We recently connected with Carlehr Swanson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Carlehr with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My mother is responsible for my work ethic. Growing up, I was amazed by my mother’s ability to work a full-time law enforcement job and always ensure my needs and wants were met. Early on, I sensed her job was stressful, but she showed me that anything worth having was worth working hard for. She also taught me that most problems have a solution; if they don’t, there’s another option. Whenever things have been difficult, she’s encouraged me to keep trying or helped me find another way to accomplish my goals. Lastly, she taught me that if I wanted to see something in the world, I could create it, i.e., “Music is Unity.”
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?
When I was younger, I remember feeling frustrated and praying that one day, I would have a packed schedule filled with musical opportunities that would showcase my abilities. God has a great sense of humor because I am very busy. However, most of my schedule is filled with things that help others showcase and hone their abilities; truthfully, I would not have it any other way. Being in service to others has been a constant reminder that I do not own my talents; I am simply the vessel.
I realized I was passionate about service 13 years ago in the 8th grade. My grandmother fractured her back and was in a rehabilitation center. I often visited, sang, and played the piano in the center’s living room area. I soon realized other residents would join these impromptu concerts because they did not have visitors. From that experience, I started an arts organization entitled “Music is Unity,” where I have planned and performed many shows in nursing homes and visited schools to discuss the benefits of music participation. Over time “Music is Unity” has developed into a full-service arts organization that provides performance opportunities for inspiring artists, workshops, and a virtual artist interview series. Moreso, “Music is Unity” collaborates on various projects with numerous community partners along the East Coast. I do many things, but “Music is Unity” is my life’s work. Music can connect us in ways that words cannot.
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?
Three areas of knowledge that have been most impactful on my journey are faith, networking, and creativity.
Faith:
As a child, I was very close to my grandmother. The essence of who I am was cultivated during my time with her. She taught me how to pray, treat people with kindness, and, most importantly, she taught me how to believe in Someone bigger than myself. She’s also why I love coffee and have been drinking it since age 5. When I was in high school, my grandmother’s health declined due to dementia. I felt so lost and unsure of what I could do to help. My grandmother taught me to pray, but I did not know where to begin. That was until one night. I was up watching tv. The lady on tv was talking about her mother’s battle with dementia, and she said she just prayed that her mother would never forget her. From that night, I started praying that my grandmother always remembered me, and she did until the very end. That was the first time I prayed and expected something to happen. I was already a church-going Christian, but that moment built my faith in God. That same faith has carried me through some of my darkest moments.
Networking:
You must know the people in your community. In the various cities I have lived in, I always make a great effort to connect with people with diverse expertise. This helps me gain a varied perspective on the community. Also, it gives me a great Rolodex of people to call when I am in need. My greatest opportunities have come from non-musicians who remembered I did “something” with music. Networking is essential and has helped me immensely, but my genuine love for people and making authentic connections have worked more so in my favor.
Creativity:
Growing up, I was always interested in many things. One summer, I sold CDs. The following summer, I had a nail business where I did traveling pedicures. In contrast, my endeavors are no longer as adventurous. However, I realized in my youth that I could create opportunities for myself and those connected to me. If there was something I wanted to see in the world, I could build it myself. Having varied interests as a youth, I gained many skills that have significantly helped with “Music is Unity,” like planning and marketing events.
I advise someone trying to improve in these areas to maintain the essence of who they are. For me, a lot of these qualities came organically. What sometimes hindered me in these areas was the fear of doing something “the wrong way.” The more I learned from others and through school, the more I moved away from who I was. Now, I’m just getting back to the basics. The things we spend time searching for are often inside us.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for collaboration opportunities. My ideal collaborator is passionate about world issues, and their work serves as a solution. I always look for schools and nursing homes to bring “Music is Unity” to. Additionally, I am excited about any opportunity that connects a community through musical performance, presentation, or workshop. Potential collobrators can email me at: carlehrswanson@yahoo.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carlehrswanson.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/car.lee.ah
- Facebook: https://twitter.com/carlehr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/CarlehrTv
Image Credits
Professional Photos by: Rick Myers
