Meet Hannah Koivu

We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Koivu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, 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?

I think putting things into perspective is so important to stay humble and to grow a strong sense of self. So often our ego can be the reason we struggle with being overly self-conscious or worried with what other people are going to say. As a kid I was super self-conscious and shy and it wasn’t because I didn’t like people, it was because I was afraid of being perceived by others and having someone judge the real me. First of all, nothing is that serious. If I completely embarrass myself in front of a group of people today, no one will be remembering what I did after a while, and even if they did, they have too much going on in their own life to really spend the time worrying about some silly thing that happened in the past. Knowing that most people are not paying that much attention because they have their own lives is really comforting. Even if there are “haters” or people who spend their time judging me, I honestly couldn’t care less about their opinion because I wouldn’t want to be friends with someone like that anyways. Secondly, confidence grows from within and therefore requires positive self talk. Validation is external and that is why some of the most beautiful people can still be insecure. The more I began talking to myself as I would a friend, and finding things I liked about myself – not just physically either – it helped me to rewire my brain and to be more positive about who I am. I believe it is totally possible for anyone who is currently struggling with self-esteem and confidence to build a better foundation of self-love and trust. It takes time and practice, but confidence is possible for everyone!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I grew up in a household with a narcissistic parent and that really shaped the way I connected to music from such a young age. I also learned a few years ago that I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), which further explains why music has been so deeply touching. A highly sensitive person is basically someone who has a more sensitive nervous system and therefore can be triggered by loud noises, bright lights, tends to be more emotional with music. as well as connecting and reading other people. Singing was something that always felt safe and comforting, and it’s interesting that singing has been shown to help reduce anxiety and to calm the nervous system. I really think I latched on to music because it was a way to express myself and to relax. Songwriting was an outlet for me to be honest where I couldn’t always be so honest with the people close to me growing up. This year I finally stopped making excuses and started pursuing a career in music. I have released three singles so far, and I have a lot planned for next year. My music is predominently pop with a twist of rnb, a little rapping, and whatever sounds are inspiring me at the time. I would say my songs are a mix of confidence and upbeat lyrics that make you feel good, as well as some vulnerable sadder songs that are easy to connect to. I believe confidence is displayed in both the upbeat and the sad, because both are true and you can’t have one without the other. All feelings are valid, and I hope everyone who listens feels a little less alone.

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?

#1: At the beginning I think it is important to learn as much as possible about whatever skill you are trying to succeed in. I took lessons so I could play instruments, I read books about songwriting, I talked to so many people who were already artists or in the industry to gain insight. I was in a learning phase where that was all I focuses on.
#2: I think the next step is to build a plan. Plans will obviously never go exactly the way you expect but it is important nonetheless to formulate achievable steps/goals that you can track your progress and be encouraged that you are moving forward in the right direction.
#3: Finally, there is the step of executing and believing in yourself to the point that you no longer need everyone else’s opinion to take action. I believe it is hard for some people to stay in their own lane and creative direction when there are so many opinions around. People always will have something to say. Obviously don’t be delusional, but if you know you have a good idea, and you have a plan to put it into action, then go for it and shut out the unnecessary distraction of other people. In music specifically it really is all about finding your target audience which is something I am working towards. Whenever I get discouraged I remember there is a seventy year old woman in California who makes songs with a vocoder who has a loyal fanbase and makes money from her music. If she can do it, then I can too, and so can you.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

As an independent artist doing everything on my own, I get overwhelmed all the time. The thing I have learned is to not stay in that mindset. Usually when I feel overwhelmed my brain starts to spiral with negative thoughts. Instead of continuing down this rabbit hole, I now stop and tell myself that it is perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed. While I have every right to feel that way I try to slow down and realize I have time, and I just need to take things step by step instead of rushing myself to do everything at once. Overwhelm can also be harder for people who are perfectionists (which I have been in the past). Learning to give yourself grace and sometimes just take a break, drink an espresso martini, and come back later is the best option!

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