Life & Work with Zaria Wilson of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaria Wilson.

Hi Zaria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey as an artist has never been about chasing fame—it has always been about transformation. Music became my way of processing life, healing childhood wounds, and finding purpose in experiences that once made me feel lost. I grew up facing instability, loss, and constant change, and for a long time I felt like I had to carry everything on my own. Writing songs gave me a place where I could be completely honest.

There were seasons when life tested me in every way imaginable. I dealt with financial hardship, housing instability, losing jobs, and moments where pursuing music felt almost impossible. But those experiences shaped my perspective rather than breaking it. They taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of becoming the person I needed when I was younger.

Today, I create under the name Verzatyle because I believe growth is infinite and we’re all capable of evolving beyond our circumstances. My music blends elements of pop, R&B, and trap, but at its core it’s about inspiring people to heal, rediscover themselves, and realize they’re worthy of living a life with purpose. Every song is an invitation to reflect, grow, and keep moving forward.

I’m still building my career one step at a time, but I no longer measure success solely by numbers. Success is knowing that something I created helped someone feel seen, gave them hope, or reminded them they aren’t alone. That’s the legacy I’m committed to creating.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to continue creating even when life felt like it was falling apart. There were times I faced financial hardship, housing instability, job loss, and moments where I questioned whether I should keep pursuing music at all. I often had to choose between investing in my career and simply surviving.

Beyond the external obstacles, I also had to overcome internal ones. Self-doubt, fear of failure, perfectionism, and comparing myself to other artists slowed me down more than I realized. I spent a long time believing I had to have everything figured out before I could share my art with the world.

What changed was my perspective. I realized my journey wasn’t something to hide—it was the very thing that gave my music meaning. Every setback became another lesson in resilience, faith, and self-discovery. Those experiences taught me that success isn’t about having a perfect path; it’s about continuing to create despite the obstacles.

Today, I see every challenge as part of the story I’m meant to tell. If my music can remind even one person that their current circumstances don’t define their future, then every obstacle I’ve faced has been worth it

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a recording artist, songwriter, and creative storyteller who uses music as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation. My sound blends pop, R&B, and trap, but the heart of my work is creating music that inspires people to evolve into the highest version of themselves. Every lyric I write is rooted in authenticity and lived experience, with the hope that listeners feel seen, understood, and empowered.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific accomplishment—it’s the fact that I never stopped creating despite the obstacles. I’ve built my career independently, learning every aspect of the process from songwriting and recording to branding and releasing my own music. Every milestone represents perseverance and a commitment to my purpose.

What sets me apart is that I’m not trying to create music that simply sounds good—I’m creating experiences that encourage people to heal, reflect, and grow. My artist name, Verzatyle, represents the idea that we’re all capable of evolving beyond our circumstances. I want my music to remind people that no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through, they’re still worthy of living a purposeful and fulfilling life.

My goal is to leave listeners with more than a catchy song—I want to leave them with hope, perspective, and the courage to keep becoming who they’re meant to be.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe mentorship doesn’t always come in the form of one person. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned from producers, engineers, fellow creatives, books, interviews, and artists who have openly shared their experiences. Every conversation has taught me something valuable.

One thing that’s worked well for me is leading with genuine curiosity instead of trying to impress people. The strongest connections I’ve made happened because I showed appreciation for someone’s work, asked thoughtful questions, and stayed open to learning. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building real relationships over time.

My advice to anyone looking for a mentor is to first become someone who is willing to learn. Be consistent, stay humble, and put your work out into the world. Mentors are often drawn to people who are already committed to their craft. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also respect people’s time by doing your own research and taking action on the advice you receive.

I’m still growing as an artist, and I know I’ll continue learning from the people I meet along the way. I think the best mentorship is built on mutual respect, authenticity, and a shared desire to keep evolving.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verzatyleofficial?igsh=MTMzbGFrenJwczJ0Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr