Meet Sterling Rhyne | Singer-Songwriter, Visual Artist & Founder of Cactus Lady Creation

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

Hi Sterling, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking calculated risks and failing with some of those risks is inevitable, yet necessary in the journey to success. Luckily, I was able to learn this tenet in my youth during my time at an Arts Magnet High School, as it has set the tone for the decisions I have made throughout my life and career and has shaped my view on the benefit of taking risks.

There were so many auditions and competitions throughout high school that I threw so much of myself into, believing wholeheartedly that I was the right person for each solo and part, but I did not land most of them. With each part that I failed to land and each competition that I failed to win, it was a blow to my ego and was a risk to my confidence and my individuality. Eventually, after failing to get the parts for many auditions, I landed one that I really wanted and was able to star in a performance playing one of my first compositions that I created. This whole rite of passage allowed me to learn not to take failed auditions or any failed risks personally. Whether or not I landed the part had nothing to do with my artistry or personal value, but has everything to do with what the judge is looking for and their personal bias. I also realized that within each “failed audition” there was some area that I could learn to grow in to make the next one stronger.

In my adult life, I realized that whether the risk was financially funding a passion project or launching a new product in my small business – the process is very similar to the audition process. Sometimes the project might be a success, but sometimes the project will fail – the key is learning from the failures and using it as fuel for the next venture. In the end, the most talented one is not the one who wins in life or their career, it is the most persistent who truly succeeds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

The pandemic has created a lot of challenges with navigating my small business, art and music ventures, but luckily I discovered that there were so many ways to build my projects online. I was able to continue growing my business and to continue collaborating with others online, such as being a part of the Beyond the Studio Series with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It’s been really inspiring to see how so many artists and businesses have navigated this challenging and bizarre time. I have also been able to take more time to build up my home recording studio capabilities, and can now finally record some new music that I am really excited to release later in the year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite places to hang in L.A. is down on Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park and Silverlake. There are so many nifty shops, amazing food, and a few fun dive bar spots as well. First, I’d take my friend to Stories, which is such a fun coffee shop and bookstore with a great atmosphere. Next for lunch, I would take them to Konbi, which has the most delicious Katsu/egg sandwhich and amazing coffee as well. Then we’d walk off our full bellies from lunch and go vintage shopping at Sunday’s Best Vintage and record hunting at Cosmic Vinyl. Next we’d venture to Silverlake for happy hour and hit up Kombu, which has the most delicious sushi and beer. Next, head to El Cochinito for some lovely cuban food for dinner. Afterwards we’d go hang in Hollywood at Davey Wayne’s, which is such a fun 70s themed bar. Lastely we’d see if any friends are playing in the area at like the Bootleg Theater or The Echo who’s show we can swing through.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person that I would like to shoutout is my mentor and piano teacher Teresa Stephenson. She was always very supportive of me and also encouraged me to really go after my dreams in my youth, which really changed the path of my life.

Website: www.cactusladycreation.com

Instagram: @sterlingrhyne @cactusladycreation

Youtube: Cactus Lady Creation