Minerva provides a unique harmonic experience of a soulful, musical journey with Young Professional band members Lauren, Leela and Jessica. Although each balances corporate, family, extra curricular and social life, they still somehow manage to infuse passionate jazz melodies and folk style story-telling into their newest album ‘Follow Me’ in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Our music is a culmination of where we have been, the experiences we share, and a passion for music. The sounds of Minerva are Lauren on piano and vocals, Leela on guitar, piano, and vocals, and Jessica on violin and vocals. We take great pride in being able to say that our songs are originals – composed, written, and performed by us.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
As fate would have it, our paths crossed at just the right moment in time. The story of Lauren and Leela began one night during a difficult time in Lauren’s life when she first heard Leela sing. Nothing impacts a heart more than being able to relate to the music at a cellular level – having a physical reaction to the melody, the lyrics and the harmonies. And that is just what happened to Lauren. There was no question upon meeting each other that they were destined for friendship. Meanwhile, Jessica and Leela who had also just met were discovering not just that they were kindred spirits, but that they both shared a love of music.
Destiny brought us together and the inspiration comes from the friendship, support and love we have for each other.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of doing what we do is that we get to share our love of music with each other. We support, learn, challenge, and love each other through all life sends our way. We have similar goals for this band and all manage to bring balance to each other’s lives. Our music becomes our therapy, a way to discuss and learn from life lessons.
The most challenging part has to trying to find the balance between our busy lives and trying to develop the band. We have to be adept at constantly changing, and living a life that can tend to be overscheduled.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, we see Minerva touring, playing folk festivals, and having a loyal following of fans that appreciate and relate to our music. There is no doubt that our future also includes recording a second album because we have so much more material to share with the world.
What does success look like to you?
Success is having a healthy balance of family life, music, and work.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Lauren – My most memorable Minerva milestone had to be when I searched us on iTunes and found our album. I knew it was going to be there but seeing it there for the world to hear was exhilarating and made it very real for me.
Leela – Meeting Lauren and Jess-I know it sounds silly, but they bring my songs to life. We are so beautiful together!
Jessica – Looking into the crowd of our CD release and seeing the smiles and tears on faces. It was a beautiful moment of knowing the mountain of support around us.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The first 2-3 years of anything is a lot of hard work with little financial return. Be okay with this and be true to your brand. Ask other professionals in your industry for advice. Information paves the way to success!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Minerva donates their time to play for a multitude of local charity events. We have played for the Akshobya Buddhist Center fundraiser, The World Wide Wow Gala (3 years in a row) and Save the Children Foundation. It is important to us to give back to the community we live in. We have been so blessed and hope that our music can be used to bring hope.
What to you is notable?
Lauren – The most notable thing about Minerva is that we have a 15-year age range between the 3 band members. Normally that would not work since everyone is at a different stage of life. The fact that three very different women, with contrasting upbringings and different cultures manage to put together a project like our album, ”Follow Me”, and make it all work is incredible.
Jessica – Notable is being true to who you were meant to be. Believing in your talents and never letting go of your dreams!
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Lauren – iPhone
Leela – Blackberry
Jessica – Blackberry