Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?

When I became pregnant I was 18 years old and my music career was in its infancy. Most of my musical performances at the time consisted of performing covers at conferences, weddings and Christmas parties while simultaneously performing as a backup dancer for a local rapper and eventually joining a Krump dance family called Empirical Freedom and black theatre company called Ellipsis Tree. I will never forget getting on the phone with my grandmother who was so proud of my accomplishments and having to tell her I was pregnant at 18, the (now comical) sound of her panicked voice crying out "oh noooooo!" will live in my mind forever. I became a mother at age 19 and began working in the deli at a grocery store; I could only dream of the day that I'd be working full-time in the music and entertainment industry.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you are facing?

As much as I knew what I was walking into, it is disheartening how often this career path makes me feel as though my work is in conflict with my role as a mother, and being made to feel as though I am choosing one over the other (or should do).

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

I am eager to explore more ways to ensure that mothers who work in the music industry can be more specifically accommodated, though I do understand the logistical intricacies that cause this type of request to be viewed as unattractive and expensive.

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

In my career I have been fortunate enough to find community within the arts and beyond just being a listening ear or understanding friend, we can help each other out in significantly helpful ways by doing trades on industry services. The trades we do have a great mutual benefit and allow us to catch up with overdue work, generate extra income, and help stuck projects get back in motion.

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

Unison Fund has been an absolute lifesaver, coming through with the emergency fund at crucial points during the pandemic and while transitioning back to normal life.

What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?

Ensure artists are paid a respectable fee so that they aren't taking a financial hit by performing at your event.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Shout out to Radina Vee, Mz Shellz, LOCVHONTVS, Mama S, DJ Kookum, Lowkita, The Ra11n, Caitlin Goulet, DJ Denise, Pooky G and Christie Lee!