Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to AriaKai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
AriaKai, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem took me a very long time to build up. Many people may not know it, but I am most times very insecure. Insecure about my body, my voice, how I am being perceived and that used to give me anxiety. I have always made it my business to never have a bad reputation or come across as an unapproachable person. I used to have really bad stage fright when I was younger when it came to showcasing my gift from God. There were many times different people would ask me to sing and I would say, “Oh’ you’ll catch me” and laugh it off like that was okay. I had to realize within myself how powerful I am and how much I can touch someone with just being the best version of myself. See the thing is, I feel like my supporters have also helped build my confidence and self-esteem from their reassurance to me that I am doing what God put me on this earth to do, and that’s spread my love and support by utilizing my gifts in many different ways, whether that be singing, promoting positivity, hosting an event that allows people to step outside their comfort zones, or just being a listening ear to other creatives who may be struggling with the same things I was. I am so thankful today to be able to say I stand strong in who I am and who I have become. And I stand Powerful in knowing I am made uniquely and that has driven me to be superior overall.
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 am really a jack of all trades! to say the least. Of course, by now you all know my name is AriaKai. I am a singer/songwriter, host, actress, Radio personality, and Entertainer. I also have my own YouTube podcast series out right now called “The Red Cup Chronicles,” first episode will air on my YouTube channel (AriaKaiMusick) on Sept. 22nd, 2023. I started singing when I was about 3 years old. I have always had a passion for music and God giving me the gift of being a songstress made it even better! I write my songs based off the things that are or have happened in my life and I find that is what makes me most relatable when it comes to my supporters. Although, I did not stop there! I used to have my own Radio show called “AriaKai’s Top 8@8.” It has since come to an end, but I am working on revamping and finding a new radio station home for my show. I am also an entrepreneur who has a candle making business that I am starting up as well. It is important to me to have my hands in many things so that I stay busy and focused all at the same time. I love all the things I do, and I love how talented I am. The most exciting part of it all is being able to tie all the things I do back into my brand. AriaKai, the person, the brand, the model, is a business and I am determined to be successful in every avenue.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three things that excelled me most in the music industry was having patience, being a good communicator, and most importantly understanding the business of music and the industry in itself. It is so important to understand that as an artist or creative, you are a walking business, and your craft or talent is your baby and should be treated as such. Many people wake up and just want to be famous or want to do music but have no clue where to start or how they put themselves out there to be heard. If I could give any advice in this area, it would be to trust yourself and your decisions but don’t make fast decisions based off temporary promises. Really take the time to dive in and research and know where your time and money is being invested. The music industry can be very tough and can weigh heavily on your confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table. Make sure for that reason alone, you do this because you love it not just because you want something out of it, that comes as you develop yourself.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, the most challenging obstacle I am facing is MYSELF! I say this because I am in my own way. As an artist, we are always (and excuse my language) sensitive about our shit! this aspect is no difference. For the past two and half years, I have been going through a musical transition in my life where I feel stuck. Stuck, like I can’t create music anymore, stuck with the feeling that everything I say sounds the same, stuck with anxiety that everybody is surpassing me on the journey I want for myself, stuck with wondering if this gift from God is truly my purpose or not. It’s funny, you ask this question because I have this internal battle with myself every day, mad and disappointed that I am letting my own self down because I know deep in my heart that I am truly talented and have a lot to display to people. This isn’t just a thing I am going through; it is true that most artists go through a period of feeling like they are getting nowhere from the efforts they have put out to the world. Unless you have a huge following, you feel overlooked and not heard. It makes you get in a mental space to quit or give up on what you want because you don’t know when your dream will come true. Recently, I have started to surround myself with like-minded people, people who want to see me win, see me shine, see me go far. They push me and motivate me in ways I never could have imagined and with that motivation, I have started my podcast which is going to ultimately get me back into everything I love to do. In life we get on different levels, but know that what I’ve learned is most important, is how you get up from being knocked down. Understanding that even though I may not see it now, doesn’t mean it isn’t being worked out in my favor.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @AriaKaiMusick
- Facebook: AriaKai
- Twitter: @AriaKaiMusick
- Youtube: AriaKaiMusick
- SoundCloud: AriaKai
- Other: You can also stream my music on any platform!
