Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilnisha “TRU7H” Sutton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Wilnisha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, I started off as a lost girl from the hood who always wanted to be a vocalist. A famous one at that. I endured a lot a hardships and trauma as a child. I was born in the 80s so my mother was a crack addict so that effected me in many ways. Then as a teenager, I was always trying to fit in not knowing I was born to stand out. I conformed a lot to things that I didn’t really want to do but my esteem was low so I felt I had to. Start doing drugs, fighting often, and wasn’t a happy person.
My trauma was showing up in many ways and I didn’t know how to deal with that. So things only got worse as I become a victim of the commercial sex industry. I was human trafficked at the tender age of 16 and that was a horrific time of my life but my sun( son) came to bring light to my darkest days. His birth gave me new life and I started to change. I got my GED, went to college, was working on campus, got many awards, scholarships, sang in many spaces, became an ARTIVIST, traveled to Ghana 3 times, and for my day job I mentor youth who have been human trafficked. I tell the youth I serve that “If I can change my life and live my dreams so can they. It doesn’t matter how dark their experience has been. It won’t be easy but you’ve been thru some hard shit and overcame that. You are more than a survivor”.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh, heavens no!! Its been extremely hard to find myself and create my brand. I’m a Black, Fat, Woman! I have three strikes against me. People judge often and are jealous when you are favored. I’ve had many folks tell me I’m extremely talented but I should lose weight I’m too fat. That I’m not “industry” enough! In the beginning that use to bother me but now I know my power and I’m confident in me. Put me on any stage and watch me shine. Take me to any country and even with the language barrier I’ll inspire.
I’ve also had men try to be unprofessional. Say they want to make music but really want to have sex. So now I’m very straight forward. I get paid to perform, do features, and speak. Of course, if it’s a great opportunity or charity I won’t allow money to be the reason I won’t show up and show out. But I’m not afraid to ask if there’s a budget. I just play no games. Folks call me Queen now so I expect to be respected as such and carry myself that way most days lol. I like to turn up too.
Please tell us more about your story. What should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m an “ARTIVIST” I use my artistry and activism to speak my truths, hence my name TRU7H. I just added a 7 to be unique, it’s just pronounced Truth. I’m a motivational speaker as well and I’m not afraid to tell the truths of my past and present to help others. I’m always growing and learning. That’s what separates me from most artist and influencers I keep it real and show my ugliness. Transparency allows one to attract abundance and I also want to inspire folks who have endure ugly experiences. Who have traumas and pains. My hope is that if I use a bold approach they’d see that even ugliness can become something beautiful with lots of hard work. I promote self-love and follow your dreams no matter what.
I also have an international entertainment company with my partner Remember Matthew (who is currently located in Ghana.) Our company is few years old but we’ve already hit the ground running. We’ve put on a few shows in Ghana (That I performed at) and I even spoke at many high schools in Ghana to motivate the youth. We also give back to those in need and are currently planning our first tour for folks who want to travel to Ghana with our tour company “Diaspora Adventures.” My first trip to Ghana in 2017 changed my life and gave me a sense of pride that I never could obtain in this country as a black woman and I want other black folks to experience that. Ghana is safer than America but I do want folks to go with trusted individuals and enjoy the amazing country! So in a nutshell, I’m a superwoman.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is doing what you love and finding ways to fund that dream. A dream is only a thought until you hussle (RIP Nipsey Hussle) to make that dream reality. For me my criteria is evolving, Mastering my craft and being better than I was the year before. Getting better opportunities and inspiring more folks. Making more money too! I like money!! I’m a go getta so money talks! I have to make more money than I did the year before too. Also, I love getting awards. It’s like my new hobby. Being recognized by the right people is success to me too. But staying true to me is mandatory! No one can define success for me!
Pricing:
- Perfoming start at $200
- Speaking engagements start at $350
- Recording fetures start at $150
- To get promotion in Ghana starts at $150
- Trainings on human trafficking start at $200
Contact Info:
- Email: his.tru7h@gmail.com
- Instagram: TRU7H
- Facebook: TRU7H
- Twitter: TRU7H
Image Credit:
Nana kofi Akromah, Homeboy studios, Sara Loud, Ben Macapugay, urban studios.
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