Conversations with the Inspiring Dawn Noelle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Noelle.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When someone first meets me, I appear like a creative young woman. Social and kind, dressed in street clothing, brick-weighted black leather purse on my shoulder, and a sixteen-ounce iced coffee in my hand. What people don’t see is that I feel too much and live inside my head. Being an empath, I can feel isolated at times. I often feel different than my peers. I have learned to walk on my own road map at a younger age than most.

I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My father passed away from a heart attack when I was six months old. I feel close to my Dad in spirit, especially now that I’m in my twenties, but there will always be that irreplaceable hole in my heart. At 1.5 years old, my then-widowed Mom, my sister, and I relocated to Pearland, where I was raised (and still live). When I just turned 4, my mom married the man who changed our household for the better. I give so much credit to my stepdad, Paul. He did not have to raise my sister and I like his own daughters, but he chose to wholeheartedly. Paul still remains that selfless, calm, goofy, compassionate stepfather. I will forever be grateful for him.

I was an anxious child. What a difficult thing for a child to comprehend, All you can figure when you are little is this lingering scary feeling. I was always on alert for any potential trigger. My anxiety was debilitating and unfathomable during my high school years. I felt like my brain was shark bait. Anxiety does not stop when you are an adult, and neither do most mental conditions. Not gonna lie, I get anxious about the slightest things! I was bullied a lot as an early adolescent. I was emotionally ridiculed solely for being “different” than the “normal kids.” My middle school peers would make up jokes about me, give me the silent treatment, and often make excuses for not wanting to hang out with me. I was often backstabbed and almost always the last student to “be picked” for partner assignments. I had even received a few fake addresses and phone numbers from girls I wanted to be friends with; that was pretty bad. One of the worst things I remember was my classmates pretending I had a “disease” and slapping each other to spread the “disease.” I came home crying every single day from fifth grade, and I clearly remember being relieved on the last day of the school year. Middle school is notorious for such crude and immature actions towards those who are “different.” I wanted to mention my personal experience in a bit of detail – bullying really does damage – and it can definitely traumatize someone, as it did to me.

When I was in seventh grade, something happened that changed my once-shitty everyday life. I discovered a profound interest in singing, writing songs, and playing guitar. Realizing I had a gift that my schoolmates could support, my self-esteem boosted for once in my life. I recorded a couple of EPs while I pursued music. I saw local success at age 16 with my second EP, “Stories to Tell,” a five-song record of original songs, released along with a feature in the Houston Chronicle. I also played live on Houston’s 90.1 KPFT FM a handful of times.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
First of all, life is supposed to be messy with struggling points along the way. They say, “nobody’s perfect,” but that’s why we are all individuals. A smooth road is rare, for it is the potholes where we grow.

After I graduated high school in May 2016, I left behind all that I had cultivated regarding my career path. I had been working as a singer/songwriter while in high school. I was homeschooled for the last two years, which made it possible for me to attend music events across Houston. I was a part of a close-knit group of girls based within the Northern suburbs (Magnolia, Conroe, The Woodlands). We were all pursuing our music dreams. I am not creating music anymore, but that endeavor paved the way to other outlets for my artist’s mind: writing, poetry and photography. It has been hard to watch most of that group of girls take the leap, move away from home to pursue their dreams, and become more independent. If you are a millennial in your twenties like me, you probably experience similar hardships due to the highlight reel of Instagram. I’ve also battled depression and cyclothymic mood swings in recent years, especially at 19 and 20 years old. I’ve endured a difficult emotional journey so far, and I feel it slowly beginning to lighten up.

To fellow young women, I highly encourage you to identify what you love and follow it, regardless of what others think. You will feel a sense of freedom within yourself. Be true to yourself and what you love. It’s your life to live, don’t give your power to anyone else. Find a group of likeminded women who champion your soul. Also, follow your gut: it is your ultimate inner compass.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a 21-year-old thoroughbred artist and creative entrepreneur. My mindset is rooted in art. I look through the lens of a romantic for projects that resonate with my soul. I express my everyday thoughts through my words and visuals, giving a glimpse into my inner world. I would love to ultimately publish a book coupling my original poems and photos. I am currently working with a creative business coach to launch my works of art into a profitable income. I also have been taking photography classes at the Houston Center for Photography in Montrose. What sets me apart is my ability to feel emotions so intensely and to reflect that in my art. One of my favorite places to photograph is Boston, a place that seamlessly blends the historic with the modern. I visited back in March and took tons of pictures. Boston’s beautiful, old architecture and soulful character inspire me. You can find my Boston pictures on Instagram.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I love answering this question. I feel fortunate to have had a handful of incredible women as mentors. They are all so humble at what they do, giving and kind. They don’t brag or think too much of themselves.

