Meet Terrance Kendrick | Artist and Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terrance Kendrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terrance, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to pursue an artistic/creative career because it allowed me self expression. Once I started to explore self, and how it feels to be free, I gained more and more confidence along the way. The more confident I became, I was able to ground myself and connect or reconnect rather, and be the change I wanted to see in the world. Art and creativeness became a passion for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I understand art to be an expression of shared experiences. I didn’t invent Shea butter, and I’m not the only one selling Shea butter, but I cultivate my products with love and passion so that what I desire will manifest. Whether I’m playing drums or hand crafting more products, I’m constantly learning by simply doing. That’s art to me. I have a love for learning and a responsibility to pass that knowledge on to others inspired to create art as well. People connect with that energy because it’s real, it’s truth. People don’t want to be sold a dream, truth seekers want to learn just like me and have experiences that they can take and apply to their own lives.

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey is that not everyone is going to say yes, and that’s ok! No is not failure, no is just no and you move on so you can find the yes. Stay consistent! Your yeses will build, and the right people come along because you didn’t let the no’s stop nor discourage you.

What I want people to discover about my brand and my story is that, if it’s in your heart, do it! If there’s something you want to share with the world, share it! If you can believe it, you will achieve it! At moments, it will be easier said than done, but no purpose comes without lesson. Do it and be happy. Be happy with the life you choose to live, and find balance in your everyday life with it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week in Southern California, where do I start!? Los Angeles is full of dope people, places, and adventure so I’d love to start them off with a good early morning hike in Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, or even the Kenneth Hahn area. I’m an outdoor person myself, so I would definitely have to take them out to enjoy this Cali vibe. LA is a pretty health conscious city, I can’t let them leave LA without them experiencing a juice bar for great smoothie or even a nice vegan spot to give them a chance to eat something different. Everything doesn’t have to be vegan though. LA is known for some of the best Spanish food in the country so we’re going to have to get some tacos and grab a burrito too! Since we have a week, we will definitely have time to try a variety of foods. Living on the coast is so relaxing and the scenery is amazing. It’s always cool to catch a beautiful sunset. I would take them to Manhattan beach one day, maybe Venice or Santa Monica on another. All the beaches are great here and each one gives you a different vibe. Last but not least, I want them to leave with plenty of pictures and some nice things that they discovered on their trip so I would show them around Hollywood of course, and then take them shopping in the Fairfax Melrose and Crenshaw districts. Without a doubt you’re going to have a great time in LA. I know that they’ll have the best trip ever!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first person I’d recognize would have to be my Mom. She’s been my greatest supporter and friend in every venture I’ve pursued until I was able to find my niche, until I was able to discover what I was most passionate about doing and being. My Mom continued to encourage me through all of my trials and tribulations while pushing me to keep going as I explore different ways to make what I want to happen, happen. Another person to recognize would be my Uncle. I was blessed to be able to come out to LA and have a support system already in place. He helped in keeping me grounded as I grew artistically and personally. He provided that mentoring nature. I was able to ask him questions and come to resolutions that progressed me. He also published a book called Flashlights. It’s a book of quotes from successful and influential people and it allowed me to gain a different perspective of myself and life. The book really inspired me to see the world differently.
Last but certainly not the least, the community of Leimert Park in Los Angeles. Everything is there! Music, Food, Dancing, you name it, it’s there! Cultures meet and you get a unique opportunity to develop knowledge about one another that we all take from, that we all grow from. Leimert is like one big melting pot of community and collectiveness.

Website: www.dabuttaz.com

Instagram: @BigLionTk

Other: Ig: @Lion_buttaz