An Inspired Chat with Emma Rostykus of Southern Coastal Oregon

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emma Rostykus. Check out our conversation below.

Emma, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My dogs. They always bring me joy. I actually just recently adopted a rescue, Bambi, as a sister to my currrent dog, Harley. He and Bambi play like puppies and we all love going on a hike or to the beach as often as possible. Basically, anything nature and dogs is my jam.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a harpist and a singer/songwriter. I am currently a solo artist and it’s been quite awhile since I’ve performed. This is mainly because I am a teacher as well, and I am currently making that a focal point of my career. I used to be in a band called Emma & Chitarra, when I lived in Southern California. I do often miss it and also my music partner! However, teaching is very rewarding. I am all about healing through music, both as an artist, songwriter, and performer, and for the audience. I focus on this in my teaching too, and allowing the children to express themselves and heal through music. This is important to me, as I feel like music allowed me to escape as a child, which saved me, in a lot of ways.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad. Without a doubt. His work ethic is truly heroic. Not only that, but he managed to juggle a lot of tasks that are required of being a good father. He was not a workaholic, but he did work very hard and relayed to me the importance of hard work, saving, and being dedicated. I only talk about him in past tense, because he is now happily retired. Through his hard work, he has been able to help my brother and I and teach us many strong values, but most importantly, he is able to have an adventurous and fun retirement! I only hope to be as cool as he is one day.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
A singular time?!? Hahaha. No. But, there have been multiple times that I’ve almost given up! Still today, at 38 years old, I have my moments. The interesting thing that I’ve learned about giving up is that life has many different stages and journeys, and we transition to new things. I used to be much harder on myself than I am now. I thought that if I changed my mind about what I wanted to do, or how I wanted it to look, or didn’t do something that was expected of me, that I was somehow giving up and therefore a failure. That is absolutely not true. I’ve just continued to morph into a different and maybe better version of myself. What we do for a career doesn’t define us. Our happiness, passion, overcoming obstacles, and journey do. One thing that is constant is change. I’ve changed what I want and how I want to do things in my life so many times, but everything has been connected and has led to the next and has built me higher and higher, to success. I’m not talking huge monetary success, I’m talking about success in my journey, getting to know myself, doing something that is rewarding, and achieving happiness! I’m glad I shifted and changed my mind and tried out multiple things and moved on to others. It helps remind me that life is a constant shift and change of perspective, which helps me to never give up! Even when I feel like it most.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
That politics, religion, and your “side” do not matter at all. Let’s stop having arguments about our differences and trying to convince each other of something that the media controls the output of. It is creating dissonance between us as a peoples. All that matters is your heart, your values, the way you carry yourself, your truths. If you can share those with me, I don’t care what your political and religious beliefs are. Those things have become too prominent. Let’s get back to basics. Hate is a disease that spreads like wildfire. Good ol’ love and kindness is where it’s at.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop working my 9-5 job and start an animal rescue on the farm that I will buy soon. I would insist that all of my family members come live in their own little houses on my land. Oh yeah, and my soul sister and best friend and their families too! I could go on forever about this dream…thank you for asking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blissfulharp.com
• Instagram: None
• Linkedin: Emma Rostykus
• Twitter: None
• Facebook: None
• Yelp: None
• Youtube: Emma & Chitarra
• Soundcloud: None