Meet Hope Wentz: Singer/Songwriter & Vocal Coach

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

Hi Hope, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I can still remember the ringing bell and the surprised faces of my counselors below, “How did she get up there so fast?” The man belaying hurriedly slid the rope between his hands to keep it taut. As a tiny 5 year old, I had scaled up a 30 foot climbing wall without reservation, joyously ringing the tower bell to declare my victory! Other memories include the soft footsteps on the forest floor as I followed my own dad off highly treaded hiking trails and into the wilderness. Something inside of me has always ignited during risk and adventure, especially with assurance that I am held… “So radical, crazy, so free, so anchored, so steady, so deep” (Wild). As I ventured into a three year journey of starting an album project and then business, I wrestled many questions and fears… One of my biggest concerns moving into the album project was that I was going to neglect my responsibilities as a music therapist. I wanted to be fully present for my students and feared that I would overlook their needs in the album process. Almost immediately, I heard the Lord say that this project was FOR children. He reminded me of the moments I searched for wholesome songs, with little to share for my music therapy sessions. Since the release of Wild, I received countless comments from parents who said their children keep requesting, “Home,” or, “Stars,”! My smile widens each time, as I am seeing God meet my, “Why?” with swift force. My next question was “Who will hold me?” I needed a knitting in relationships who know my weaknesses, along with the unique facet that I am meant to shine. In visions and dreams, the Lord began highlighting friendships and mentors who would prayerfully guide me on the journey. These friends had a front row seat to the nitty gritty of my messy, emotional self and access to correct and encourage me. I feel forever indebted for their many phone calls of counsel, encouragement, and celebration! My last question… “What will it cost me?” This question was not only about the physical cost, but what would have to be laid down in my heart. Was I willing to step into a deeper journey of transformation and surrender? Could I trust God as my source of identity, security, and provision? Could I trust Him to catch me if I fumbled? The verse He spoke over me read, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24). The tension of my questions is what actually wove me to His heart… like my wall-climbing childhood, He promised to hold me with His grace (also represented by the number 5). As I finalized my calculations of the album cost (all paid for through fundraising), $14,555 came out as the grand total; God’s grace (5) as a symbol in the cost. Moreso, despite losing over 80% of my income for several months during 2020’s quarantine, HeART of Hope, LLC. doubled in income during its second year of existence! God has blown my mind with His faithfulness to my risks and flooded me with the courage to dream bigger and wider for the next wild adventure! Risk began intrinsic as a child, as an adult, it has taken a new shape as a requirement for growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer/songwriter and vocal coach local to Fort Worth. I completed my first studio-produced album entitled WILD in November of 2020. I also began the new adventure of teaching voice in Spring of 2020. Being a dreamer, my young adult years felt very overwhelming trying to figure out how all the passions inside of me would line up over time. My journey of many “in-betweens,” and hidden seasons meant spending much time deepening my relationship with God. He has become the foundation of every establishment in my life. I am so grateful for the many opportunities to grow and learn as I began as a young music therapy intern and over 6 years expanded to owning a business. The fact that I own a business and have any sort of organizational skill is a miracle in and of itself. Had you told me 11 years ago that I would be here today, I would have laughed hysterically. Organization, decisiveness, and organization (I know I wrote it twice), have been extreme challenges as a swirly, creative girl. However, I have learned much about discipline and how to adjust to my own personality traits along the way. My favorite part of the journey has been watching the vision transform and having the freedom to do so. I originally intended to lead worship full time and am now leading worship, leading a business, working as a music therapist, and teaching voice. I have absolutely loved the many opportunities to push others past their perceived limitations into the fullness of their design.

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.
Roots Coffee is my go-to. There is no other coffee shop that can compete to their espresso and flavors! Coco Shrimp, Snooze Cafe, and Rodeo Goat would be our Fort Worth Foodie tours. I would also take them to Cedar Ridge Preserve and Eagle Mountain Lake for some hiking adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this to my dad, who led me in risk-taking since day 1!

Website: www.hopewentz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopewentz/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hopewentzmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hBI3gX27H2vt86T7unC2g

Image Credits
Gamm Films