We recently connected with Rose Mercado and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rose, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Wow! Resilience is something I am probably most proud of. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot. I was the first of a handful of kids to very young parents, one of whom was an immigrant. My parents worked hard and did their best in their circumstances, but nothing came easily for them. My experience with childhood poverty built me and prepared me for the realities of life. I learned early to look out for myself, that no fairy godmothers were swooping in with ball gowns and glass slippers. As far back as I can remember, my parents instilled in me that education was the way out. I took their advice to heart, using education in every way possible to find stability, peace, and ultimately professional satisfaction. Stability was the guiding light for me, learning the path. With a more realistic view of basic needs struggles than my peers, I developed a laser focus on success, developed that resilient edge, finding everyday problems to be small in comparison. Some things are not worth wasting emotional energy on. I learned that giving up didn’t move me forward, make me more comfortable, or put money in my pockets. I built that superpower over time by learning to cope with stressors, focus on my goals, and give myself space to rest when needed. I am the same little fighter I was as a kid, especially now when it comes to making things happen. Never being a person to sit and sulk over a loss, I view plot twists as opportunities to grow and build. Even with professional success, it’s important to remember that setbacks happen, but there is always a benefit to getting back up, course-correcting, and moving forward.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I own and operate Photobombshell.media, a business and web community dedicated to the professional development and elevation of talented independent artists and musicians. Some of the most exciting aspects of what I do with the business are centered around building content and strategy that lets artists be their most authentic selves, connect with like-minded listeners, and give them the space to truly shine. As a music consultant, I have had the great honor of working on a vast array of projects for artists including professional writing services, project management, website optimization, album release strategy, professional photography, and even stepping in as a publicist when needed. I love being able to jump in the artist’s think tank and deliver on their ideas and plans.
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?
My journey has been a long one, full of surprises. Three of the most powerful qualities that have made an impact on my business and career as a whole are authenticity, honesty, and steadfastness. When I show up for my clients, the public, or any potential partnership, I bring my true self. What you see is what you get and that allows people to build trust with you and what you are doing. Honesty is a given in any business, but for me, it goes past sharing the truth and into being able to admit shortcomings, identify where things are not working, and provide a clear mirror for clients to improve their plans or skills. Steadfastness speaks not only to consistency but being impeccable with your word and standing on business. My advice for anyone early in their journey into the music business, in any aspect of it, is to allow space and time for introspection. There is a need for self-awareness when working with others, particularly the art that others share and the nuances of emotional connection that come with the art of music. You have to take time to assess yourself, your strengths, and weaknesses, and how you show up in relationships. Work to have a clear understanding of who you are and what value you provide, before allowing other people to assign labels to you.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking to collaborate with musicians, music venues, festivals, and any opportunity that gets me to see and hear new music. I still write for Photobombshell.media, Medium, and Vocal regularly, and I love sharing my experiences with live music. If that’s you, invite me to your show! Please send me a press pass! I will travel for music! For brands and businesses looking to collaborate, I am open to that too if the brand aligns with my goals and helps independent artists. Connect with me via email at info@photobombshell.media with your music for review, event invitations, press coverage requests, or interview requests.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://photobombshell.media/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell/
https://www.instagram.com/photobombshellmedia/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photobombshellmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemercado
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-cTynAi2idM6-MZprYx54g
Image Credits
Fab Gula Higgs Theories CiphBoogie Damien Christopher Photography QueenfromQueenz
