We had the good fortune of connecting with Lady Dang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lady, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I like this question, since taking risks, has played a central, and continuous role in my personal life, and career. In hindsight, I noticed, it’s equal to living a life full of faith. Although, it may look strange to others, risks are very personal to the risk taker’s journey, but yet also connected to those they are destined to sojourn with, waiting for them on the other side of that risk. Taking risks is like leaving the comfort of the things you discovered in the last risk you took, in order to take a risk and discover something you know nothing about. Risks have consequences & spoils. Both are important to our journey to learn, grow, and experience this mysterious story of our lives. Risk keeps you humble, and those who stay enlisted , risk will whisper into your ear for you to consider it again and again. As more wisdom takes hold of me over the years, aligning my moral compass with these risks, have been the most rewarding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a multi-entrepreneur. Songwriting and performance came back into my life a few years ago, and I’m developing my own label called Stay Royal Records. Between singing & MC’ing, what excites me is having the courage to try new things to discover my sound, and what my voice represents in the greater scheme of things. Learning how to navigate a project from start to finish in the writing process, recording studio, stream channels, and promotions is not easy at all. The only way to get it is to put in the work, and make the financial investments. Since opening up to this possibility, making music for TV, film, and ads, seems to be a door for the kind of music I want to create. I’m still in the middle of my process so there’s still a lot to be discovered. I’m putting out a single Ive been working on for 3 years on October 2nd called Wonder Woman. After so long, it’s ready, and is pretty cool that it’s coming out the year, Wonder Woman the movie is coming out too.. Something or nothing can happen, and that’s exciting. I repurposed a video for a song I wrote called Keep On It. I felt it lent a visual voice to what we are currently going thru today with the loss of George Floyd and what that ignited in our country, and the tensions our homes may be experiencing because of Covid. It’s currently at 20k views on Youtube and climbing. I recently put out a single called John Doe’s that shines a light on the culture that surrounds sex trafficking of children. It raised some money towards an organization that I’ve quietly supported over the years called Operation Underground Railroad. I’’m currently conceptualizing another video to be a visual voice for that as well. What I’d like the world to know about Stay Royal Records is, as artists, we don’t have to create music and visual accompaniments that compromises on our values, and still have a unique vibe with something significant to say. I’ve also owned and operated a one chair salon called Lady Dang Hair, currently in Vista. I’ve been providing hair services publicly for 22 years, and am still in love with helping to bring out their personalized style to the world . I’d say, what sets me apart from others are the conversations and care I give to my clients. Not just in the quality of work they receive, but I believe they leave with an extra brightness to their spirit, in order to take on whatever life is inviting them into at the moment.  

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With Covid, things have slowed down quite a bit, but my favorite beach to take a dip, brisk walk in the morning or evening, and be around my fave eateries is North Ponto Beach in Carlsbad. After a swim, paddleball competition on the sand, and a full days worth of sunning the bums, I like to walk to Knockout Pizza to grab a couple New York style slices to scarf down. Who cares about being lactose! Groupon is having special deals in paddle boarding too so you can grab a couple of those and paddle to your heart’s desire in the Carlsbad Lagoon or Mission Bay. As you can tell, I like outdoor water sports. I recently discovered The Cove in La Jolla is great for snorkeling and kayaking. Another great spot to get in your miles if you’re a runner with some scenery and eateries is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. The Taco Shop is a yummy grub hub as they make their tortillas in house, which makes ALL the difference. Plant Power all vegan “burger” joint off Santa Fe Ave in Encinitas is a gem for a happy tummy too without the guilt. It’s just around the corner from a skate park, so you can make a picnic out of it easy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where do I begin? My biggest shoutout is to Jesus, and the close relationships that make up my world within this vibrant community. Within these last 3 -4 years especially, thru their books, speaking engagements, and classes, I’ve participated in by the following:
-T.D. Jakes, Bishop of The Potter’s House
-Craig Muster, Business Coach
-Karlet Muster, Life Coach
-Brae Wyckoff, Kingdom Writer’s Association
-Jill Wyckoff, Kingdom Creativity Intl
-Kris Vallotton, Bethel
-Judy Stakee, Artist/Songwriting Mentor The love of my family and friends:
-Ailani Dang-Cepeda, Husband
-Dave & Lan Geske, Brother in Law, Sister
-Bella Geske, Niece, Fellow Dreamer
-Eric & Melody Antoine, Wudwurx Cabinetry & Flygirl Studios
-Sabrina Serrano, Organizing Your Vision
-Philly Phil, Future Unlimited Media
-Quantal Langford, The Creative Brew TV, Just Heart Apparel

Website: https://ladydang.world/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladydangworld/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ladydangmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKv68NY2LiE0bRCdv0Q9Yw
Other: Hair Business: -Website: https://ladydanghair.com/ -instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladydanghair/

Image Credits
Elizabeth Balch

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