We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Blythe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Blythe , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My family and God.
My family and my faith are the foundation that help me stand strong and move forward, no matter what obstacles come my way.
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?
Creativity and curiosity are really the foundation of my story and professional journey.
As a creative entrepreneur, I wear a multiple hats – I’m a music producer, aspiring artist, social media manager, and the founder of PLEASEDONOTTOUCHARTWORK LLC, my creative production company. I also model, and I eventually want to dive into fashion design and development. I want to do all the things that I dreamed of doing as a child.
Each project and role has allowed me to dive into different aspects of myself and the industry, whether I’m behind the scenes producing or composing, curating creative networking events like CreativeLinkup, or helping brands tell their story through a digital lens on social media.
What excites me most is the freedom to create and build something meaningful – not just for myself but for my community and other creatives. I want to create things that I don’t see in the world. I’m deeply passionate about music, from the creative process in production to the connections it builds with people.
Through my own work as a producer, I enjoy blending genres like hip-hop, alternative R&B, trip hop, pop, and electronica, which gives me the space to bring something unique to each track I work on. I’m inspired by all genres. I think my sound is a compilation of all the genres I like. And with PDNTAW LLC, my goal is to create a space where artists and creatives can collaborate, explore, and push the limits of what’s possible. We’re currently working on our official launch for next spring, and I’m so excited to bring new art and projects into the fold so the world can see a glimpse of what I’m capable of.
On top of that, I’ve been building my own brand as Blythe, focusing on rebranding myself as a music producer and artist. Blythe is a part of me that’s fully dedicated to the music. I want my work as Blythe to speak to others who, like me, have a passion for self-expression and pushing the creative envelope, especially as a person of color. We are often boxed in and only awarded when we follow the status quo instead of creating new lanes for new sonics and thoughts to roam free.
I think real creative freedom is raw self expression. That’s what people feel and truly connect to. I feel that that’s missing and a lot of art today.
Right now, I’m working on a few projects like an RnB album with one of my artists, an EP that is executive produced by myself, and I’m also preparing to drop singles and an EP that reflect my evolution as a creative. Besides my own music, I’m building a beat store where artists can discover my work, listen to samples, and connect with me on potential collaborations. I also have had a lot of people reaching out to work with me — which is nerve-racking, but exciting at the same time.
Beyond producing music, I’m also into modeling and creative direction, finding ways to tell stories visually. Over the summer, I directed and shot my first music video for a friend in LA. I had come up with the creative direction, but when his videographer canceled, I had to step in and shoot it myself. I didn’t have much experience, so I figured it out on the spot from my friends, learning as I went. It ended up being such a rewarding challenge, and when he releases his album, the video will finally be out. I’m excited for people to see this new side of my creativity and how I helped bring his vision to life.
Recently, I also walked in my first runway show, which was literally on the 805 freeway in San Diego — my hometown! A good friend of mine gave me the opportunity to wear one of his custom pieces and it was a truly rewarding experience.
The most special part of this journey is the connection I’m building with my audience and other creatives. Every project – whether it’s a social media campaign for a client or a new track – is a chance to inspire others and build something that lasts. That’s what my brand is all about: creating, connecting, and leaving a positive impact that resonates beyond just the music or the visuals, however, that may manifest in the world. I also have learned about the different layers of myself throughout my creative journey. Good and bad. It’s truly like a form of therapy for me.
I want people to know that it’s more than okay to explore all the talents and forms of expression that resonate with them authentically. We each have unique gifts from God, and tapping into those – whether it’s music, art, fashion, or anything else – allows us to show up fully and authentically.
Embracing different creative outlets has helped me grow and connect with others on deeper levels, and I hope to inspire others to do the same with their gifts. I also think it’s important for people to embrace what makes them different. There’s a lot of monotony shoved in our faces on a daily basis, so it’s important to give a platform to people who bring something different to the table. They deserve for their perspective to be heard — especially if it’s tight.
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?
Patience, growth, discipline, and humility have been essential in my journey. I know this isn’t three, but I really feel these four qualities are too important to leave any of them out.
Patience has taught me that meaningful progress doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve had to learn to trust the timing of my journey, understanding that each step prepares me for the next. I’ve also learned how to adapt while keeping my cool in difficult situations with difficult people.
Growth is something I’m always seeking – not just in my career, but in who I am as a person and a creative. It’s about pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing the challenges that come with expansion.
Discipline has been my foundation, especially with so many projects and interests. It keeps me grounded and focused, even when things get chaotic. Having a strong support system around me and staying true to my values which are shaped by my faith really help me to keep discipline in mind.
And finally, humility reminds me to stay open to learning, no matter where I am on my path. Staying humble helps me connect with others genuinely, reminding me that every experience and person has something valuable to teach.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been learning to trust myself fully and step into each of my creative roles with confidence.
This past year, I’ve taken on new challenges that pushed me outside my comfort zone – from directing and shooting my first music video to launching small projects with my production company, hiring interns, and planning & executing my third creative networking event. These experiences have taught me to believe in my vision and trust that I can figure things out, even when I’m facing something completely new.
I’ve also become more disciplined, balancing multiple projects while staying focused on my long-term goals. This shift has helped me stay grounded and keep moving forward, even through setbacks or unexpected changes. I’m learning that the journey is just as important as the outcome, and that each step – big or small – is a chance to grow. This year has shown me that growth comes from embracing the unknown and trusting myself to rise to the occasion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/producergyal/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/creativelinkupsd/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/pleasedonottouchartwork/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Image Credits
Sterling Gold Photo (1) – Albert Maravilla (2) Rashad Autman (4&5) Victoria Taylor (6)
