One year ago, I made the hard decision to stop doing any work for artists, entertainers, anybody that had to do with this industry.

I had become extremely frustrated and disappointed in the people I related to and the whole entertainment industry in the Vegas area that I had become involved with. I found that I was complaining to much to the point that I had become bitter and resentful. I did not like this feeling and knew that I had to make a shift.

Before I go any further, I do recognize that I set myself up for this disappointment. I had higher expectations of people that I really did not know well when I moved down here. It’s one of those stories of learning people based off social media interactions and phone conversations. I now have learned that when you get to know people in person it can shift a bit or a lot. I made a mover to Vegas not knowing the culture and mindset of the people that I was draw into engaging and put work into using my skills in promoting and developing marketing tools.

I had always believed that I should prove my skills and abilities and then move in the direction of getting paid for what I have to offer, and someone needs from me.  6 years later, I realized that I had put more into people that did not put into helping me grow myself in to establishing a business.  They did not promote me or help create a real buzz in what my capabilities were to grow a paying clientele. I worked, created, and promoted and grew nothing that established myself as a valuable businessperson in Vegas.  And in the end, I was hurt and frustrated.

So, I got quiet and continued my conversations with God…but when I got quiet, I heard him say, “Susan stop doing the work for others.”  And I listened.

 

I contacted each party and had honest conversations. They really could not say anything to dispute what I said in their lack of supporting me as a businessperson. I did not get emotional (which is a normal reaction for me) I stated what I felt and let it go. I did not continue any work of any sort, once I acknowledged to myself what I was not getting out of doing the work. I stopped paying for websites too.

I do not dislike any of these people by no means, I just do not want to support them any longer and I feel good about making this hard decision.

The interesting thing as a Christian and as a person that knows that I am mean to serve others, where is it okay to say I can no longer serve you if you are not able to pay or willing to pay, and you are not able to assist me in building a paying clientele. I believe in help others, and of course there is the feel-good aspect of helping others that is extremely valuable. But when should a Christian stop giving? I think this is where I struggled in Vegas. Reciprocity is not a defined negotiation when doing work.

So, I just stopped and it funny when I did that…the relationships dissolved. There is no type of interactions with any of them.

The funny thing is, when I made this decision and stuck with it, I felt a sense of peace fall over me. 1 year later, I have no regrets in making this decision and there is no ill feelings about any of it.

I do wonder if I will ever allow an opening for anyone to pull me into working with them or joining there team…we will just have to wait and see.

So May 30, 2023 I loaded up my car and returned to Seattle…The birthing place of LadyFlava of LadyFlavaNews.

I will always support Independent/ Underground Arts & Entertainment and Small Businesses of People of Color and more.

My Daddy told me years ago the Supporting Creatives is my ministry. He said this is the calling God put on me, it won’t be easy but it’s my God given purpose and journey.

This looks take seriously. I will find the direction I will take it beyond my blogs.

LadyFlava of LadyFlavaNews

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