1. NO DREAM IS TOO BIG

Meet Delilah, our official Bella Badass Mascot🐍!

It’s so cliché to say, but don’t be afraid to dream big, ask for what you want, and watch how the universe shows up for you. What are the odds of moving countries, not knowing anyone, and then meeting a whole crew of incredible creatives—directors, dancers, models, designers, videographers, and photographers (the list really goes on)—that would be hyped to dedicate their time to making a music video? I still get chills when the credits roll. What are the odds that I wanted a live snake on set and one of the dancers knew somebody who had socialized, exotic pets? Lol.

But for real, I feel like sometimes we limit ourselves or believe that we are asking too much, or we feel uncomfortable asking for help. I’ve learned through this process that no idea is too big or out of reach; all I had to do was ask. So, dream big, BB, because you never know who is going to be there to support you in making that dream a reality. It may even be me, haha.

2. Follow to Lead

Music Video Director & Choreographer Cece Marie doing her thing on set!

I thought I was the director, but I’ve finally realized my true role as a leader is to be a really good follower. My job is to share a coherent vision, build a team of creatives who connect with that vision, and then step back and watch the beauty unfold.

Micro-managing comes from a lack of trust, and I personally hate being micro-managed. So, with each project, I am learning to ask myself: “Can I follow this person?” “Am I being coherent with what I want upfront?” “Am I sturdy as a leader so others feel safe to lead in my presence?” By stepping back and treating every collaborator as an essential creative voice, the final product became something exponentially richer than what I had originally envisioned alone.

Behind the scenes by Damien Farr, the Videographer himself!

3. Obstacles are Magic

The sooner I realize this, the more fun I have. I used to get so hung up on the obstacles when creating a project. Every "no" was met with such a desire to quit. Cancellations would cause me to second-guess myself, and hiccups in the plan would have me questioning, “Why am I even doing this?”

Problem-solving on set with Drone Videographer Maddie.

I’ve been curating projects from the ground up since 2018, so I’ve had a few years to lowkey get over myself and realize that it is all part of the process. Matter of fact, it adds excitement and spontaneity; it holds room for magic to happen. For this project, I learned that I am getting better at greeting each obstacle with more enthusiasm. So, always have a Plan B or C or even D in some cases; and have fun maneuvering the roadblocks, the "no’s," the cancellations, and the hiccups. Everything is part of the process, and those who learn to ride the waves end up falling in love with them.

4. NWA is Full of Incredible Creatives—Don’t Sleep on ‘Em!

The work ethic, the talent, the reliability, and just the pure joy that it was to spend countless weekends together working on this project with a crew all in the vicinity of Northwest Arkansas (NWA)... I left every meeting with a huge smile and a light spirit. My heart overflows with gratitude for the team that came together.

Big hugs on set with dancer, Abbey Sanchez <3

Moving from Milan to NWA was the biggest culture shock for me, and to be honest, I did not make the move happily. It’s been years since I’ve lived in NWA, and the girl that left here was riddled with low self-esteem, scared of the new, and struggling with a lot of internal demons. I didn’t greet NWA with open arms, and that definitely reflected back to me in countless ways in my first months back stateside. It took a while for me to learn how to integrate into this community authentically. Once I did, I was met with so much creativity, talent, expertise, and love. I have learned that no matter where you go in the world, it’s better not to be quick to judge, but open-minded to the amazing people you can connect with.

5. I Rediscovered My "Why"

Why do I make music? I make music as a form of therapy. To battle low self-esteem, write my own narrative, and connect with others who desire to be the main character in their life. I continually am reminded that I am not alone when I share my music. That empowerment matters. When others feel safe to flourish and be themselves, it creates a ripple of joy, positivity, trust, and high energy.

I really feel like this project taught me to not fear my depth, my desire to connect on an emotional level, and to hold space for that in all that I do. With this team and this song, I rediscovered my purpose. I create music to inspire unity, confidence, and pride. So thank you to each of you Bella Badasses for coming along on this journey and breathing life back into me. <3