We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stella Wembley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stella, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Since I was very young, I have always been a visionary. I have always been a dreamer. I dreamt big. I wanted to achieve something big in my life. I started my creative journey when I was sixteen, as a musician and vocalist. I have been dreaming of being on a huge stage, with thousands of people as an audience! What I really loved about music was the “feeling” I had while creating and performing. It made me feel alive. I felt I had found my purpose. And that dream, that “burning desire,” kept me going and striving to achieve success as a musician for over sixteen years.
It wasn’t just a decision; it was a feeling, it was my intuition that guided me and led me to the musician’s career path. I think we choose our path with our heart—what feels “right” in “that moment.” Never choose a path because someone else tells you to do that! Do not copy anyone. That’s my advice to anyone seeking happiness and true purpose in life.
Sometimes society leads us down a particular path, influencing us without us realizing it. We choose a career because of the “title” or the “reputation.” But if we do this, we will probably feel disconnected, miserable, and… purposeless! Music was (and still is) important to me because of the “feeling” and the connection I felt when creating art. That was my purpose, because I felt connected, inspired, and I loved what I was doing. I was given a gift, and the lucky ones who have it must use it, as I believe God—or spirit, or whatever you want to call it—has given us that gift for a reason.
But then something changed. Well, I grew up and went through many changes, understanding how the music industry really is—and it is not the shiny, glorious world I imagined in my mind. Instead, it can be a very dark place to work in. Also, as we grow up, our values, habits, and even our personality can change! What we wanted 5, 10, or 15 years ago is not necessarily what we want or need now.
Perhaps we want more freedom; perhaps we want closer, deeper connections; we understand that we need more balance in our lives, and we can’t sacrifice anymore what we used to to achieve our goals. I do believe we have a “calling” in life, but I also believe we can have more than one. As we grow and evolve, we are not the same, and we desire different things.
I believe that identity is not a “fixed” thing. I recently attended a very interesting workshop titled “Navigating Identity as a Musician,” organized by a fantastic charity in the UK called “Tonic Rider.” Many topics were discussed, including self-image, sense of purpose, titles, and roles in society. More importantly, it made me think about one of the most essential things we need to do to understand our purpose in life: self-discovery!
To know your purpose, you need to know yourself. And it is a long journey—where you need to learn about your core values, accept that they might not be met in the industry you want to work in, and ask yourself what is most important to you. Is it financial freedom? Love? Providing a service to a community? Fame, popularity, becoming a role model? Creating a family and being a parent? Success means different things for everyone.
Finding your purpose in life involves being willing to do introspective work, educating yourself about the matter (there are plenty of books and programs that can help you with this), and even taking the risk to start a new career, letting go of the old, or moving to another country if necessary.
More importantly, you need to think about the type of lifestyle you want; how do you see yourself in 20 years? Obviously, things change, but certain things, certain needs, don’t. I am still discovering my purpose, as I have been through many changes in recent years. I now think that the new version of me wants different things, as my vision has changed and evolved. I have different needs—I understand my worth now, and I want more for myself.
But I wouldn’t choose a path just for money. It might lead you to financial freedom, but you’ll probably feel miserable doing something you hate. I also understand that our purpose can change as our identity changes.
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?
I started my career as a musician, singer, and songwriter 17 years ago. It’s incredible how quickly time passes; it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long! It all began as a passion, and gradually it became clear that it was more than that.
After finishing my studies in contemporary singing, contemporary music, and guitar when I was sixteen, I realised I wanted to pursue it as a profession and decided to build a career in the music industry. I didn’t have much support, except from my mother and auntie, who believed in me and cheered for every small and big achievement as a musician.
Even though not all my relatives supported my music career, my grandfather was passionate about classical music. Since I was a child, I remember him playing vinyl records of classical pieces.
Also, during one of my singing lessons, my teacher played a record of a famous opera aria—I don’t remember which one. I asked who the singer was because I fell in love with her voice, and in some strange way, I felt a connection—a similarity either with my personality or my voice. My teacher told me, “This is Maria Callas.”
I said I wanted to learn to sing like her because her voice was so beautiful. I felt I had already mastered contemporary singing techniques and wanted to try something different.
That’s basically how I decided to prepare for the audition at the Conservatory S. Pietro A Majella in Naples, a prestigious conservatory in Italy. Honestly, I didn’t think I could get in because I heard it was extremely difficult. But I did. I remember only eight people were selected out of hundreds of candidates.
I think I was number four on the list, as each candidate was given scores. I was speechless—having prepared for the exam for only a year, including music theory, piano, and singing technique—and I was coming from a contemporary background! I embraced the challenge.
