10 Words of Advice from 5XFEST’s Womxn of Colour Artists Panel
1. Being a womxn of colour, you’re underestimated, overlooked, and over-scrutinized, so don’t be surprised if you find you have to work 2x as hard for 2x as long to get the shine you deserve. Believe in yourself and know your worth!
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2. Even though it is a non-stop-24-7-hustle-hard industry, catch a beat, take time to pause and have silences. Breathe. Reflect.
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3. Rest! Go to bed after shows if your body is telling you to do so. Listen to yourself, listen to your body. Know when to just stop and take a break. It’s ok to take a break.
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4. Take care of your health in all aspects. Be healthy and happy first and foremost, and then get booked and busy.
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5. You have to really know who you are and know what story you’re telling. Know why you’re telling this story. Know your why.
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6. Know why you’re different, and why you stand out from all the other talented artists out there. Everyone’s talented sis. Why you tho? Know why you’re unique.
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7. Advice for your younger brown kid self: Hey little one! You’re lit! Don’t worry about it! It gna be LIT!
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8. Find those people who truly believe in you and your dreams and are willing to support you. Find those people who are willing to essentially work for you for free. Surround yourself with other talented, creative, and driven people.
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9. You have to really want it. You have to want it really, really bad— it’s a really tough industry to make it in. Want it more than anyone else, and keep working hard for it.
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10. It’s a tough business yes, but at the end of the day, you have to really love what you’re doing, and you have to have fun!!!
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Thank you @kiranbhumber @cartelmadras @lilindia @samicamusic @m2ray_ @kirtiarneja @laydyjams for so generously giving of your time, energy, experiences, and words of wisdom with myself and the audience last night @5xfest! Was such a pleasure and privilege to moderate and hold space for you.
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