We were lucky to catch up with Rich Maserati recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rich, 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 resilience, ultimately, comes from a deep-seated belief in the mission of Tulsauce Media and the incredible team we’ve built. But if I had to pinpoint its origin, it stems from early experiences where I learned that true growth often emerges from navigating challenges. It’s not about avoiding setbacks, but about seeing them as invaluable lessons. For me, resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward with new insights and a stronger resolve. It’s the conviction that every obstacle presents an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and ultimately, get closer to our goals. That belief system was forged in the early days of building Tulsauce, facing skepticism and unforeseen hurdles, and realizing that the only way through was to consistently push past perceived limitations. The drive to create something meaningful, to tell compelling stories, and to empower creators, that’s what truly fuels my resilience.”
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?
“My name is Rich Maserati, and professionally, I’m deeply immersed in the world of music and entrepreneurship. What I do is create, perform, and share my unique brand of hip-hop and rap with the world. For me, the most exciting part is the ability to connect with listeners on a profound level, to tell stories, and to inspire through my lyrics and beats. It’s about more than just making music; it’s about building a movement.
Beyond the music, I’m incredibly passionate about my clothing brand, GUAP, which stands for Get Up And Pray (@getupandprayclothing). GUAP is more than just apparel; it’s a lifestyle and a message. It’s about resilience, faith, and the daily grind of striving for your goals. We’ve been building this brand to represent strength and perseverance, and it’s truly special to see how people connect with that message and wear it with pride.
Another significant part of my professional focus is my media company, Tulsauce. @tulsauce Tulsauce was founded in 2017, right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This city holds immense historical significance, being the home of Black Wall Street and the site of the devastating 1921 Race Massacre. Starting Tulsauce in Tulsa was a deliberate choice, a way to honor that legacy and to build something positive and powerful from a place with such a rich, albeit painful, past. Tulsauce is dedicated to amplifying voices, telling authentic stories, and creating content that resonates with our community and beyond. It’s about building a future while never forgetting the past.
As for what’s new, we’re constantly working on fresh music releases and exciting collaborations for Tulsauce. We’re always looking to expand our reach and bring more compelling content to our audience. Keep an eye out for new drops from both my music and GUAP, and definitely stay tuned to see what Tulsauce is cooking up next as we continue to grow our platform and make an impact.”
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?
“Looking back, if I had to pinpoint the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey, I’d say they are:
* Unwavering Resilience and Belief in Self: This is probably the most crucial. The music industry, and really any entrepreneurial path, is full of ‘nos,’ setbacks, and moments where you question everything. There were times I literally had nothing, but I never stopped believing in my vision, my talent, and the message I wanted to share. This resilience wasn’t just about bouncing back; it was about pushing through when the odds seemed impossible.
* Strategic Networking and Relationship Building: Early on, I realized that talent alone isn’t enough. It’s about who you know, and more importantly, how you genuinely connect with people. Building authentic relationships, not just transactional ones, opened doors, led to collaborations, and provided invaluable advice. From producers to publicists, fellow artists to business mentors, these connections have been vital.
* Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: This was a huge learning curve. When you’re an artist, you’re also a business. Understanding how to manage money, invest in yourself, understand contracts, and make strategic business decisions for both my music and brands like GUAP and Tulsauce was a game-changer. It’s not the sexiest part of being an artist, but it’s essential for sustainability and growth.
For folks who are early in their journey, here’s my advice on how to best develop or improve on these:
* For Resilience and Belief in Self: Understand that every ‘failure’ is a lesson, not an ending. Embrace feedback, but don’t let negativity define you. Develop a strong ‘why’ – your core motivation. When things get tough, lean on that ‘why.’ Meditate, journal, or find whatever practice helps you stay grounded and focused on your internal strength. And surround yourself with people who uplift and believe in you.
* For Strategic Networking and Relationship Building: Don’t just show up to events; engage. Be genuinely curious about other people’s journeys. Follow up. Be reliable and consistent. Offer value before you ask for it. Think about how you can support others, and that goodwill often comes back to you. And remember, sometimes the most valuable connections are with people just a few steps ahead of you, not necessarily the ones at the very top.
* For Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: Start educating yourself now. Read books on personal finance and business. Take online courses. Find a mentor who understands the business side of your industry. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘dumb’ questions about money, contracts, or marketing. The more you understand how the business works, the less likely you are to be taken advantage of, and the more empowered you’ll be to make smart decisions for your career and brand.”
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
For Tulsauce, our media company, we’re seeking to partner with a broader range of creatives and businesses. This includes filmmakers, videographers, graphic designers, writers, and content creators who are passionate about storytelling and amplifying important voices. We’re also keen on collaborating with brands and organizations that align with our mission of empowerment, community building, and celebrating culture, especially those that recognize the historical significance of places like Black Wall Street. We’re looking for partners who are not just about business, but about making a positive impact.
If you’re reading this and feel like our visions align, the best way to connect is through our social media channels. You can find me personally and my music updates on Instagram at @iamrichmaserati For inquiries related to GUAP clothing, hit up @getupandprayclothing. And for all things Tulsauce, head over to @tulsauce on Instagram. You can also reach out via email Tulsauce@gmail.com through the contact information usually found on our respective profiles. Don’t be afraid to send a detailed message outlining your ideas and what you bring to the table. Let’s create something powerful together.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamrichmaserati
- Youtube: Tulsaucetv
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