Meet Amelia Bushell

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

Hi Amelia, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Finding Confidence: My Journey

Confidence was something that I dreamt of for much of my life. I was the quiet one, only coming out of my shell around close friends and family. I dreaded being the center of attention. One of my earliest memories is from nursery school, where each day, a different child was chosen as the “star of the day.” The teacher draped a cape over my chair to signify my turn, and I remember immediately knocking it to the ground, desperate to avoid the spotlight.

My family moved around a lot and I changed schools at least eight times. Each new environment brought its own challenges. I was unsure of myself and never really felt like I belonged anywhere. Looking back at my old report cards, I noticed a pattern—good grades but consistent comments about my tendency to daydream. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered I’d spent most of my life with undiagnosed ADHD. ADHD in females often presents differently than in males, with less hyperactivity and more internalization. For me, it meant living in my head and imagining conversations instead of actually having them. I remember being in my bedroom, crying and pleading with the universe to grant me the ability to show up as my true self and to speak without overthinking every word. It was a painful time, feeling judged by others without ever being truly known. I never felt beautiful, and self-assurance seemed like an impossible dream.

Everything changed after high school when I moved to New York for college. Freed from the watchful eyes of my past, I discovered alcohol—a seemingly magical solution to my insecurities. It helped to quiet my overactive mind and dissociate from past trauma. Alcohol gave me the courage I needed to fearlessly use my voice, but it also began to erode my life, especially as I turned to other substances to enhance its effects.

Two years ago, I hit what I would call rock bottom. After a decade of knowing deep down that I needed to stop drinking, I finally accepted that I could no longer participate. It’s unfortunate that I had to fall so low before making a change, but that experience taught me to finally value my unique essence—something we all possess and should celebrate. It taught me to let go of the victim mindset and realize that change is possible. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my past, but it’s liberating to acknowledge that I don’t need to identify as the person I used to be, because I’m not. There is so much freedom in letting go of the story you carry, so that you can fearlessly embrace the person you were meant to become.

Today, I keep a folder of screenshots—messages from people who have told me that my music helped them through tough times. These messages are my source of strength, reminding me why I continue to put myself out there, even when it feels vulnerable or embarrassing.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I was born in the UK and spent parts of my childhood in America, Switzerland, and Canada. From a young age, I loved singing and was drawn to acting because it allowed me to express myself through a character. At age eight, I remember wanting to be a poet. I would spend hours in my room, picking out poetry books from my bookshelf and singing the words, making up melodies as I went. As a teenager, I taught myself basic guitar chords to process my emotions through songwriting, never intending for anyone to hear them. All of these passions came together naturally, leading me to a career as a songwriter and performer.

After moving to New York for college, unsure of what I wanted to study, I became part of the music community by posting an ad on Craigslist as a drummer (I was decent but not great). This helped me start building my network. I channeled heartbreak from a recent romance into enough songs for an album without realizing it. I met Thom Servidone at an open mic, and we quickly recorded a full album. Though I was initially terrified to share it, we released it as Belle Mare, reaching more people than I ever imagined. When Thom decided to stop playing live, I was heartbroken, but I had finally found confidence in my voice and I wasn’t about to stop using it.

I then formed Grim Streaker with some of my favorite people, who encouraged me to embrace my wild side. It was liberating, but I still needed an outlet for my “sad girl” songs, so I started my solo project, Extra Special. Initially a bedroom pop project, it has evolved as I’ve explored new genres and collaborations. Thanks to the internet, I now find myself writing with and singing for people from all over the world. My latest release, “Speak Your Mind,” is a collaboration with Norwegian producer VEHA and serves as a reminder that it’s okay to have a different perspective and to voice it. My favorite part about my work is connecting with people from all walks of life and continuing to help people feel less alone in their feelings and experiences through song.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order 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?

Question 3
1) Gratitude.
I recently set a rule for myself: before I’m allowed to look at my phone in the morning, I have to do a gratitude meditation. Sometimes it’s just two minutes, other times it’s half an hour, but since I started this practice, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my outlook. It’s amazing how focusing on gratitude—appreciating what you have and what you’ve experienced—can transform your attitude. This practice has helped me communicate more gracefully and, instead of letting negativity consume me, it’s shown me that there’s something to be thankful for in every situation.

2) Perseverance
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried buckets and nearly given up, only to have an amazing opportunity come my way shortly after. The best opportunities often arise just when you’re about to quit. Keep going and stay open, because your path might evolve in ways you never imagined, leading to something much greater than you’d initially pictured. Trust the process—it will prepare you to become the strongest and most capable version of yourself.

3)Courage
You can’t let fear, ego, or embarrassment stand in the way of what you were born to do. It’s important to give yourself grace for past mistakes and recognize that what you have to say matters—it could significantly impact someone else. When someone tells you that your song helped them through a family member’s death or kept them from taking their own life, you realize that your work has a purpose far beyond yourself. It really helps you to keep going.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the best thing I can do is lie on my bed, close my eyes, and listen to some affirmations. Affirmations have truly transformed my life; they are effective in changing your mindset. The more you practice them, the more they become ingrained in your way of thinking.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @extraspecial4you
• Other: This is a link to my latest track, I’d love it to be included! https://colorizemusic.enhncd.co/0523

Image Credits

Kaz Yabe
Kevin Condon
Michelle LoBianco