Today we’d like to introduce you to Polly Windham.
Hi Polly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It took 20 years after leaving Kansas to finally return, buy a mini farm, start my independent record label, Prairie Gold Records, and start building a community.
I left Kansas at 18 years old to pursue music, film, fashion design, touring, and unexpectedly joined the Army band. I lived in Hollywood, Nashville, Virginia Beach and performed in every continental state in the USA.
All of these experiences led me back to my home state to begin a more permanent place in a community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The roads I choose are never smooth, but that helps me know I have taken the right path. One of the struggles that I have had to make peace with and even celebrate, is how life and career plans can change. Sometimes the plans we make are just a chapter in the book we are writing. This frame of mind has made me very adaptable and open to new ideas.
A Kansas country girl moving to Hollywood presented its struggles in the way of navigating the film industry, making the right connections and not falling into a naive situation of being taken advantage of. In Kansas I could look in the local paper for work.
Touring dive bars and small clubs on the road we didn’t always know where we were going to sleep, if we would get fed, or if we would make enough gas money to get to the next gig.
I surprised everyone in my life as well as myself when I decided to join the Army and ship off to boot camp. The struggles were vast there physically and mentally.
Learning to navigate the music industry as the landscape changed into social media, and streaming platforms.
All of these struggles and challenges were amazing learning opportunities. I developed as a leader, entrepreneur, and manager. Every setback was an opportunity to lean forward with a different angle, new knowledge, and a more informed decision.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a songwriter, a singer, stage-ware designer, performing artist, recording artist, musician, Army bands-person, and founder of my new indie music label.
I am so proud I can create art with my imagination and share it in so many ways. I am always trying to refine my work, whether it’s my vocal ability, my songwriting, guitar skills, or sewing ability,
As artists the more we tap into an unfiltered creative space the more authentic we are, and I believe that is what sets us all apart as well as a way for us to all connect.
Because in the end my goal is to connect with other living beings and bring joy and compassion to them through my art.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am a big fan of honey and honey bees. I am an aspiring beekeeper but I still have much to learn about the hives and the process.
I encourage everyone to always get curious and pursue new endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pollywindham.com
- Instagram: @pollyannwindham
- Facebook: Pollywindhammusic
- Youtube: Pollywindhammusic
