Meet SweetTee Batiste | A LAB Created Diamond

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

Hi SweetTee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’d say SweetTee Entertainment,LLC was just an idea of thinking outside of the box for me. I always knew from a young girl that I was different and created to be something greater than my environment. But I just didn’t know how or what until March 2020. When Covid-19 started to help take my mind off of what was happening around the world and even in my own community, I began to brainstorm and do some research on how to start an llc and what the requirements were. Again SweetTee Entertainment was just a thought and then created when the entire world was sitting still and truly didn’t know what life was going to look like.
LOL! Like literally 🙂

For the past several years I’ve been involved in the dental world (I’m a certified Dental Assistant) and honestly never thought that I’d ever have my own business. Let alone imagining that I could create my own business. But, because of a whole pandemic and not being able to work in that field during that time I literally had to find a way to get active and productive, create a space to spread the good news and love through music.

I first started a YouTube channel first entitled “Itzthesweettee4me” where at first it started with daily affirmations, words of encouragement and even make-up tutorials you know relatable stuff. Honestly I felt like I was talking to myself because I couldn’t see anyone in front of me. But during post production (I learned that too!) and actually scheduling the videos to post, I could see that my followers were really into it. Side note: Sometimes all it takes is for us to tap into what God has already placed in us all along.

Starting my YouTube channel not only unlocked my creative mind in writing my very first single entitled ” Do You Mind (Queen’s Story). But also assisted with one of many live performances . I also got a chance to do a live virtual perfomance at legendary music venue House of Blues New Orleans (that can be found House of Blues New Orleans facebook page too). Which then birthed SweetTee Entertainment!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Singer and a Songwriter. What sets me apart from other artists is my stage presence and song selection. I love love love music and how it makes people feel when they hear it. As a little girl I always aspired to perform like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. I’d get dressed up and imitate what they were doing on tv. Like Whitney Houston always dressed stylishly but her voice was so much greater than the outfit.

Likewise I try to channel that “little girl” era and envision myself performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 people. I’m most proud and excited as a performer when my setlist gives the audience that “AHA” moment lol. Like a trip down Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” or A Taste of Honey “Boogie Oogie.” I’m even more satisfied watching my audience enjoying the music by dancing and even singing along with me. Music has always been a major part of my life experiences and I like to take people on every experience of my life with me.

How’d I get to where I am now professionally? Through Jamal Batiste, Open Mic nights (in various venues), Radio station WHIV (We Honor Independent Voices), Social Media and Word of Mouth.

Was it Easy? No…. Not even a little bit. And at times I’ve thought that this was not my calling in life…. even now as I’m writing this out. How I overcome the challenges? Honestly through prayer, staying rooted and grounded in who God says I am and His word. Knowing that I have a calling on my life to share my testimony! And then putting the work in by practicing on new material, writing new material, getting new ideas for live performances along with consistent vocal training and any opportunity to showcase my vocal capabilities.

Lessons I’ve learned and that I’m still learning is: TAKE A CHANCE ON YOURSELF! DON’T EVER BE AFRAID OF YOUR GIFT!

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?
Most definitely we’re going to Drago’s (Metairie) for the chargrilled oysters!

Magazine street for some retail therapy.

Downtown in the French Quarter where there is always some live performances happening.

Cafe Du Monde for some hot and fresh beignets and coffee!

Audubon Zoo to hang out with our beautiful animals and enjoy some fun in the sun!

New Orleans Museum of Art- Our art is absolutely out of this world!

Also one cannot forget about what makes New Orleans New Orleans… the MUSIC! So of course we’d have to visit our historic New Orleans Jazz Museum!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Whew, yes there are so many people that I know for sure have attributed words of advice, words of encouragement, doors of opportunity etc.

1. God and my family- For giving me this gift to speak life over all of my trials and tribulations. Also for giving me the gift of confidence. My family ( My mother Pam and my big brother Derrick aka Heavy D) for always encouraging me to believe in myself, the long drives and all day waiting times for competitions (American Idol 2005-2006). The saying ” It truly takes a village” holds near and dear on so many levels. Also my city Buford,Georgia… God created me but the LAB made me just who I am today!

2. Jorel “JFly” Flynn- Big brother/friend for pushing me to finally get on the mic at Kat’s Cafe open mic nights. For always steering me into the direction of following my dreams! HBIYD?! (How Big Is Your Dream?!)

3. The late great Gina Brown- for simply answering the phone and inviting me to share the stage with her. For putting me into spaces of opportunity to share the gift of song (Kulture Park Grand Opening, WHIV radio station where We Honor Independent Voices, double showcase features Backs to Front and lastly the annual New Orleans Thanksgiving Fest in 2023). Gina was not just my friend, she was more like family. She always encouraged myself and other independent artists to nurture and perfect our craft and also to believe in ourselves even when others didn’t. Thank you G and may you continue to R.I.P.

4. Ametria Dock- This lady is just a beautiful spirit inside as well as outside. She’s my vocal coach and just AMAZING! Ametria is not just the “good job” coach she will critic and give correction when and where it is needed. I literally went into our relationship not having a basis of fundamental background other than just singing, Ametria took me under her wing and we started my journey of vocal training. I’ve learned things and techniques that I didn’t know I possessed. Thank you Ametria!

5. Lastly but definitely not least is Mr. Jamal Batiste- He’s responsible for my single debut, live performance show tracks and live performances. His genuine heart and ears to listen to my sometimes unorthodox way of creating a song goes far beyond my appreciation for him. Jamal took a chance on me and my vocal capabilities in the studio for an album that he wrote and produced and later released in 2023! I not only get the opportunity to work with him professionally but I’m also blessed to call him my HUSBAND! I LOVE YOU JAM 🙂

Instagram: itzthesweettee4me

Facebook: SweetTee

Youtube: ItztheSweetTee4Me

Other: TikTok- ItstheSweetTee4Me