Meet Paris Heart | Musician, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Paris, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that people will always try to steer you in their direction—especially when you’re just starting out. Breaking into any field is tough, and if you’re not careful, others will try to take advantage of your inexperience—whether that’s taking your ideas, telling you how to run your business, or even offering buyouts when you’re still figuring things out. But here’s the thing: there are no shortcuts. It’s hard, and there are times when you’ll doubt yourself, like when I was broke and sleeping in my car. But looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t take those early offers, because now I’m in a position where I get to decide what I do, when I do it, and how I do it, without anyone telling me otherwise. The struggle wasn’t easy, but it was worth every moment, because it gave me control over my own future. There’s a certain kind of freedom in that, and that’s what I’ve worked so hard for.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Honestly, getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I’m a Black and Spanish kid from a small, rural Native American town in Western New York, and I spent a lot of time figuring out who I was and what my identity truly meant. I know it might sound like I’m dating myself here, but when I was in middle school and high school, Facebook was just starting to take off, and cultural diffusion wasn’t as widespread as it is now. I remember feeling like I was always on the outside looking in—people told me I wasn’t black enough with my music, then turned around and said I was too black. The real challenge was finding my voice and, on top of that, navigating an industry that doesn’t come with a handbook.

Entertainment, like many other fields, doesn’t follow a straight path. There’s no clear formula for success, so I spent a lot of time listening to others, diving into what I like to call YouTube University, and asking local musicians who had broken into the mainstream for advice. I wanted to learn what I could do better, both artistically and business-wise, to stand out.

Now, I’m fortunate enough to make music, own a management company, and run a clothing brand. But I’ll be honest—none of this just appeared. It’s been a lot of time, effort, and building a solid foundation. Our brand, in particular, is for the underdogs—the ones who were told they weren’t enough but kept pushing to overachieve. Those are the people we’re here for, the ones who know the struggle but still believe in their vision.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, it really depends on the time of year and what they’re into. If they’re all about seafood, we’d definitely have to hit up Maine—there’s no place like it for fresh, coastal flavors. If seafood’s not their thing, no worries—Portland has so many unique spots downtown that we’d have no trouble finding something exciting to try.

If we’re feeling adventurous, I’d take them up to Acadia National Park, show them why I’m a total nature junkie, and get lost in the beauty of the landscape. There’s something about the peace and raw energy of nature that’s hard to beat.

Now, if it’s summer, I’d definitely throw Boston into the mix—there’s always something going on, from street festivals to hidden speakeasies, so it’s impossible to be bored. And if it’s October? We have to swing by Salem for some spooky vibes—there’s just something magical about that place in the fall.

But honestly, I’m always down for the perfect combo of great food, a little bit of mystery, and the kind of nature that makes you feel alive. Wherever we go, I’d make sure it’s the kind of trip that’s both fun and memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve always believed in the power of listening. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to listen to those who’ve walked the path before you. I’m incredibly grateful for platforms like The Breakfast Club, where they bring on guests with real stories and insights. I used to tune in every day, just soaking it all in. Every conversation was a lesson, and with each guest, I picked up something new that helped shape my own strategy and perspective. It’s fascinating how much you can learn just by listening, and how it allows you to create your own vision, while still chasing the same dream so many have before you. That’s one of the most valuable things I’ve taken away: the combination of absorbing wisdom from others and then forging your own path with it.

Website: https://linktr.ee/parisheart8735

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ParisHeartOfficial

Twitter: https://x.com/TheParisHeart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marquee.peters.3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parisheartsmusic?si=ukxou1lGJQFpUa6S

Other: https://thenocturnalnomads.myshopify.com/