenes it was always about my music but it’s not easy as a black independent woman. I had to make my own way to finally get people to see me and what I’m about! I had to make you all believers one step at a time and this is still the beginning for me. Wait to see what God has planned next!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the music business by putting myself out there anyway I could. For example; using different online platforms like Instagram and soundbetter. Google is also my best friend and I would research my passions, connect with other artist and travel the world to create. Basically since I’m a independent recording artist, I learned how to run like a record label until I build a new team.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the moment I’m a traveling exotic dancer to support/invest my goals. I’ve learned not to depend on anyone. It’s only going to get accomplished through me!

I will be releasing my EP this year called “moonfumes”. This project has been done for years but I’ve had setbacks during the process. It’s all about timing and now is the time to start putting my music out for you.

I’m working on my album as well that will feature other artist you may know! I’m keeping it a secret for now.

What drives me? The hard times, the heartbreaks, the fact that I still need to fulfill my purpose here. I won’t stop until I reach that milestone.

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

Being an artist/creative is one of the best feelings in the world. To have an idea and manifest it into reality? Whoa, that’s gods gift!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.linktr.ee/zolastone
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/zolastonemusic
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/zolastonemusic/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/zolagemstones
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ZOLASTONE?si=ZSprioiBppfpRDnw

Image Credits
Photos by @dixthirteen