My mom is the greatest inspiration in my life. My ultimate force, supporting my every move, dream, and desire with a sense of adventure. She has been there for me with full throttle support (and then some) since day one. My mom is a strong-willed woman carrying a pure, open-minded, fighter spirit and unconditional love. She is a breast cancer survivor, and she has taken her health into her own hands since my sister and I were in grade school, it’s incredibly inspiring. I’m proud to say this: My mom is a badass!!!

Terri Hendrix, one of my favorite women that I have gotten to know since I was 14. Terri is a well-known music artist throughout Texas, incorporating many genres and speaking her free-range, independent Aquarius spirit. She has recorded 14 studio albums on her own record label, Wilory Records. over the past 23 years. A true force of nature. Terri and her music “sidekick,” Austin City Limits hall-of-famer Lloyd Maines, both substantially supported and mentored me during my music journey. I still enjoy catching up with Terri and Lloyd while on tour. They are an original and talented class act.
Follow Terri on Instagram @terrihendrix and www.ownyourownuniverse.org.

Shellee Coley, my “second mother” and artistic champion. She is a companion for my personality. Shellee is a creative entrepreneur, teacher, quirky boho chick, spirit junkie, art therapist, and singer/songwriter based in Northwest Houston. I have known Shellee since I was in high school. We started out writing music together, but she has become a force of SO much more. I go to old town Tomball twice a month to meet with her at this rad place called The Renewal Center (go try some waffles at their cafe, you’ll be amazed).
Follow Shellee on Instagram @shelleecoley.

Kara DioGuardi, a renowned songwriter, entrepreneur, music producer, publisher, and passionate philanthropist. She is primarily known for her songs, recorded by Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Halsey, Carrie Underwood, Enrique Iglesias, and MANY more artists. She teaches a songwriting course every fall semester at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. Kara is open and vocal about her personal obstacles, especially in her autobiography, “A Helluva High Note” (a great read weaved with triumph and challenge, lots of raw “gems.” Available on Amazon). I met Kara two years ago in Maine at an annual nonprofit music event she sponsors in her local area. She gives all (and I mean ALL) the proceeds back to local youth in need. Such a genuine, warm-hearted, and humble human. Kara has been an incredible inspiration to me within the past decade. I do not know Kara personally, but I humbly include her.
Follow her on Instagram @karadioguardi and her website www.karadioguardi.com.

Kate McBride, co-founder of The Cauldron, a Boston-based feminist social practice. Both a digital and “IRL” community, The Cauldron focuses on transformative experiences through intentional gathering, vulnerability, and fostering community. As with most young people, I have a few online relationships along with those in-real-life. When it comes to online connections, I believe “your vibe attracts your tribe.” I feel fortunate to have cultivated an online relationship with this amazing trailblazer. I profoundly relate to Kate, as we are both feelers with romantic, sensitive, emotionally-driven souls. Kate is also a passionate feminist, political activist, and self-proclaimed art nerd. I hope to meet her in person and eventually attend a Cauldron gathering.
Follow Kate on Instagram @pout_dracula.
Follow The Cauldron on Instagram @thecauldronboston and their website www.thecauldron.space.

Emily Cole, an emerging “alternative trap” music artist, could also be a professional unicorn (she has such a vibrant, rainbow-like personality!). You can undoubtedly spot her brightly colored hair in a crowd. A master of the guitar and ukulele, Emily is a voice that fellow unique, sensitive souls can easily relate to. She has recorded four upbeat electro tracks, along with a two-song acoustic EP. Her latest release, “Dead Feelings,” has conjured 62,000 Spotify streams! Emily is one of my greatest friends, skipping around the Earth with the most nonjudgmental nature. I feel I can be 100 percent myself, no judgment or embarrassment, whenever I am around Emily. Her hard work and passionate drive inspire me as well.
Follow Emily on Instagram @emilycoleofficial and her website www.emilycoleofficial.com.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (713) 838-6989
• Email: iamdawnnoelle@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdawnnoelle
• Other: www.instagram.com/wordydawnnoelle

Image Credit:
Dawn Noelle, Shellee Coley (profile), Saba K. Alhadi

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