We recently had the chance to connect with Rosa Rodriguez V. and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rosa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I appreciate your support. Thanks for everything you do. I love learning from each other too.
Something that is bringing me joy lately outside of work is seeing the plants in my house bloom. An african violet in particular, which was not well last year, and has beautiful purple flowers now. More bloom each day.
My dog Dante. a puppy we adopted this year. We got him when he was 3 months old at Nashville Humane, he is 8 months now. He is a spaniel-cattle mix. He is energetic, loving, clever, fun and cuddly. He is very sweet and he makes us so happy.
Taking care of others has broadened my perspective on important things in life like family building, like being more grateful of the little things, not thinking just about me, empathizing with the rest of the world on how much harder it is when we are juggling with more things in our plate. I’ve always stayed busy, but having that balance and pursuing personal dreams apart from professional dreams, it’s something I’ve been trying to do now. It’s very fulfilling.
So happy to have become a first time home owner this year, with that more challenges come, but the way we grow is not being comfortable. This year has had a lot of personal challenges but I would say they have also stretched me into becoming more me. I am happy to be discovering her more (me).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hola,
I’m Rosa Rodriguez. La Rosa Catracha (Honduran rose). I’m a singer, songwriter and actor based in Nashville, TN.
I love storytelling, whether it is through music, film/TV or in person.
I love bringing people together. Getting to know one another, lifting each other up. Embracing our uniqueness and just being ourselves.
I also think that as creatives, we can share important life messages that can impact the world.
I was born in Honduras, Central America. I live in Nashville since 2016. Happy to be a Honduran Nashvillian.
With my original music project Rosa Rodriguez V. we bring live music to all kinds of events, my music is latin pop.
I’m currently working on an homage to Honduran folklore, that is my upcoming album. I couldn’t be more excited about it. It has been in my heart to do this for a while. After doing the 7 levels deep exercise over the years, it always lead to that. I want to honor my roots, elevate the self esteem of Hondurans, the latin community, and share our cultural treasures with the world.
I also write for other organizations (jingles, lullabies, and songs for sync).
If you go to Cheekwood, be sure to checkout the Spanish audio guide of the mansion, narrated by yours truly. It’s an honor for me to help bridge the gap between languages and celebrate diversity.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
You’re very welcome.
I would say sometimes what breaks the bonds between people started sometimes even decades ago. Traumas, insecurities, poor communication, need of love and healing. The proper channels to process emotions.
What restores them: Healing, open communication, conversations focused on healing and appreciation. Humility. A collaborative environment where everyone is seen, heard and valued. Kindness. I recommend the Gottman Institute’s The Four Horsemen and their antidotes. The book “Fight Right” by Julie and John Gottman, and the book “The Wealth Money Can’t Buy” by Robin Sharma.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times, specially with the challenges, ups and downs, the opposition we may face sometimes.
We gotta keep believing in ourselves and what we do even when it’s not always easy.
I recently received the SongBird Award from Music Alive, which allowed me to launch the recording my next album. It was a little push that said “Keep going” right when I was doubting myself. I couldn’t believe it. It was very encouraging and like a sign from the universe that I was in the right direction.
It will cover the first few songs, I still need to raise funds for the rest of the songs, but this was an opportunity to ignite the project and get it going.
Like my mentor Eva says, it’s not for the faint of heart to be an entrepreneur. She has been a huge inspiration and motivation to keep believing in myself and to stay focused. She says: “Remember your why”.
My family is also there for me in spite of the distance. My dad and mom are always giving me great advice and a lending ear. At a young age my dad taught me how to study for big tests that involved reading chapters and chapters. Taking it per chunks and taking breaks.
My mom taught me to do things well, getting all the corners of the house if I was sweeping. I believe creativity and hard work comes from both sides of my family.
My dad’s grandma was a school principal with a beautiful voice, Anita Carranza, my mom’s uncle was a beloved poet in Honduras and they founded a library in his name. Samuel Villeda. There was also a songwriter and radio personality in the family, El Calcañal.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Jesus. Even though He is the king of kings, he came here to serve humanity.
God is the most important in my life.
He came to defy religion and fulfill the law, to make a way for all of us so we could have an intimate relationship with him.
He is my rock, my guide, without Him I don’t think I would’ve survived. He gives me meaning, purpose, loves us unconditionally, fully, and without expecting anything back. We live for Him not because He requires it, but because of gratitude.
I’m not religious, but I do have a close relationship with Him.
Some people I admire are Bono, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela and many more.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
With family and friends. Spending time together having fun or relaxing. Traveling.
Doing the work I love brings me peace and joy too.
Connecting with people on and off stage, singing, dancing together.
Shoutout to my friends from the 4th Wall acting studio. I feel at peace there. They’re not only extremely talented, but also a really kind group. My teacher Katie is an incredible teacher who sees you and helps you grow not only as an actor but as a person.
My musician friends too, the team that play and record with me, colleagues in the community whom we collaborate with regularly. Thank you everyone for being part of my journey. Hope I contribute to your life just as much as you light up mine.
Thank you to my husband Sean for our little family we are building, a pack of three now with our doggie. Our candlelit evening dinners are my favorite time of the day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosarodriguezv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosarodrv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosarodrv/
- Twitter: https://x.com/rosarodrv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosarodrv/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIa43OpSd-aRHbG5XovUfQA
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/eYhzXbPB5rPdwfLGst
- Other: https://linktr.ee/rosarodri
Image Credits
Studio Pictures: Annelise Sarah Photography, Jon Gartner.
