We recently connected with Amanda Black and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I didn’t start out confident. It took me until my senior year of high-school to finally audition for that musical. I never felt like I fit in anywhere I was. I moved around a lot as a kid, and I grew up very religious which made me feel like I was trying to force myself into a certain box. It wasn’t working out, I was inevitably still becoming my own person, and I didn’t like who I was becoming. I was taught that I should try to avoid becoming that kind of person. It probably took me 10 or more years after I hit college age for me to find & accept myself. I used to place a lot of value into what other people thought of me or my talents, or I would compare my journey to others’ or see it as competition. I didn’t even think I was that great of a singer until a couple of years ago. Getting to the place I am now, took a lot of re-training my mind, a lot of putting myself through fear, and seeing how magical the other side of that fear was. Now I know, it’s still all of those practices, and community. Having people around you who truly love you, believe in you, and remind you of how great you are definitely helps.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I lead and sing in a rock-band that I started with my best friend, Aris. Music has always been a part of both of our lives, and when we found each other and starting writing we knew we found something really special within each other. We’ve been writing, recording, and playing live for over 5 years now. My goal for our project is to not only connect with others through good music and nostalgia, but to provide, and build a community of people who feel loved and accepted. I believe in using art to channel emotions whether they are happy or sad ones. I try to write about subjects that are close to my heart because it helps me process my own struggles with mental health or life situations. The fact that people listen to that is a huge bonus.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back I wish I would’ve just believed in myself sooner. I thought I did, but my actions and effort said otherwise. You can believe you’re the best in your head but if you’re not actually putting in the work, you’re playing yourself. Even if it’s a couple small steps a day, over time that is HUGE, it all adds up. Many of the connections, and good situations I’m in now, took many years, some of them over a decade, to come to fruition. Effort, patience, and faith are key. Don’t let excuses get in the way, you can figure out anything.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I don’t think there is a way to avoid being overwhelmed, it happens a lot not gonna lie I have a lot going on. But when it does I try to slow down and remember to take one thing at a time. I delegate if I can, or ask for help. I do a “mindless” activity. I take a nap, haha. I’m lucky enough to have a team around me that reminds me how important resting and recharging is.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss.flame/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kissflameband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kissflame
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kissflame
Image Credits
Photos by @missmeganking & @doublewide00
