Meet Faith Anderson | CEO, Tenth Child Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Faith Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Faith, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

My initial thought behind starting my business is seeing a gap between artist and managers and wanting to erase the stigma that people in management have a history of being crooked, deceitful, and manipulative which also indicates that some of the most talented people are the most vulnerable and ill prepared for the music business due to being blinded by their own ambition. After hearing and witnessing a few horror stories I wanted in. I wanted to change how artists viewed the role of management and offered a partnership model that would empower artists who aligned themselves with my company.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I started in Entertainment Business as a BGV for Kirk Franklin. Singing for one of the greatest gospel artists of our time allowed me to experience gospel/traditional as well main stream opportunities in music. Travel with him earned me my 3rd passport allowing me to see the world! For nearly 12 years I was able to tour and live out iconic moments in music history such as the Grammy Stage to Billboard Live in Japan. Having experiences that diversify my perspective allow me to understand, anticipate, and develop artists for their next level.

Learning how to navigate in Entertainment Business has not been easy. This is a cut throat game, but the best part is that your never ineligible. You can always reinvent yourself and set yourself apart from the rest and soar. Once you find your niche audience you can thrive and look back on your challenges and find the lessons leading to success.

One lesson I learned was to define my role quickly and to avoid selling myself short. In the beginning I was so eager for opportunity that I didn’t have a real grasp on what it would cost me. When my financial records didn’t reflect any substantial income it showed me that I was missing something. I was making a real impact while it was costing me a small fortune on a commission based revenue cycle. I was averaging at least 40+ hours to a booking that I would only receive a percentage of which would be the equivalent of earnings below scale. Once I learned how to improve the description of services and the hours to execute in excellence the annual revenue for the company increased immediately.

The key lesson for me is to not be driven by fear of rejection but by knowing your worth and value I bring to the table.

I want the world to know that my brand has been built through my own blood, sweat, and tears. No handouts. I have sustained 9 years and I want to achieve at the highest levels in Entertainment. I have made great progress but my ultimate goal is be funded so that my dream can be fully realized.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend, Katrina were visiting we would enjoy Brunch at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar near Clyde Warren Park, Vinyl shopping at Spinster Records, Dinner at Drake’s, and live music at Deep Ellum Art Co. or we would swing through Furndware Recording Studio in Oak Cliff to hear new talent. Concerts are our thing so we would go where the music is best or shop until we drop! The outlets in Grand Prairie and Allen would be keys spots to conquer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Growing up in Tulsa, Ok I was surrounded by a history of entrepreneurship. Beginning with my grandfather, Rev. Carl Prather, and my Father, Pastor Kenneth L. Anderson, with his church and printing business inspired me to know that having my own business is possible with hard work, dedication, and serving with excellence. Being in demand is always a good sign that you can thrive and expand your business.

I have often mirrored my role in Entertainment Business to the work ethic and knowledge of Jessie J. Hurst. During my time as a background singer I watched him prepare for touring, provide accounting best practices for artists, and be a trusted friend. He made it a priority to ensure that everyone was treated with respect and to educate through transparency. When you received a call from him you knew that was Money!! I said to myself, I want that level of influence. When you get a call from me, I want people to know, that’s Money calling LOL.

I wouldn’t be here without all of the artists that have given me a chance to serve and be a guide in their careers. Kirk Franklin is the reason I have access today! He was the first to endorse and believe in me. He is a constant. My parents are the reason and heart behind what drives me to be excellent. I live to make them proud, especially now that they are my angels. Shout out to all of my Tenth Child Inc. clients who push me forward Kirk and Tammy Franklin, Ghost-Note, Red Hands, David and Tamela Mann and to my partner Robert ‘Sput’ Searight and to Erica Nicole for connecting me with you!

Website: www.tenthchildinc.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fandersong

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/fandersong

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fandersong

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fandersong

Other: Please also follow/subscribe to @tenthchildinc on FB, Twitter, IG, and LinkedIn as well.

Image Credits
Joshua Farris for Pharris Photos & Cliff Hamilton