The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
20+ years (Aside from the decade soaking up inspiration in NC, NM, UT, MT, HI, and AK)
Hustle (job)
Singer/songwriter, illustrator and founder of Pop-Up Music Co-op
What do you do?
June Bunch Music: I perform music, both original and otherwise, at listening rooms, restaurants, and private events around town. I collaborate with various projects and add harmonies as a session singer; Pop-Up Music-Co-op: I founded a resource to connect musical collaborators. We present quarterly showcases which act as artist highlights and creative networking events for local musicians to engage in a talent exchange; One Fruit Forward Illustrations: I create images combining ballet with botanical features. The idea is to share the choreography of a plant’s growth through humanized body language and movement. I use vibrant colors with pop-art contrast and commission custom illustrations for tattoos.
Why do you do it?
For the Pop-Up: I saw too many creatives without a network to share their ideas with, and I wanted to make it easy to execute creative vision with a built-in stage to showcase it. It’s a very constructive community. For my illustrations: Mother Nature gives me a sense of calm, and drawing natural forms, whether plant or human, enhances my sense of appreciation for both elements, especially when combined. It’s beautiful to see how others connect to the pieces as well.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
Seasonal Jobs. In college, I worked at the Nantahala River Outdoor Center (because I was broke and it had staff housing). There, I played at open mics with my village of co-workers and found a love for songwriting by the riverbank. My co-workers shared the trails with me and I learned to draw its liveliness and frolic in its wildness. We stuck together, exploring both nature and the creative nature of our experiences. So many songs were written that summer … and so it began. I went on to work at Yellowstone and became humbled by the worlds of new, artful wildflowers. I saw them as dancers. It wasn’t until I worked at a food forest in Winter Haven, Florida they appeared on paper. I first created a botanical lady, a Venus made with the head of a Bird of Paradise coming out of her leaves, and from there, I was hooked.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
Music: I play ukulele, but I don’t play it traditionally and the songs I choose often more folky than luau-themed (albeit, I love a good luau and enjoy players absolutely shredding traditional Hawaiian tunes on the ukulele). Art: I do not just trace a picture when I use a tablet to draw – there are hours of delicate lines created and erased just like a paintbrush – I use it, so I don’t lose that time-consuming linework in an image scan, as I make create a silkscreen for printing.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Initiating the interest is the main challenge. When I started the mission in Asheville, it took a few rounds to gain momentum, but then it sustained itself. Right now, the Pop-Up is brand new and needs additional interested musicians to sign up and share their time for collaboration projects. I’m always looking for music schools, record stores etcetera to post the sign-up flyer and share the resource with their musician friends.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Persistence is key. Research first and stabilize a thoughtful foundation. From there, you will hear rejection, an opportunity to fine-tune, and when that “yes” comes, you form a positive relationship and learn how to grow all the more from there. Feeback, feedback, feedback.
