Today we’d like to introduce you to Glennellen Anderson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Glennellen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Creativity has always been fluent for me. I speak with my music through my lyrics, and I express my range of emotions onstage + onscreen when acting. When my original debit album, PERSPECTIVE, landed its very first distribution deal, I was advised by my entertainment attorney and manager to form an LLC. In truth – I initially had no idea what they were talking about.
So, I did the research. Long story short, I discovered the difference between being simply a music artist and being a businesswoman. After hours, days and weeks of research, as well as seeking wise counsel from people I most respect and admire in this business, I merged my creative side with my business side.
At first, it was simply an LLC. I decided to call it “Better Off Red,” which was something I’d heard someone say during a songwriting session in reference to being a natural redhead and the unique power that it holds. The LLC is actually Better Off Red Records, LLC, under which I produced, pitched, released and licensed my music.
As I continued to venture down my music career path, I began to dive deeper into the business end of things. Along the way, I met so many people who not only had LLC’s – but also INC’s. I asked questions. Did more research. Discovered what exactly the purpose behind having an INC. was, and why it was so important.
I could honestly go on and on, explaining the difference between an LLC and an INC, or what they mean and how they help, but in truth – that all didn’t lead me to make the decision to convert BETTER OFF RED LLC into a corporation. My passion for music is what lead me to create BETTER OFF RED, and my newfound passion for the business end of entertainment biz is what lead me to convert it into my own business.
Yes, I am a music artist. I was on American Idol XIV, and have been singing since the age of 2. And yes, I am an actress. I play mean girl Nicole on “Stranger Things,” and am fortunate to still be booking more shows and films.
But what if I also wanted to use these platforms to elevate NEW platforms… such as, let’s say, fashion? Maybe create my own clothing line, or partner with other designers and brands on different apparel, jewelry, handbag, etc. collections and designs. Well, guess what? I did. I partnered with MOTIF NO.3, a brand based in DTLA that specializes in luxury handbags inspired by art. Together, we created their first red leather handbag: the ruby red half-moon wristlet.
This is just one example of what all I can do through my own brand. That word… “brand.” So much power, strength and opportunity in this one simple word. Through branding, I’ve discovered elements within me that I never knew existed. Having a company isn’t just opening a storefront and selling merchandise. It can also be used to protect your music, or launch your ideas, and more.
Many people are asking me, why better off red? While inspired by my hair color, that isn’t what the brand and name is about. Being “better off red” simply being ME. Despite whatever curveballs life throws my way, or what hardship finds me, or the hits I take along the way, those things are not what defines me. What I take from these situations, what I make of them… that is what defines me.
People along the way have (and will) deceive me, hurt me, and betray me. I have no control over who decides to stay and who chooses to leave, or who decides to love me VS. who decides to hate me. But in the end, my music will never leave me. My passion for what I do will never fade. Despite what people tell me to be, I am always #BetterOffRed.
And that will always be the intent behind my brand, no matter what various avenues I pursue with it.
Has it been a smooth road?
No. The road to creating “Better Off Red” has NOT been smooth. But it has been passionate, genuine, and humble.
In truth, I formed my LLC when someone I loved + cherished as a family, and respected on all levels, tried to rip my career away from me. It was as if they were trying to pull the rug out from underneath my feet, in order to look down on me and say, “getting back up won’t do you any good, so it’s best to just stay where you belong: down there.”
My trusting heart was shattered, and my innocent spirit was crushed. I found myself becoming guarded, and I hated it. So that’s when I decided that, my heart was not to stay broken and would continue to love. My spirit would not remain shaken and would stay very much alive.
My desire to see the good in people would not be taken away from me. However, when it came to my career, my outlook and approach would have to be different. That’s where the shields came up. That’s when my incredible team was brought together to build an empire. That’s when I decided that I am “BETTER OFF RED.”
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Entertainment Business is the foundation. BETTER OFF RED mainly covers music, film/TV, stage. But it also covers fashion, investments, partnerships, and overall branding. It is the umbrella that covers all of my endeavors and business pursuits.
What makes it different? I think that’s up for everyone else to decide. I know who I am, and what the purpose is behind being “better off red.” It’s now up to my audience to decide what sets me apart. After all – is it me, branding me? Or is it actually you? Maybe it’s both of us.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles, CA, is where business handling is done. But BETTER OFF RED itself is international.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glennellenanderson.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/BetterOffRedINC
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/glennellenXO
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
