Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanaya Sonceair.
Hi Lanaya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always had a love for music. I’m not an artist myself, but I still wanted to be a part of the music world. I started off by managing my first artist RennyRed, then from there as we grew her career I realized that I wanted to share what I did for her, and for others.
One day I was at work and then the idea just popped up in my head. Why not start a record label? At first, I was a little hesitant because I knew as a woman trying to run a record label I may run into some trouble times as well as face the challenges of starting a new record label from the ground up. I thought on it a little more then said, let’s just do it! I’m already a photographer and graphic designer plus more, so providing some things my artists may need wouldn’t be a problem. I called my co-CEO and told her about it and she was automatically on board! I came up with the name 718mm Records. 718 represents our official launch date of the label and the mm stands for Music Minds. I chose this name because I want to show the minds of musicians and artists all over. For them to share their art with the world. We’re a multi-genre label based in ATL. My label is freshly new so we are still in the process of growing. I just want to give upcoming artists a chance to be heard, seen, and feel a part of a family. I want us as a team to be able to grow together and level up. I want for everyone to win. I have always been a person like that. I will always want the same for my artists and future artists. We are still in the process of accepting to artists, so that’s where we stand at now. For anyone who wants to start something big but is afraid to do so. Don’t! Pray on it, stay on it, and watch it grow. Once you have a vision, keep that vision going. No matter what challenges or descriptives you may feel. It will all be worth it in the end.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been 50/50. One of the biggest struggles with starting a record label is funding. Since we’re starting the ground up a lot of the money that goes into the label is out of pocket or raised through events, merchandise, & donations. I know everyone heard the saying “You have to give money to make money”. That’s something good I always remember to get me through any feeling of doubt or struggle. Everything will work out in the end. Keeping faith always smooths the road down whenever I feel like it’s feeling a bit rocky.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Along with owning my record label, I am a photographer of 8 years, a graphic designer, & I also write. I currently have two poetry books out on Wattpad called “the journey” & “deep mind stories”. I am also a certified esthetician in the process of becoming licensed. I’m really a jack of all trades. I like to learn and master different things. I would have to say I am most proud of myself. To do all the things I do and still manage to live everyday life, working a full-time job while facing personal challenges builds me. My businesses start with me. I am my businesses. As long as I stay strong and make myself and others happy doing the things I love, then there’s nothing else I would be more proud of. The way I care for people sets me apart from others. I sometimes want the world for others before giving it to myself. I truly believe we can all support each other and win. I pray for the world. I want to help heal people by expressing their art and craft. I would say I’m motivation itself or it could be my cancer ways lol.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
You guys connect with me through my socials. @photosbynyi for photography and @718mmrecords for anything dealing with music or wanting to be a part of the label. Photography bookings are open.
Always keep in mind to Support each other, Pray for yourself and others, & keep faith in anything you desire for yourself. Any dark times you may experience remember there’s always a beautiful light at the end. Just keep going.
Pricing:
- Photoshoots start at $175 w/ $50 deposit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nyaas
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thenyaa.s?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://vs.co/nyis718
