We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kyaunnee Richardson. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Kyaunnee, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing my dream. I have had this inside of me for a while. At the beginning of this journey, I wanted to be something else. Yet, I ended up being pulled back on the path because that felt right. As I continued up the mountain and down into the valleys, I found myself wanting it more of it. I wanted to cross over on to that finish line.
There was a moment where I did ask myself should I stop. That’s when I looked at those around me. People who’s mentality was not at the level of excellence I desired. They just quit. I watched them. They weren’t going anywhere. And I told myself, “if I stop, this is what will become of me”. This was one of the reasons why I didn’t want to stop. Ultimately, I realized a truth that many don’t talk about. The richest place in the world is the cemetery. It is because there are people who have passed on without ever having realized their dreams. I didn’t want that to happen to me. I have been given the precious gift of life and I am determined to see it through to the very end.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kyaunnee Richardson. I am an opera singer.
I began singing at the age of 2 years old. During my upbringing, my grandmother used to put a cassette player at the head of my bed. She would play music from classical music to the Disney (Golden Age to the Renaissance). Yet it wasn’t until the age of 14/15 years old that I discovered the musical “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. I became obsessed with it. I read the novel and discovered the hidden world of opera. That sent me down a rabbit hole of learning about composers such as Puccini, Meyerbeer and Gounod. which lead me to singers such as Luciano Pavarotti, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price and Anna Netrebko. It was then I decided I wanted to be an opera singer. Since then, I have had the honor of singing in many different places from Florida to New York City. It has truly been an incredible journey, so far.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
That would have to be my grandparents. They instilled in me a work ethic and discipline that I still use to this day. They taught me how to go to bed early, how to get up early for school — later work — and managing my time wisely. They also taught me integrity and being honest and the importance of just doing an excellent job. Understanding the rewards of doing an excellent job, even if certain people don’t recognize it. You, as the individual know that you did it well and that God is watching you. They also taught me of always doing my absolute best and never stay stagnant. Keep growing. Always. There is power in knowledge.
Truthfully, I didn’t want to listen to any of this stuff. I was a kid. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I wanted to be free. So, they had to wrangle me into this way of thinking. As I grew older, I realize with this solid foundation, I was able to build upon — there is a sense of freedom that I have as an adult because of this upbringing. And for that, I am grateful.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I am a human.
I look to the greats of the past and admire them for their achievements. Yet it only seems that their achievements were always on display. Many times, we do not know the grit and suffering they endured when they finally achieved that status of greatness. And yet, they were already great. I watched the documentary of the “The Last Dance” and marveled at the incredible feat of Michael Jordan. It showed the highs and lows of his NBA career. I realized he was human. He failed many times, and yet he was still is the greatest amongst all.
I am a human. I will have highs and lows in my career. Yet, I will be successful.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The person I admire for their character is Marian Anderson. Recently, I watched a documentary on the great contralto on PBS. I learned much about her life from how she grew up to the hardships and challenges she faces as a black woman and how in the midst of those hardships and challenges, she overcame them with her gift. Anderson had a quiet confidence that I greatly admired. A solid faith and dignity that she carried with grace and poise in the face of racism and bigotry. She defied a system and opened doors for many of us to come through. Her humbleness and grounded personality made her real but she was not a push over. Anderson was firm.
When I think of her and great women who displayed such character as Anderson, I strive everyday to cultivate that type of character. To walk on a stand poise and graceful. To stand firm in what I believe in and never waiver.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
Immortality is real.
We lost Michael Jackson in 2009 and yet he still lives on. By this I mean, many artists have utilized what Jackson built after he changed the music industry. To this day, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” after 40 years, is still being played as the Halloween Theme Song! Now that’s a legacy! This also applies to the great composer of the classical realm from Handel and Puccini, they have become immortal because of their contribution to the music world and the rest of world in general.
I would like to be amongst those legends. Those who understood the importance of humanity. To touch the very soul and core being of a human. If that is to be through my voice, through the music I sing and using it to change the world for the better, people will remember it. And I hope to be an inspiration to future generations to create their own legacies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kyaunneerichardson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyaunneerichardson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyaunneeRichardsonSoprano
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/KyaunneeRichardsonSoprano
- Other: @csopranodiva.bsky.social
@csopranodiva – TikTok