After graduating from the conservatory in opera singing, I decided to move to England because I wanted to tour and express my creativity as a songwriter. I didn’t feel like opera was my thing, even though I was very good at it. I felt restrained, boxed in, forced to perform arias according to the music sheet, and unable to fully express my creativity.
Looking back at the past—seeing “the past version of myself,” the one focused on music, art, mastering, and perfecting the craft—I feel some nostalgia and often wonder, “Where is that Stella now?” Because I feel very different from the artist I was three years ago. Something started to shift—I changed. Even though I still consider myself a musician, singer, and songwriter, I am now fully aware and 100% sure that I am not “just that.” I am much, much more! I am finally making room for expansion.
After releasing music on digital platforms, as well as two physical copies, and performing in multiple venues nationally and internationally, I feel I want something different. My vision is now expanding. It’s scary… it’s confusing! There was a time when I knew exactly where I was heading. Now, I’m not so sure. I’m leaving room for self-discovery and growth, and these processes often bring discomfort.
I believe we must stay focused and understand what we want, but also have the courage to change direction if necessary, and to let go of things that no longer resonate with our vision or brand. Without change, there is no growth. And where’s the fun in that? When there’s no innovation, things become quite boring. I like challenges—they keep me motivated.
Regarding the change of direction, as I mentioned, I feel that solely pursuing the musician path would not bring me the satisfaction and peace of mind I crave. In a nutshell: I have always been, and will always be, a singer/musician, but I am also a businesswoman and an entrepreneur. In fact, I have always been on an entrepreneurial journey; I just wasn’t fully aware of it.
Organising my music business—covering every detail from music production to video production, setting up an independent record label, creating an official website (www.stellawembley.com) with an online store where I sell fantastic merchandise and physical copies of music, and building my brand, maintaining my vision, and budgeting—this is the entrepreneurial mindset! I am now expanding into new horizons.
One exciting new path I am pursuing is becoming a singing teacher. I plan to start teaching singing in September (possibly earlier if I do online lessons), and I see it as a fantastic way to utilise my singing skills while offering a service that can make a difference for many aspiring singers. If any of the readers are interested in booking a singing lesson with me, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] — I’d be happy to help!
I also have other interests and projects. One of them is creating a gothic-inspired fashion/makeup brand under my own name, relying on my established fanbase to support and purchase my products. I also have plans for a few fashion/music-related shows to organise in 2026—that would be amazing! Of course, I would need sponsorship or grants from an organisation to cover the business-related costs.
Actually, I already have experience and have achieved very good results in the gothic fashion scene. This year, I shared one of my photoshoots on YouTube that I created (I was the photographer, lighting technician, and stylist) and the video went viral with over 106,000 views!
It was indeed a very good photoshoot, but I didn’t expect it to go viral. The views were 100% organic!
Fantastic! This was my first professional debut video as a model, and it went viral.
I am open and interested in collaborating with clothing brands; it would be exciting to expand and build my online presence as a fashion icon.
Another important event, coming up in October 2025, is the Weirdsville Festival, an online festival organized by the fantastic promoter Craig Dalrymple. I previously performed as a headliner at his festival for World Goth Day, and now I will be supporting Wendy Rule. I will be performing on 26 October, and the event is completely free to watch on my YouTube channel. Don’t miss out on my upcoming performance at the Weirdsville Festival!
Currently, there are no other shows scheduled, but there might be an opportunity to perform in the USA next summer. Unfortunately, I don’t have the budget to cover the touring expenses, so I’ve started a crowdfunding campaign and invite everyone to donate if they can!
My focus remains on what I can control now: creating new music.
I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Lloyd Price of The Frixion (Agency-V, Massive Ego; Agency-V recently toured with Gary Numan), and we are working on a fantastic album together. I write the songs; he produces them. I’m so grateful to finally have the opportunity to work with a talented, professional producer like Lloyd. He’s also a great person, which makes this experience even more valuable. We may release a full album or a shorter version with multiple EPs; we still need to decide, but we already have a lot of material. The album might come out in spring 2026 (TBC).
My last release, the song “It’s OK I’m OK,” is now available on all digital stores for download and streaming.
Moreover, I have finished filming the “It’s OK I’m OK” music video and have been working on the editing. Due to taking a holiday in the summer, the editing is currently on hold. However, I really hope to finish it soon so I can share it with my fans.
I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel—it’s completely free—and turn on the notification bell so you won’t miss the upcoming video, and never miss any new videos I upload.
