Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara O’neal
Hi Cara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Whew!…where to start…well as a young girl, I was involved in dance, various talent shows, choir, church singing group, pageants, piano lessons, and very invested in painting, writing, drawing, designing, but something about singing stole my heart above everything else. I’ve grown up around music my whole life. Majority of my family is very in tune with music. Half of my family can either play an instrument , sing, or both (haha), but my mom is the number one inspiration behind why I picked up a microphone. She used to perform and be apart of a band when she was younger. I think between watching her sing and all the music that was always being played in the house, car, etc. by her and my dad, while watching my favorite artist on TV, it struck something deeply in me. I was already comfortable being on stage and with song writing due to the other artistic activities and hobbies I was involved in so, once I really discovered my voice, a whole new world opened.
In 10th grade, my sisters, my cousin, and I decided to start a girl group called ‘TrulyUnique’. Being in a group helped with my confidence in not only performing and song writing, but my overall artistry. It really taught me what it means to truly be disciplined and how this particular journey is not for the weak. It was a lot of fun, but it required a tremendous amount of sacrifice and focus. A lot of times we weren’t able to hang out with friends, go to parties, etc. because we had rehearsals, vocal lessons, to travel, recording sessions, or performances. It was hard, but there were a lot of beautiful memories and lessons shared during that time that really shaped me. I was active with our group up until my sophomore year of college. Around 2014, our group separated. After a few months of praying to GOD on what to do next, I decided to take a leap of faith and officially start my solo career. The rest is history. I’ve been locked in heavy ever since. I’ve accomplished a lot, but I still feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface yet. I’m excited to see how I fully bloom because I’m consistently striving to evolve. I’m very big on growth. It’s still very much an ongoing learning process as I’m stepping into my own as an independent artist, but looking back now, I can definitely say being involved in everything up until now has contributed in so many ways to the creative, writer, business woman, teacher and artist that I am today. God continues to show me everyday in some way that I was destined for something special and that in some form, music is apart of my journey. I’ve always had a strong love and passion for the arts and no matter what other avenue I tried to attempt it always circled back to the arts. It’s been a beautiful way for me to not only heal & express myself, but a special way for me to connect with people and their stories. I just want to continue to use my gifts intentionally with purpose. It’s important to me that whatever I’m involved in or creating, it impacts in a positive way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is far from smooth. Being an independent artist, writer, creative, and business woman (while being a full-time teacher) most definitely comes with its challenges on all levels (financially, mentally, emotionally, etc.). For those who are creatives know that our paths are truly different and not everyone is going to understand the vision. It can be beyond overwhelming at times. There are a lot of late nights, tears, moments of unsureness, etc., but my mom always tells me nothing worth having will come easy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an upcoming singer/artist in Houston Texas. I am currently re-branding and working on a lot of new material for the new year, but I do have quite a few singles out as well as a couple of music videos that I was able to creatively direct along with an amazing team. A lot of love was poured into those. I am very excited for the new era ahead though. Time has also shown me that I don’t have to limit my talents/gifts to just one thing and to not let anyone box me in. I’m also a proud business owner of ‘Wavey Soulz’,a production company as well as a writer/author. I recently just released the first book of my ‘Sugar & Spice’ children’s series, which was inspired by my students and sisters. It’s pushing the overall messages of reminding the world that our children’s voices matter while reminding parents and teachers the importance of our power in their lives. What they consume and what we instill plays a crucial role. I’m also the owner of a non-profit organization, ‘What’s In Yo Closet’, which was created in order to serve and give back to the youth. We focus on helping create opportunities while providing resources for them to be successful, but also implementing workshops to remind them the importance of good character and self-care first (striving to be the best version of themselves).
I feel the most proud when what I create resonates positively with someone. It truly brings pure joy to my heart forming those connections, especially with the youth. As cliche as this might sound, I think what sets me apart from others, is me just being me. I’m very far from perfect, but I’m still a firm believer in showing kindness, light, and love. And I’m hoping that is felt through my work as well. I just want GOD to continue to use me as His vessel so people can see Him, not me. I’m also really strict on staying true to myself especially in this industry that is really trying to push specific narratives on Black female artist. There’s more than just one way to be successful and there’s enough room for all of us to be able to shine while fully being ourselves.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
That list is very long (lol)…so, I won’t list anyone because I don’t want to leave anyone out (they know who they are though because I tell them every chance I get). I truly have a village. I will say all praise to The Most High (GOD) and a super special thank you to my family for not only being my team and being there every step of the way through it ALL, but for creating such a safe supportive space for me to be able to dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waveysoulz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caramusic_/
- Twitter: https://x.com/caramusic4L
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caramusic7349
- Other: https://linktr.ee/caramusic_
Image Credits
(Top 4 photos)
Photographer/Editor: Cameron Reed
Make-up: Alysse Grogan
Creative Director: Rose Creates
(Bottom 4 photos)
Photographer/Editor (photos): Devon Coleman
Editor (graphics): Jericho
Make-up: Alysse Grogan
Creative Director: Rose Creates
