Meet Teresa Guidry

We were lucky to catch up with Teresa Guidry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Teresa, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is definitely something that I’ve struggled with throughout my career, and most of my life. I think especially in the music industry, it’s really easy to feel the effects of the constant pressure to be the best, the most successful, the best writer, the best singer, and have the most opportunities laid at your feet. I can remember years ago feeling that familiar pang of jealousy in my gut whenever I would see one of my peers succeeding faster than I was, or getting opportunities that I wasn’t. It would always leave me kind of feeling like, “I’m not good enough, what’s the point? I’m being left behind and it’s never going to happen for me”. It wasn’t until I started to slow down and really dissect these feelings that I was able to heal myself, and my self judgments when those feelings came up. I would look at my accomplishments, the music I’m proud of, or think about times when a stranger watching one of my performances was moved to tears. It took a lot of self reflection to start changing my believe systems about that. I am my own artist. I’m doing things, writing songs, and making music that is completely unique to me, and separate from my peers. I learned over time that there really isn’t such a thing as someone being “better”. We are all special and unique in our own way, and my timing might just be completely different than someone else’s. It also feels a hell of a lot better to cheer someone on, than to pray for a downfall.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a singer, songwriter, and artist. I lean towards country, but my sound is also definitely influenced by other genres such as pop, rock, indie, folk, and others. In the past I feel as though I tried to put myself in a box genre wise, because it’s what I felt like other people wanted from me, but it never felt truly authentic. These days I’m making music that I simply like, and that I feel represents me. If I don’t fit into a box, that’s fine. I’ve never liked feeling caged in anyways.

I started singing and diving into my love of music from a very young age. I was always making up songs, singing in talent shows, and doing things that let me express myself artistically. I started truly writing songs around the age of 12, started playing guitar at 15, and moved to Nashville to officially chase my dreams at 20.

It’s been a very difficult road. For every up, there’s been at least 10 downs. But the magic within the “ups” is what has never let me give up, even when I really wanted to.

I am currently in the studio recording new music that I’m VERY excited about. I have so many ideas and plans for this next phase of my career, after what has felt like a lifetime in a cocoon over these past few years. So, if you would, please follow along and stay tuned! It’s going to be so much fun.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I had to choose 3 things that I think have really impacted my journey as an artist, it would probably be self assurance (knowing what you want, who you are, and standing up for it), resilience (knowing that a rejection, a performance you didn’t feel you best in, or the inevitable let downs do not define you- and that they are not the end), and faith (having hope and belief in yourself and your dreams, even when life is giving you no reason to).

I think for those artists at the beginning of their paths, these are really important key factors to hold onto. This is not a business for the faint of heart. These are all things that I’ve had to learn and strengthen over countless trial and errors. They are probably the only reason I am still able to chase my dreams to this day.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I think one of the biggest challenges in my career as an independent artist, is the funding. If I had it my way, I would be in the studio every day. I would also be shooting music videos and all kinds of projects that I’ve had the time to dream up over the years. I’ve always said that if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still be doing exactly what I’m doing, just way more quickly and efficiently. It’s probably the toughest part of chasing this career, but I know it comes with the territory.

But- where there’s a will, there’s a way! I’ve had to work SO many side hustles in my adult life to keep my art alive, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. When I have that final product of something that came from my heart and soul, and it’s a real life thing I can hold, there’s almost nothing that can beat that feeling.

So, if anyone reading this wants to donate to the artist fund, I will not object! Hahah. Venmo- @teresaguidry

Kidding… not kidding.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Whitney Wolanin Tessa June Photography

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