Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Ortiz.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of perseverance and an unwavering belief in myself, my dreams, and the vision that God placed in my heart. As a military kid, I moved around often, never truly feeling like I belonged anywhere. In many ways, it’s a complicated existence – belonging nowhere and everywhere all at the same time. But I’ve always found home in my purpose, and with those who I’ve built a genuine connection with. Over a decade ago, I moved to Murfreesboro to attend MTSU with hopes of becoming an entertainment attorney. There’s a funny southern proverb my grandmother used to say that goes, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” That has been the theme of my life. Upon graduation, I realized law school wasn’t in the cards so I followed the music and began working as an artist manager. I learned a lot about the industry by diving in head first and giving myself room to explore other areas of the industry. I transitioned into music publishing in 2019 where I have been ever since. About 2 years ago, I had this overwhelming feeling that it was time to lay the foundation for a vision that was given to me in 2014- a vision to form my own organization dedicated to empowering youth with vocational skills, career readiness, and exposure to the arts. Well in 2023, the L.O.V.E. Academy was formed and to date, it is without a doubt my greatest contribution to the world. This is the part of my story that I’d love to focus on – the part that makes me feel whole.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are obvious challenges that come with being a woman of color working in music in Nashville, but that’s why I believe it’s so important that we find ways to fill our cups with work that is meaningful and allows us to be our complete selves without the need to shield the parts of us that make us diverse. What I try to instill in the youth that I mentor and work with through our program is that your worth is not attached to your talent and your humanity shouldn’t be judged by your worse day. That’s a concept that I admittedly still try to grasp even as an adult, but it’s a particularly important belief that has kept me motivated on my darkest days. I make it a habit to practice gratitude daily; gratitude for the path that I’m on even with the forks in the road, because my journey is my own and the challenges I faced taught me valuable lessons that translated into an impeccable work ethic, empathy, patience, and a knack for problem solving.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The L.O.V.E. Academy which stands for Leadership, Opportunity, Vision, and Empowerment is a fiscally sponsored project of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville that empowers youth in Nashville and surrounding communities through dynamic, year round programming. Our mission is to nurture the potential of teens ages (13-17) by providing meaningful access to education and experiences in a variety of fields, including, but not limited to, culinary arts, songwriting and music production, filmmaking, cosmetology, media, entrepreneurship, vocational trades, and STEM.
We are dedicated to equipping students with real-world skills that prepare them for success beyond the classroom. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and leadership, we help young people grow into confident, self-sufficient individuals capable of shaping their futures and contributing to their communities. Through mentorship, exposure to skilled trades, and opportunities for personal and professional development, The L.O.V.E. Academy cultivates a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Our vision is to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders, young people who are not only career ready, but also empowered to make thoughtful and impactful choices in all areas of their lives.
We recently formed a youth band as an extension of our music program called LOVE United. On October 25, they opened for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the historic Ryman Auditorium to a sold out crowd. The band consists of youth ages 14-16 who are passionate and dedicated musicians with dreams of being big stars. I’m most proud that our program opens doors and provides once in a lifetime opportunities for our youth who need access, safety, and resources more than ever. To learn more about our upcoming programming, visit www.loveacademynashville.org.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love about Nashville is that it’s a small town in a big city. We are growing rapidly and with that growth comes more diversity. I also love that on any given day at any given time, you can listen to live music. That’s the beauty of living in Music City; it’s everywhere. While Nashville is becoming slightly more diverse due to our rapid growth, I’d love to see that diversity permeate more industries. I grew up in big, metropolitan cities and the allure of those cities is the diversity in food, culture, languages, night life, art, museums, music, and entertainment as a whole. That’s what we’re lacking, but I still have hope that we’ll get there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loveacademynashville.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/loveacademynash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Love-Academy-Nashville-61576154202169/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-l-o-v-e-academy/
