Meet Stells di Rossi Hurst

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stells Di Rossi Hurst a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stells, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome?

In my professional journey, I confronted a pervasive challenge: imposter syndrome and societal expectations. This struggle wasn’t just a personal battle but a reflection of broader social norms that dictated what I should be, how I should express myself, and where I should fit in. This form of censorship, control, and social pressure created an emotional and creative prison that many, especially in creative fields, endure.

 

For years, I internalized doubts fueled by external influences—what I could be, how I should look, where I could be according to societal stigmas. The weight of conforming to others’ expectations, particularly in the context of my art and music, was a form of censorship that not only affected me internally but was amplified by external critiques. It felt like my voice was constantly being corrected by those who didn’t understand the essence of my creative expression.

 

This struggle is not just an individual experience but a systemic issue that often leads people to quit or be marginalized. It’s a false construct perpetuated by society, and the impact is more pronounced for those who don’t conform to assumed stereotypes. Why was I targeted, while my male peers or those fitting assumed stereotypes weren’t subjected to the same level of scrutiny?

 

Overcoming these required years of self-work, navigating hardships, and dismantling societal narratives that ingrained a sense of unworthiness. I had to discern between society’s expectations and my genuine self. It wasn’t about my unworthiness; it was about being taught that I was unworthy.

 

Challenging these norms wasn’t easy. It meant saying no to what others wanted and speaking out against what wasn’t acceptable. But as I embraced my true self, something transformative happened. I discovered an underground following of individuals who saw my journey as inspiring. They, too, were battling forced imposter syndrome imposed by societal pressures.

 

Realizing that my struggle mirrored the experiences of others turned my personal challenge into a broader mission. Imposter syndrome, I understood, is a social disease in plain sight. I became a warrior against it, leveraging my experiences to inspire others to command respect and embrace their authenticity. It’s not just a fight against personal doubts; it’s a fight against a societal narrative that breeds self-hatred and limits individual and collective potential.

 

Every rejection, every correction, and every doubt became fuel for a transformative journey. Standing up and fighting against societal expectations wasn’t just about personal empowerment; it was about challenging a narrative that stifles creativity, diversity, and authenticity. This journey has made me not just a survivor of imposter syndrome but a warrior capable of making a meaningful impact by breaking the molds and inspiring others to do the same.

 

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a woman of many roles- I am an artist, entertainer, model, radio podcast persona and host and I am passionately dedicated to serving as a creative activist for positive social change. My mission revolves around addressing the gaps in creative expression caused by societal attitudes, be they social, economic, or generational.

 

Much like historical examples, such as Shakespearean plays and the segregation of music, I underscore the urgency to break free from creative segregation. I firmly believe that art should transcend stereotypical expectations and advocate against conforming creatively based on societal assumptions about gender, race, or appearance.

In the realm of arts and media, I keenly observe persistent discriminatory biases, reminiscent of historical practices. Despite advancements, I argue that current categorizations reinforce sexism, chauvinism, xenophobia, and racism. My goal is to integrate a more balanced understanding of creativity into society, challenging biased norms and fostering inclusivity.

I often question the necessity of segregating genres based on cultural or pigment distinctions. Comedy is comedy, rock is rock, and art is art – the genre should speak for itself without the need for further compartmentalization. I challenge the practice of creating separate channels and genres based on race or culture, advocating for a more inclusive approach that lets the public decide.

Through my media corporation, RH Media (formerly known as THOR Media Productions), and my personal art and music, I actively reflect these principles. Despite facing verbal abuse and social backlash, I remain committed to diversity and inclusion, aiming to bring society closer together through the unifying voice of art. I am a firm believer that by embracing the true diversity of humanity in art, music, and entertainment, we can highlight our similarities and foster connections on a human level.

 

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, stay open minded. I think that growing up and working in Music as a touring professional really helped me understand how something can be universal. Having generations of family in the business was a huge push. Through my travels, internationally and touring and working with people and other countries I really began to see that as an artist these are my creative brothers and sisters, no matter where they’re from.

Second, stay genuine to yourself and your trade- Learn it, live it, breathe it, speak it, and don’t become stagnant, take risks you will grow. Having family that is generationally legacy to this world in the business was a huge perk because I knew things from the inside that a lot of inspiring artists that idolize the industry, didn’t know. Working as a model I really understood how to come into my own feminine power. Doubting myself as a plus size woman, and being told, I was too fat to model, or that I needed to lose 50 pounds to be accepted as a performer really made me not want to get on the stage being told as a black woman that I should sing or R&B, and not rock ‘n’ roll really was a low blow and abusive creatively.

However, I was blessed to meet and know two amazing people in photography, who really helped me overcome my insecurities as a woman by doing runway in my underwear. After that I was fearless. I was so timid I rocked a mink in my undies and lived to tell!

Danielle and her business partner Jesus were extremely supportive of me. Through their art and their photography, they showed me the woman that other people saw, and I fell in love with her. She was powerful she was fearless and beautiful. She was everything that I needed to be inside out, so I became her by accepting it was me and they helped me see that.

The third skill, I think that really helped me develop was Education. I have always considered myself a lifelong learner. I constantly continue education through college learning, study the business world, the music industry, as more than just an artist, but looking at it professionally gave me an edge.

There is something to be said about having a passion for something and honing your craft, and putting in the work, but also respecting the industry enough to go in educate yourself is a game changer. Studying the history of those that came before me, learning the business sense and getting mentorship from professional industry leaders beyond one’s level and above those you aspire to know.

Educating and keeping oneself abreast, of what’s happening and how it affects people on all levels as well as how it affects myself is invaluable. No person is an island that becomes a success. Educating oneself on humanity. Learning about the past is how I can understand what not to do in the future. Education is a lifelong process. No one knows everything I learn every day.

Okay, so before we go, we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I feel like in the realm of creativity, collaborations are truly magical. I’m always open to teaming up because that’s where the real sparks fly. Whether it’s forming a super band or a powerful team, stepping out of the comfort zone is how you grow creatively.

 

I strive to be creatively versatile and diverse, exploring new art styles, music mashups, and even fashion exposition. It’s all art, and I find immense joy in the process. I’m eager to partner with like-minded individuals and sponsors to see where our combined creativity will take us.

My passion lies in creatively exploring new genres of art and music, fostering fusion. I’m inspired by the current trend in music that embraces this diversity. Art is a living, thriving entity meant for exploration and evolution, and I reflect this in my podcast where I interview people from film, music, art, and media. It’s a platform to showcase their talents and create meaningful connections in the world of creativity.

You can send content to [email protected] or send inquiries for collabs.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Courtesy of RH Media, Method to the Madness

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