For Women’s History Month I will be sharing the stories that define and provide examples of women empowerment, uplifting stories of personal triumph and businesses that are inspiring and are making a difference for women. Women’s History Month is a declared month each year that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
I want to introduce you to Tanisha Hall, Founder, White Hall Arts Academy.
Tanisha Hall, Founder of White Hall Arts Academy, has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment and arts education industries. Hall has provided management, production, and operations for GRAMMY Award® winning musician and record producer Keith Harris, Chaka Khan Believes, Warner Bros Records, Edmonds Entertainment Group and more. The White Hall Arts Academy, founded in 2011, has been home to successful artists that have topped the Billboard Charts, and many students who’ve been featured on talent shows like America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and The Voice.
Her business is White Hall Arts Academy.
What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share with someone?
If you have a dream, start the process while you still have the security of whatever job or position you’re currently in. It took nine years before my 6-10 became my 9-5. Sleepless nights are part of the process.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be that I created a space to create opportunities for people, especially women and people of color, to pursue their dreams. A real life fairy godmother.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who work hard to overcome obstacles or oppositions, be it external or internal, to accomplish their goals. I am always inspired by hard work and those who are willing to sacrifice and be uncomfortable to make things happen.
What kind of impact do you want to have on those around you?
I want to be impactful in that I strive to be a resource for those who need encouragement, accountability and access. If you don’t have anyone else who believes in you, let me be that person. If you believe if you, I believe in you too. Having someone believe in you is a key elements of success in my opinion. My family, my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles as a child and now my children as a parent, have always been my biggest cheering section. I don’t believe I would be where I am today without their encouragement and support.
What obstacles have you overcome or hurdles did you personally face and how did you overcome them?
Most of my obstacles were internal. I’ve always had external support from my family and friends. My biggest hurdle was the negative script going on in my head telling me reason after reason why I couldn’t or shouldn’t take the leap into entrepreneurship. I was very comfortable running other people’s business and helping make their dreams come true. 10 years ago God had to literally force me into a situation where my only option was to lean on myself. I’m so grateful for that time which then was very scary! I’m grateful that God saw in me what I didn’t and He lead my steps, and continues to.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
I realized entrepreneurship was right for me at some point in my 20s working a 9-5 job, doing menial tasks never sat well with me. It wasn’t until my mid-30s when I actually stepped into the role of being an entrepreneur. I’m happy I took the time to hone my craft and develop strong business skills before launching my first endeavor. This saved me a lot of heartbreak many entrepreneurs go through in the first 5 years. Most of my mistakes were made beforehand.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
Currently my driving motivating is expanding my reach. I’ve worked really hard to create and establish my brand. Now, the hard work begins in expanding that brand beyond our core customers and supporters. I am also motivated by the opportunities that expansion can bring to the work we are doing.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business and personally?
Goals I want to accomplish in my business are partnerships and collaborations with more corporations and industry leaders. Personally, my short term goal is to get my daughter off to college this fall. We are VERY EXCITED!
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
What’s next for White Hall Arts Academy is expanded programming. We just added a Music Production class to our virtual children’s music education program, HeARTbeats. This is a big step thanks to technology like Chrome Music Lab and Soundtrap. We are also working to bring more music industry collaborations to our Songwriter Series program. In the past we have had guest speakers from Universal Music Publishing Group, Atlantic Records, Sony Music Publishing, attorneys, managers, recording artists and more. We are working hard to make White Hall Arts Academy your go to brand for fun, affordable contemporary music education.
About White Hall Academy:
Recently, White Hall Arts Academy hosted their virtual Winter Spectacular Showcase, an annual recital of WHAA’s private students, that was live-streamed on February 13. Replays of the performances throughout Act 1, Intermission, and Act 2 are now available for viewing. Upcoming programs, like the popular Songwriter Series, are set to begin on Thursday March 6, 2021 at 6pm EST, featuring special music industry guests every week. Registration is $25 per class, or $85 for the entire month.
One of WHAA’s most inspiring student success stories is that of multi-platinum, Billboard chart-topping singer-songwriter, Ant Clemons. The rising star has remained in the WHAA’s community as a mentor through the Songwriter Series, and recently performed his single “Better Days,” alongside superstar Justin Timberlake during President Joe Biden’s 2021 Presidential Inauguration Day TV Special. Clemons’ credits include a growing number of collaborations with hit-artists such as Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign, Camilla Cabello, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams and Diplo.
For three consecutive years, WHAA has been awarded “Best Top 3 Music Schools in Los Angeles” by Three Best Rated. The black woman-owned non-profit offers a robust selection of private lessons and group classes. In 2020, the academy was awarded the highly-esteemed Lewis Prize for Music Grant for their exceptional effort to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to donate instruments to children who could not afford to purchase them.
For more information about White Hall Arts Academy, to register for classes, or inquire about making a private donation, visit WHAA’s official website at www.whitehallacademy.org
