LST Zine 1 | Page 22

You're a builder, creator, would you agree? What is it about building a platform (well in your case multiple) that you enjoy?Would you consider the STARDA brand a platform?

“Thank you I appreciate that. That was always to goal from the start, to build things from the bottom. We really didn't have a lot of these opportunities and a lot of these opportunities didn't start coming into fruition until we got up and started really making it happen ourselves. We had to search for those resources, prove ourselves and really go through the mud.

“There's a few experiences I wouldn't want the younger artists coming under me to have to go through. It could crush a spirit. So I like to build platforms for young dreamers that way they know their craft and the quality of their work is always worth it but it's only going to be worth as much as they put into it. Whether it's my stage or somebody else's they always got to bring a hundred percent because you never know what opportunities will fall after.”

You do have a lot of different programs, how do you choose what to prioritize? Do you create your workshops/programs based off demand,resources, or personal preference?

“I usually create the programs or the curriculum off of what I feel will put the person or the student in the best mindset to accomplish what they need to do. Success truly begins with your mentality. What you believe is real; what you believe you can make real. If they see need to see it then let's put together a program where kids can learn how to make it real. Build a event, write their own poem, make their own plan, build their own team…”

Giving back is a huge theme on your platform, is there a reason why?

“I remember being in school sitting in class just praying that one person will come into the room and just teach me the ins and outs of what I really wanted to know about my passion and my dreams or just randomly ask be to be a part of something that could get me away from my environment. It’s only right I use the little bit that I have to be that for someone else.”