Meet Ryan Atkins of New Jersey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Atkins.

Hi Ryan , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Manhattan and raised in New Jersey, and my journey has been anything but conventional. Like many people, I’ve experienced seasons of heartbreak, disappointment, and having to rebuild my confidence. Looking back, those moments became the foundation for who I am today. They strengthened my faith, taught me resilience, and inspired me to create work that encourages others to keep moving forward.

Professionally, I serve as a Director of Operations, where I enjoy leading teams, solving problems, and helping organizations grow. At the same time, I’ve always believed that my creative side is just as much a part of who I am. I’m a singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur, and creativity has always been the way I connect with people and tell meaningful stories.

I published my first prayer book, Guided Prayers from a Vessel, and I’m currently writing my second , From Broken to Chosen. The book shares my personal journey through healing, faith, and transformation, with the hope that readers will realize they are never defined by their hardest seasons.

Whether it’s through music, writing, or the work I do every day, my goal is simple: to leave people feeling encouraged, seen, and reminded that even broken chapters can become beautiful beginnings.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs and creatives, I’ve faced setbacks, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned whether I should keep going. Building a career while balancing a full-time leadership role hasn’t always been easy, and there were times when fear, rejection, or life circumstances made me want to put my dreams on hold.

One of my biggest challenges has been learning to trust the process instead of comparing my timeline to everyone else’s. I’ve realized that success isn’t always about how quickly things happen it’s about continuing to show up with consistency and purpose. Every setback has taught me something valuable, whether it was strengthening my faith, becoming more resilient, or refining my vision.

I’ve also learned that healing is part of the journey. Some of my greatest creativity has come from working through difficult seasons rather than avoiding them. Those experiences inspired my writing, my music, and my memoir, From Broken to Chosen. Today, I don’t see my challenges as obstacles I see them as the very things that prepared me to encourage others through their own journeys.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my core, I’m a storyteller. Music has always been one of the most meaningful ways I connect with people. As a singer-songwriter, I create music that blends vulnerability, faith, and real-life experiences. I want listeners to hear something that not only sounds good but also makes them feel understood. Whether I’m writing about love, heartbreak, healing, or hope, my goal is to create music that stays with people long after the song ends.

Beyond music, I’m also an author and I’m currently writing my memoir, From Broken to Chosen, which expands on many of the themes that inspire my songwriting. I love creating art that encourages people to believe that their past doesn’t define their future.

I’m also excited to continue growing creatively beyond music. Acting is something I’m very interested in exploring because it offers another way to tell meaningful stories and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to who I am. I’ve never wanted to create simply to follow trends i want my work to have purpose. If someone walks away from one of my songs, a performance, or something I’ve written feeling inspired, encouraged, or a little less alone, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

I believe what sets me apart is authenticity. I’m not afraid to be honest about my journey, and I bring that same honesty into everything I create. My hope is that people don’t just remember my voice they remember how my work made them feel.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the entertainment industry is becoming more open to artists who can wear multiple hats. Today, audiences want authenticity. They want to connect with people who have real stories to tell, whether that’s through music, film, television, Broadway, books, or digital platforms. I think we’ll continue to see creatives build careers that aren’t limited to one lane.

Personally, I hope to grow beyond music into acting, including opportunities in film, television, and even Broadway. I’ve always loved storytelling, and acting feels like a natural extension of that passion. Whether I’m singing a song, writing a book, or stepping into a character, my goal is the same: to create work that moves people and leaves a lasting impact.

As my career grows, I also want to help open doors for others. I’ve been fortunate to learn from different experiences, and I believe success is even more meaningful when you can encourage, mentor, and create opportunities for the next generation of artists. I want to be remembered not only for what I accomplished, but for how I helped others pursue their dreams as well.

At the end of the day, I don’t just want a career I want to build a legacy of creativity, faith, and service that inspires people to believe in what’s possible for their own lives.

Pricing:

• Guided Prayers from a Vessel (paperback): $14.99 on Amazon.
• iTunes music

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanisgifted?igsh=MXNjZ2hoNjhpYXV0bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ryanatkins8094?si=mGWGwoiAUySvN0UG