Today we’d like to introduce you to Zealyn
Hi Zealyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Zealyn and I have been in Los Angeles pursuing music for over 10 years now. I moved here when I was only 19 and have spent the last decade seeing the good and the bad of the music industry. I have noticed first hand the lack of female representation in all parts – producers, writers, managers, A&Rs, booking agents, the list goes on. Out of frustration with what I was witnessing, I decided to start a non-profit with hopes of bringing equality, opportunity, visibility, and practical tools to women in music. It’s called Push-Up Bra LA (because everyone appreciates a little support). In the first two years, Push-Up Bra LA has focused on spotlighting female artists by organizing inclusive, community-centered events where the artists actually get paid well (which if you didn’t know, is very uncommon when playing showcases in Los Angeles) thanks to donations made at the door, which the artists get 100% of. So far, we have had 9 sold out events featuring 28 female artists, but we don’t want to stop there. On top of our showcases, we want to have workshops, networking events, all female writing camps, and many other opportunities for women in music to help them thrive in this industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m so thankful to say that the events we throw have been pretty seamless so far, and ever since the beginning they have been packed. The RSVP list immediately fills up anytime we announce an event, and I think that just goes to show that people are longing for community. As a start up non-profit, our biggest struggle remains to be finances. This is a struggle that I am willing to work through and invest in, as I am confident in the work we are doing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The feedback from people attending our events has been overwhelming. Time and time again, we have people sharing with us that Push-Up Bra LA’s showcases are the best they’ve been to in Los Angeles. And the artists say the same thing! Most of them share that our event is the most considerate and supportive showcase that they have ever played. The reason for this is because we are not a company that is fixated on making a profit and putting in the minimal amount of effort. We focus on the artists and the audience FIRST – thinking of every detail to make people feel thought of and cared for.
We don’t want to copy and paste what anyone else is doing. Instead, my business partner (Natalie Lane) and I think outside of the box, and we plan to do this with all future Push-Up Bra LA endeavors.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
It’s so simple, but I just want to help women in music as much as I can. When I think back on my 10 years in Los Angeles, I can only count on one hand the amount of music industry people that genuinely helped me and cared for me… that didn’t view me as a dollar sign, but were willing to be a part of my journey. I’m so thankful for all three of them, and it showed me how rare it is for people to actually give a shit. I hope that someone can say that about me one day. I hope that through Push-Up Bra LA, we can make a small difference in so many people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pushupbra.la
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushupbra.la
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pushupbrala
Image Credits
Ashley Crichton, Nikki Neumann, Caroline Brodt, Nicole Albrecht, and Cory Popp
