Overcoming Obstacles: AN INSPIRING STORY OF RESILIENCE BY ERIN DUVALL

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS AND BECOME A FEMALE FOUNDER?

I am a Texas-born and raised singer/songwriter/mother and entrepreneur raised on a foundation of country, blues, gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll music. I grew up in a large family in Dallas, TX; I am the fourth of five children. I have two wonderful parents who taught me the importance of hard work and giving back. Since I was a little girl, my entire life was based around being a performer. I was always writing songs in my journal, blaring Dolly Parton or Shania Twain, and putting on shows for anyone who would listen. I paused to go to college at The University of Texas and majored in Journalism. There I honed in on my craft of writing. Immediately after college, I went straight back to music and have had quite the journey; from performing children’s music to composing original music (going from living in New York to Nashville, to the West Coast, then back to Texas) to becoming a mother to four wonderful children, then becoming a single mother and writing this new album (which drops this Fall).

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MAJOR OBSTACLES THAT YOU FACED ON YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS?

I have met very few people in the music industry who can say their road to success has been smooth. I’ve gained the experience necessary to truly stand in the light of my artistry through the many bumps and twists I’ve encountered along my journey; both personally and professionally. When I started, at a young age, I didn’t realize the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to promote the music is equal, if not more, to what you put into making the record. With my debut album, I made the mistake of not hiring a solid team to push and promote the music. I experienced a divorce and was very fortunate to have a loving place to land. As a single mother to my four wonderful children, leaving a legacy behind for them is one of the main driving forces in my everyday life. Additionally, I wanted to use my voice for something positive in the world and help pay it forward. So I am the creator and founder of the Twice the Love Foundation where we focus on the social, emotional, and financial stressors of being a single parent and helping those who need assistance to get back on their feet again.

WHAT LESSONS OR INSIGHTS CAN ASPIRING MUSICIANS DRAW FROM THE STORY OF HOW YOU OVERCAME OBSTACLES?

Looking back on my career, three qualities within myself have allowed me to keep pushing forward every day. The first is my willingness to evolve as a person, artist, and professional while preserving a true sense of self and family. Secondly, I have a lot of perseverance. I have been knocked down a few times on my journey, and the ability to dust myself off and keep pushing forward is something I am proficient at doing at this stage in my life. It is important not to sweat the small stuff; always learn from your mistakes, but don’t let them define you;

And lastly, I think it is super important to understand your strengths, lean into them, and continue to make progress toward growth. I think you are even more powerful when you lean into your strengths AND make the effort to improve in areas where you are not as strong. It provides a foundation to get you through any obstacle life or business throws you. I think that you should be learning something new every day. Also, if you are the smartest person in the room, then you should move to another room; it is so important to surround yourself with people who are more knowledgable and experienced. Never stop learning.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU COLLABORATE OR CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER WOMEN?

In my business, the ability to collaborate with fierce independent women is endless. Through Twice the Love Foundation, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing women; I am looking forward to creating more experiences and partnerships as the foundation continues to grow. My sister, Molly Duvall Thomas, and I own Sisters of Red - a multimedia brand known for sharing our love of fashion, design, travel, and all things beautiful. We have been fortunate to partner with people like Camila McConaughey of Women of Today and have raised money for multiple charities while inspiring women to work together. We are always stronger when we support each other! Additionally, I am the creator and founder of Aunty E, a children’s entertainment brand. Aunty E and the world of Harmony Hills is looking forward to partnering with many women owned businesses just as fiercely independent as Aunty E!

My newest single Girls Weekend has given us the chance to collaborate with women everywhere while we celebrate the power of female friendships!

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WEBSITE: WWW.ERINDUVALLOFFICIAL.COM/