We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zachary, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view risk taking, at its root, to be the same in one’s personal and career life. In all, taking risks comes down to your willingness to be vulnerable in the situations and opportunities that present themselves. When I left my 9-5 job to pursue music full time, there was a level of fear involved. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough or successful enough to maintain a music career. I was afraid that I didn’t have the confidence to put myself out there for the world to judge or comment on. However, it was that willingness to step out and allow myself to be seen that has opened so many opportunities over the last few years. From traveling across the US and working with major brands, being featured with my husband on national and interational news outlets, and having our videos watched by millions of individuals and supporters. None of this would have been possible if we had decided not to step out and pursue the things that we were passionate about. It is easy to let the voices of self doubt keep you from your dreams, but most things in life worthwhile require a level of risk and vulnerability.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been passionate about music and singing for the majority of my life. I grew up singing in my parent’s church and in school. For me, music became a major part of my identity early on. My father and my family sings, so music was a natural part of life from the beginning. My grandmother taught me to play piano at a young age and was happy to do so, as I was the only grandchild that seemed to love it as much as she did. Nowadays, my mother loves to remind me that I would get in trouble in Pre-K for singing in class. I have carried that same love of music with me throughout my life and was lucky enough to find a husband, Justin, that believed in me and wanted to see me succeed in my dreams. In January 2021, Justin started filming candid videos of me singing, and our following on social media started to grow rapidly. By march of that year, to our shock, we were asked to be featured on Good Morning America. As our following continued to rise, we became presented with the opportunity to work with some major brands, and I was eventually able to leave my longtime 9-5 job.
As my dream was always to write and sing my own music, we set to work in writing, and by October of that year I was able to release my first original song to all streaming platforms.
Now, we are in the finishing stages of recording my biggest project yet, an EP that will release later in this year. I am exceedingly proud of this project and all of the work that has gone into it.
I have learned many things throughout this venture. 1). Vulnerability in life and in career is difficult, but is necessary when pursing a dream or a passion. Many times I doubted that I had the confidence to put myself out there for the world to see, but willingness to take the risk is what makes the difference. 2). Ask for help when you need it. When Justin and I started posting content to social media, we jumped into a brand new world that we had previously had no experience with. When brands started to approach us for campaigns, we relied heavily on people in our life that could give us sound advice. Most accomplishments in life aren’t achieved by just one individual. Many time’s there is a team of people behind the scenes at work. Don’t be afraid to reach out. 3). Don’t compare yourself to others. Especially with social media, it is easier than ever to compare your art, your voice, your body image, or your successes to others on the internet. Your art is your art and may not look like the next person’s. There is not one right way to create. There is not one right way to look. All you can be with 100% success is yourself. I’m still learning everyday what it means to be myself, but I have learned that striving to be like others, or liked by others, is a sure way to diminish confidence.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband Justin and I live around Chattanooga, TN. While our most frequented restaurant in the area is probably Taco Bell lol, we definitely have some recommendations around the city!
One of our favorite spots in atop the Edwin Hotel at their rooftop bar, The Whiskey Thief. There is a beautiful view of the city and the river from the top, not to mention great cocktails and a fun vibe. If we were to head to dinner after drinks, we would probably chose Tony’s Pasta Shop! Also located on the river, their pasta and bread is homemade and amazing! Earlier this year, we also found a hidden gem of a bar inside The Dwell Hotel in Downtown Chattanooga. Its an LGBTQ friendly bar with a Tarot Card themed drink menu! So far, we haven’t tried a drink there that we haven’t loved.
On weekends, the best nightlife spot we have found is Alan Golds. We’ve always had a great time dancing and around midnight, they begin a drag show that is always a ton of fun.
If we weren’t too hungover the next day lol, Chattanooga also has a zoo and an aquarium, both of which I love.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my Shoutout to my wonderful husband, Justin. Justin started filming TikToks of me singing in our early days of recording content, which jumpstarted our whole journey on social media and has allowed me to pursue my career in music. He has consistently been my number one supporter and my dearest friend in both our lives on the internet and at home. I have no pride against saying that I lean on Justin constantly for reassurance and feedback in life and in the music that I create. He is kind, outgoing, an amazing friend to those in his life, and a musically talented individual. I owe much of our successes to him and am thankful everyday that the universe saw fit to bring him into my path. We are an equal team in all we do, and I couldn’t do it without him.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfostermusic/?hl=en
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZacharyFosterMusic
Other: Zach’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zacharyfostermusic?lang=en Justin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabulousjustina/?hl=en Justin’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/search?lang=en&q=fabulous%20justina&t=1686595242879