Conversations with Luba Rodina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luba Rodina.

Hi Luba, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Minsk, Belarus. A few days after I was born the nurse told my mom I’m going to be a singer. I, allegedly cried louder than the other kids. I started singing in the choir at nine years old but was transferred to individual lessons due to “being loud.” Growing up, I always put myself out on the school stage, despite my feet & hands shaking so hard I could barely stand. At 12, my parents signed me to a talent development team. From then on I was able to gain experience on bigger stages around my hometown. I knew I wanted to be a singer and it was making me the happiest kid. Being at a school with 0 art classes felt like a painful waste of time so I planned my escape to the United States. By 17 years old, I had saved up enough money from working at the factory and flipping anything I could. My dream seemed impossible. I paid two weeks of my salary to a consultant that told me, “You have a 0% chance for the US visa”. I kept saying I’m possible and as soon as I got a visa, I booked my tickets to the US. Just two weeks later, I was saying goodbye to my family and friends. I don’t think many people took me seriously then but here I am. Building my path to the life I want. After four years in Los Angeles and working in the entertainment industry for two years; I finally had the confidence, connections and opportunity to professionally record my first song and shoot the music video. I have been through so many transformations, I feel very proud of who I am today and what I do. I hope my story can be one of inspiration to other girls across the world to follow their dreams and never give up.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It felt like moving my own giant mountain. The immigration process was far from easy. My struggles began with the challenge of not speaking English fluently and lacking financial support or connections. For 1.5 years, I didn’t have work authorization and had to take suspicious jobs for cash, such as trimming cannabis with a boss who threatened deportation or working as a bakery employee in Beverly Hills for just $9 per hour. I lived in survival mode for years, constantly reminding myself that everything is always changing.

When I finally obtained my documents, I entered the entertainment industry as a background actress and model. I grappled with self-doubt, comparison, and constant rejection. However, each experience strengthened and shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful for the struggles and the lessons. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of it all.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist; I simply love to create. I am a singer/songwriter, actress, director, producer, and model. Engaging in resin art and being on a session/set makes me happy. I am looking forward to focusing more on my singing career this year.

I am most proud of the mindset shift I made from depression to optimism. Additionally, I successfully adapted to a new country at a young age, and despite the challenges and fear, I persevered. I take pride in my ability to thrive and take risks for bigger opportunities.

Discipline sets me apart from others. I have a rule of accomplishing at least one task every day. It could be a workout, dedicated time for songwriting and singing, meditation, or studying useful subjects. I never give up, even when no one believes in me. Small wins every day lead to the big ones.

How do you think about luck?
I perceive luck as energy, and there is a way to attract it. Back in Belarus, I used to get upset about the weather, poverty, injustice and my living situation. I didn’t feel fortunate; life seemed like navigating through thorny bushes. However, only years later, when I began expressing gratitude for the positives in life and appreciating each day, that’s when luck truly started to manifest. I did the hard work and it was time to encounter the right people to move forward. Being present and curious to recognize moments of luck is crucial. It was a magical journey to realize that luck resides in one’s mindset.

Pricing:

• Vocal Lesson – 55$
• Resin ashtray – 40$
• Resin guitar pick – 10$

Contact Info:

• Website: https://saleylook.wixsite.com/lubarodina
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luba_rodina/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luba.rodina.75/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/caXeWyl8FhU
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/0R3iS4dcBoThPXvpmZfTaO?si=102db47647fe4467

Image Credits
1. Curtis Kuo 2. Nadezhda Lialina 3. Ethan May 4. Taylor Patterson 5. Dmitriy Usov