Meet Emily Simonian

We recently connected with Emily Simonian and have shared our conversation below.

Emily , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever subscribed to the idea of having just one purpose. My background in mental health really shifted my thinking away from rigid absolutes. I believe that we have different purposes for different seasons of our lives.

For a long time, my whole world revolved around music. I studied it in college, poured my heart into it, and really thought that would be my path forever. But then life took me in another direction, and for a while, I found purpose in other areas, like working in the mental health field. It was meaningful in a completely different way.

Something I hear a lot, which kind of bothers me, is “stay in your lane.” I understand that it’s meant to be motivating, but to me, it sounds limiting. What if you don’t want to be confined to just one lane? I say: don’t stay in your lane—there are no lanes. We’re all allowed to explore different parts of ourselves.

Now, I’m coming back to music professionally, and it feels like exactly where I’m supposed to be in this chapter of my life. But there’s a bigger story made up of all these short stories, and I think it’s important to embrace that. So, if you’re thinking about your own purpose, I’d challenge you to stay open.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I tell stories through music and lyrics. My latest project, ‘When Two of Us Meet’, is a two-act musical inspired by my Armenian ancestors’ journey to America in the early 20th century. Writing it has been an amazing way to honor themes of resilience and cultural heritage.

I’m excited to share that the musical will have a concert reading in New York City in March 2025, which is being made possible by the Armenian International Women’s Association. This past September, I was honored to receive the Laurel Karabian Fund for the Arts Grant from the Armenian International Women’s Association. It’s a huge blessing, and I can’t wait to see how the music and story will connect with a live audience.

Visit: www.whentwoofusmeetmusical.com for more information, or reach out to me directly to become involved in the musical’s development.

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?

First, being open-minded has been essential. So much of life is about adapting, learning, and being willing to explore unexpected opportunities. Approach new experiences with curiosity because you never know how something you try might lead to growth or a breakthrough.

Second, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a growth mindset. When you approach setbacks with the belief that you can improve, rather than letting challenges defeat you, it changes everything. I try to see mistakes as opportunities to grow and to use constructive feedback as fuel for progress. Remind yourself that you’re a work in progress, often, and don’t let perfectionism keep you from sharing your work or pushing yourself to the next level.

My first attempts at songwriting were, objectively, not great. But I loved doing it so much that I kept trying, and kept learning. Over time, I began to receive feedback that my work was resonating, and it was like a mirror reflecting back the progress I had made. As artists, we also have to embrace the fact that not everyone will love what we create, because creativity is subjective. But eventually, I found a place where I belonged—a community of people who said, “I get it.” So if you truly love what you’re doing, don’t let criticism hold you back. Keep going until you find the people who connect with your vision.

Lastly, surrounding myself with loved ones who inspire and support me has been invaluable. You need people in your corner who lift you up and encourage your vision. Whether it’s friends, family, or fellow artists, having a strong support network helps keep you grounded and motivated. Invest time in building relationships with people who understand your passion and want to see you succeed. Those connections can make all the difference when things get tough.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is an absolute must-read. Spoiler alert: we’re all artists, we’re all creative, and this book is a powerful tool for breaking through imposter syndrome. Even if you don’t apply its principles directly to art, there’s so much to gain from it. Some of my favorite takeaways include exercises like creative affirmations, writing a letter to past critics, and drafting a letter of encouragement to myself. These practices helped me reconnect with my creativity and silence the doubts that hold me back if I don’t keep them in check.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilysimonianmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emssimonian
• Other: https://www.whentwoofusmeetmusical.com