Meet Carlton Rashad

We recently connected with Carlton Rashad and have shared our conversation below.

Carlton, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

First, thank you for this opportunity to share my story with you.

Growing up, I was always so happy and jovial. I was always smiling and talking to people. I think that stems from feeling the love of my mother, who raised me and two my brothers by herself. While it may have been hard for her at times, she never withheld her love, attention, and intentional time from us. Because of her love, and teaching me to be kind to others, treat others the way I want to be treated, believe in myself and my dreams – It just stuck with me.

It’s also understanding that keeping a positive thought and a positive attitude – being able to see the glass half full so to say, I realize how close or how tangible things are. I.e., my dreams – speaking and manifesting what I want to happen, while working towards it – knowing that it won’t be easy but the end result is worth it. It’s all connected. Your mindset often dictates what the outcome can be.

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

I am a singer/songwriter and performer from Kansas City, MO. I’ve been singing my whole life. Before I could talk, I could sing. Haha. I’ve been performing, writing and creating professionally for 10 years.

I’ve been fortunate to release my own records, as well as collaborate with others on their work – becoming well versed in my career field(s).

I have curated 2 of my own productions, and 2 collaborative efforts with some of my favorite creatives, artists in Kansas City. I am just grateful for the opportunities that I get to do what I love – singing & performing, writing, arranging, all the things. Haha.

I am currently working on a new project that’s really personal to me. I’m excited for everyone to hear this new body of work.

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?

Three things come to mind with this question. 1. Professionalism. 2. Having a good, positive attitude and character. 3. Hard work and sacrifice. These are skills and qualities that every person should work to develop.

Starting with professionalism, it is important to conduct yourself in a professional manner – from timeliness, to effective communication, respecting others, maintaining emotional control and organization. There have been so many times I’ve entered spaces where others weren’t were kind and approachable, or things weren’t organized. I take mental note, much like industry professionals, and decide if I’d like to move forward with this or not. Professional is also the way you present yourself – showing up prepared for the work you’re doing – prepared with your clothes, and all other materials needed to complete the work. So much more I could say on this subject, but professionalism is so important for any facet of your career path.

Second, having a positive attitude and good character. Understand that it is a choice for people to want to work with you. Something I learned along this my career path and, people don’t have like you, listen to you, work with you or speak to you. So I count it a privilege that people WANT to do all these things. It’s always very humbly when someone says they enjoy my music, my voice, stage performance and etiquette. I speak this same thing to other creatives be confident in what you have, in your abilities and talents… however, be humble! That is all about character.

Last is working hard. So much I’ve learned about this. When you work hard, remain humble and hungry for your dreams and the success of seeing them come to fruition is so rewarding. However, it requires sacrifice. You must be willing to sacrifice time away from your family (birthday parties, family parties/events, hanging out with friends, etc.) sacrificing money, exporting extra energy into the things you want. It is not easy.

Know that sometimes you will have to encourage and clap for yourself, when others don’t or won’t. Don’t lose heart, just stay the course because it will all be worth it.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe as a creative, or person in general, we should always strive to gain more knowledge and understanding of ourselves and our own abilities we possess. It’s not enough to just have great talent, you also have to hone in on those other skills to help put you in greater positions for success. Continue to build on what you already have and know – “fine tuning” as my choir teacher [Ms. Gina Mercer] used to say, haha, but always challenging yourself to expand a little more. Your value, in that sense, becomes a little more easier to leverage.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Vaughan Harrison for Seen Productions

Pasavia Janeise for Suite P Studio

Stellar Image Studios, On Stage with Sis event 2023.

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