Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Terah Lynn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Terah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I think the best way to be successful is to be yourself, to lean into who God made you to be with the gifts and talents He gave you. Making the decision to be your authentic self is difficult in a world that pushes certain norms and agendas. Working in construction and manufacturing for so many years, I’ve often been the only woman on a job site or in a meeting so I have had to learn that shrinking or trying to “fit in” only makes things more complicated. It’s easier to be yourself than it is to pretend to be someone else.
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 do a few things around Nashville. I own and operate Bridge Magazine, I record music (like everyone else around here) and I am the manager of Gibson guitar’s Pickup Shop. I got my first recording contract in 2020 and released my first single a week before the pandemic shutdown. Well established artists could barely survive at that point so entering into the business as a new artist at that time was next to impossible. I wanted to stay connected to the industry until the time came to go all in again so I created Bridge Magazine as a way to give other artists press support and introduce them to my audience when it was really difficult to do. Bridge began to grow, earning a partnership with Universal Music Group and I moved the company to Nashville in April 2021 when I was also hired at Gibson. Since then we have had the honor of working with almost every major label in the world from Sony to Universal.
So far as my music, everything was delayed last year when I was injured in a head-on collision and I’m now in the process of recording and planning to release towards the end of the year.
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?
I would say perseverance would be first and foremost. If you are in the entertainment industry at all, you know that rejection is the name of the game. Learning how to deal with rejection without letting it deter you is the best muscle you can grow if you want to chase your dreams. I would tell people early in their journey just that, to not give up and also not to give in to what labels and culture say you should be. Just be you, that’s the whole point.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Last year, I was injured in a head-on collision, hit by a driver and passenger both overdosed on narcotics. Physically, that has been my biggest challenge but it has challenged me to stay mentally strong and preserve in the midst of whatever external circumstances might exist. I am a Christian so my relationship with God is the only reason I am where I am and doing what I am doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebridgemag.com
- Instagram: @terahlynnofficial @bridgemagazineofficial
