Dorsa Lena. Recording Artist & Student Nurse

Dorsa Lena is a Recording Artist from Vancouver who is also currently completing a BSC in Nursing and working as a Student Nurse. She has been in the music industry for nearly four years.

How did you get into your field? What inspired you?

‘I was always singing and dancing as a child, I did musical theatre, talent shows, etc - I was in love with the performing arts! I started seriously pursuing music after I competed in a series of rap competitions, and got invited to open up for Young M.A. I've also always had a passion for helping people, and a knack for the medical sciences, so I followed in my mother's footsteps to pursue a nursing education as well. You only have one life, might as well do everything you love!’

What did you study at school and university and did this help you get into your field?

‘I studied psychology and neuroscience at a post-graduate level before getting into nursing. My university education has given me structure in my life that helps me with my music career as well.’

Do you recommend any particular studies, courses or degrees for your field?

‘I recommend communications, information technology or psychology for going into music. Take courses in how to mix your own music and edit your own videos. Networking is also really important, as is insourcing your own creative resources!’

What does an average day look like in your role?

‘I wake up, drink my green tea, and do yoga. Then I complete any schoolwork I have to do and reply to any emails and messages on my social media. If I have a post scheduled, I'll usually post in the mornings or the late afternoons. I do some research almost daily about how to market my music better.’

What is the best part of your role?

‘I get to do what I love. I get to make music, and help people. I'm really passionate about my education as well!’

What is the worst part of your role?

‘I take no time off! I am busy 24/7, and there is always something to do.’

How important is work life balance to you and how much spare time do you have?

‘It is very important to me, which is why I make sure I always make time for myself. However, my social life is minimal, and my circle is small because I don't have the time to hang out every day or even every week.’

Do you have any hobbies?

‘I'm also an equestrian, so I do jumping (horse riding). I currently have a small knee injury but other than that I love going out to the stable and practicing for horse shows.’

Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in the same field?

‘Release your music. Give people the opportunity to vibe with you. Let them in on who you are. Not everyone will like you, but not everyone has to. The ones who matter will.’

‘And always believe in yourself, because someone with less talent might pass you just because they're confident in their craft!’

Have you ever experienced any uncertainties about your career? What did you do to overcome them?

‘All the time. It's really uncertain in the music industry and you never know if you're going to "make it". But it's the process that makes it fun for me - the challenges that come up, and solving them. It's like a puzzle, and you might not finish it, but you're going to have a great time trying!’

Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?

‘My Mum. She is the kindest person I know, and the smartest. She came into Canada with nothing, and built an amazing life. She has achieved so much success even though English is her second language - she’s just finished her masters in nursing research! She is determined and never gives up. I'm her biggest fan, and I hope to be like her one day.’