Finally, I am interested in exploring other areas beyond music. Having an entrepreneurial mindset, I like to develop multiple streams of income. I manage property rentals, I am learning how to invest in the stock market, and challenge myself each month to save a specific amount of money, with a clear plan to invest for my future and business ventures.
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?
One of the most important fields of study that made a significant difference in my vocal training and specialising—in both opera singing, performing arts, and contemporary singing—was focusing on technical skills. I worked diligently to improve them day by day, month by month, year after year.
What truly helped me was having a great singing teacher. I worked with five singing teachers, but only one was truly “the one” for me. That teacher was very demanding, a perfectionist, and pushed me to give my best. I also want to mention the importance of having a mentor, which has made a difference for me. Having someone, even just one person, who believes in you and gives you honest advice really helps you, especially when things don’t go as you wish. A mentor should have good experience in the artist’s industry.
My first advice to young artists who are just starting out is to find the best teacher for their specific field of study. Look for someone who inspires you, believes in you, challenges you, and is a true professional in the industry. If you train with someone unprofessional, you might end up being an amateur. With your teacher, focus on developing specific skill set to improve and specialise in that area. Strive to become a “master” in your chosen field.
Beyond technical skills, there are valuable assets that are often not taught in universities or schools. One of the most overlooked is faith—supported by a strong desire, passion, or love for what you do. Faith, in this context, is difficult to define; it’s something that can probably be developed, but I am not entirely sure how. Perhaps it’s like reaching a deep, calm state of mind where nothing can shake you—a still, serene lake. You simply know that you are fine and that things will be fine. This state is achieved when you act in harmony with the laws of the universe and reach a level of peace that transcends the material world.
Your actions, backed by strong desire and love, create and attract positivity. No matter your circumstances, past, or present difficulties, your soul “knows” that everything will be okay. This is powerful because when doubts and fears are removed, what remains is courage, strength, positivity, and self-confidence—all essential qualities for building success.
In addition to studying your craft and understanding the financial aspects of your industry, studying yourself is equally important. This has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned. The “power” of introspection is crucial for breaking down barriers that prevent you from reaching your goals.
To be successful, you need to know yourself: your strengths and weaknesses, your desires and fears. The more you know about yourself, the greater your chances of discovering your purpose and making sound plans to achieve it.
You need to acknowledge all sides of yourself and learn how to transmute negativity into something positive. When you become the “alchemist” of your reality, that’s when the game truly gets interesting!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
For those interested in personal development and growing as a human being—using specific principles to become their best selves (some call it “success,” but you define what success means for you)—I recommend reading books on these subjects. One such book is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.
It revealed many aspects of myself I hadn’t been aware of and continues to help me grow as a person, attracting wealth and success. It’s a precious tool for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs alike.
It may help you to understand what you want, who you are, and who you want to became; it will teach you about resilience, self-confidence, and keeping a positive mindset to achieve success in your life.
As I mentioned before, faith is one of the strongest feelings that can lead you to success. There is a whole chapter in “Think and Grow Rich” about knowing your plan will work out, regardless of bad circumstances, the odds, and all the difficulties. Faith doesn’t need any proof in the material world; you just have it. It is a very difficult state to attain if you have never experienced it.
I had faith when I moved to the UK from Italy; I had faith even though I was completely alone, with no help whatsoever. I knew things were going to work out, one way or another.
Faith, I think, is intertwined with the feeling of intuition; I believe they work together!
The author, in the book, highlights how the repetition of an affirmation daily can produce amazing results and provide you with the instructions on how to succeed. There is a whole chapter about the power of auto-suggestion, and it’s a revelation, really. We need to learn how to retrain our minds to think positive thoughts, manifest positive outcomes, and be precise in our descriptions.
There are many other important steps to follow if you want to be successful in life; these steps are explained in detail in this magical book, including the power of a mastermind (working in a team), organization skills for successful business, protection against negative energies (or, if you will, witchcraft), and much more. The most incredible thing is that this is not a new age book: it was written in 1937!
If you are an artist, musician, businessman or businesswoman, spiritual person, alchemist, or simply someone who wants to succeed in life, I highly recommend this book. Read it multiple times, highlight the most important words and sentences, and repeat the affirmations daily. You will witness the magic happening!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stellawembley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stella.wembley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellaWembleyOfficial/
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/stellawembley
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/StellaWembley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StellaWembley
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stella-wembley
- Other: https://linktr.ee/stellawembleyCrowdfunding : https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-me-bring-my-dark-sound-to-the-usa-1
Image Credits
“She is Venus” Photoshoot by Stella Wembley (Photographer, model)
Waterloo Music Bar Photos by Kevin Steven (OMG Photography)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
