Talya Coleman

Definitely my grandmother, because she was an entrepreneur herself and opened up a beauty supply store in addition to having another business for years. I learned a lot from her entrepreneurial skills and abilities, all the life lessons, all the wisdom, and just how strong she was as a person. I attribute my success a lot to just my grandma and everything she taught me.

My grandmother told me 'no matter what happens, life goes on.' So whether things go my way or not, I got to keep going. That's always stuck with me, and I've just continued to move forward regardless of how things turn out.

My advice to young women entering the entertainment and music industry is to believe in the value you bring, educate yourself about the business, and never be afraid to create your own opportunities. This industry can be competitive, and there may be times when you are underestimated or feel pressured to prove yourself, but confidence, preparation, and consistency can take you a long way. Learn as much as you can about the business behind your talent, build genuine relationships, protect your reputation, and don't allow rejection to make you question your purpose. Most importantly, don't feel like you have to compromise who you are to succeed. Stay authentic, keep developing your skills, and remember that sometimes the opportunity you're waiting for is the one you're meant to create yourself.

One of the biggest challenges in the music industry right now is standing out in an oversaturated market. Independent artists have more access than ever to distribution, social media, AI, and digital marketing tools, but having access doesn't automatically translate into building a sustainable career. Artists are expected to understand branding, content creation, marketing, audience development, and business strategy in addition to making great music. At the same time, I believe this creates one of the greatest opportunities we've ever seen for independent talent. Artists no longer have to wait for a major label or traditional gatekeeper to give them permission to build an audience or create a business around their music. With the right education, strategy, team, and resources, independent artists have an incredible opportunity to take greater ownership of their careers and build success on their own terms.

Faith, integrity, authenticity, perseverance, and giving back are some of the values that are most important to me. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that success is about more than accomplishments or financial gain—it's also about purpose and what I can do with the opportunities I've been given. I value treating people with respect, being genuine in my relationships, keeping my word, and continuing to move forward even when the journey doesn't happen according to my original plan. I also believe that as I grow, my ability to help others should grow with me. Whether that's creating opportunities for independent artists, mentoring emerging talent, or giving back to people in my community, I want my success to ultimately have an impact that reaches beyond myself.