We’re looking forward to introducing you to Qamil. Check out our conversation below.
Qamil, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Right now, the first 90 minutes of my day looks like helping my 7 year old find his shoes, forgetting to start the coffee machine, snuggling my toddler, making breakfast, checking messages, checking in on my daughter who is a college student, sweeping the kitchen floor and loading the washing machine and finally remembering to start the coffee machine. I’m running my business, being a wife and mother and managing my music career all at the same time. I’m pretty much on go as soon as my eyes open in the morning.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Qamil. I am an R&B/Soul artist and author. I am the CEO of Soul Dope Entertainment, a leading production company based in Columbus, Ohio. I am the founder of The Ohio R&B Music Festival and Soul Dope Awards. I serve the community through the arts by working to elevate and amplify Indie artist culture across the Midwest and beyond.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with the elders in my family shaped my self perception. I grew up surrounded by adults that told me that I could be and do whatever I wanted when I grew up. I was encouraged and praised for my creativity, intellect and natural leadership skills during my entire childhood. My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, godmother and family friends always made me feel like I was going to do something special with my life and I believed them. I still believe them.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that I could survive just about anything as long as I have love in my life. Having people that truly love and care for you through the hardest parts of life are the greatest treasure life has to offer. Success attracts praise an adoration but times of suffering show you who really cares for you. Suffering taught me how inconsequential most of the things we worry about are. I’ve survived 100% of the hardships that I thought would destroy me and learned to value peace more than anything. Success never taught me those lessons.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the entertainment industry tells itself is that women age out of being worthy of being seen. The music industry is particularly ageist. It does not understand that storytelling gets more alluring as women age. It does not understand how stunning a 35, 45, 55+ year old woman is when she is creating art and sharing herself on a mic in a room full of people who want to hear what she has to say. It doesn’t understand the power…or maybe it does…and has no interest in promoting such a thing. When it comes to affording opportunities to women, historically and currently, it’s always been the younger the better. This industry lies to itself about the public’s desire and ability to consume the magic of women of who have LIVED.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember and talk about how much I cared. How much I poured. How much I encouraged and showed up. I hope my life inspires people to have the courage to pursue their dreams even when they don’t make sense. I hope my life inspires honesty and kindness. I hope people talk about how I LOVED.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.QamilInc.com
- Instagram: @qamilsouldope
- Facebook: @qamilsouldope
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Qamil
- Other: Business Website: www.souldopeentertainment.com
Image Credits
Image 2 (red dress)- Jehan Daugherty
