Today we’d like to introduce you to S. Journey.
Hi S., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Adrienne Crawford, and although I now thrive in a world far bigger than where I started, I still carry the heart of that small-town girl from Nebraska. Music has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. I began playing piano at just five years old, and from that moment forward, sound, rhythm, and expression became the language through which I understood the world.
Church was my first stage. I sang in every choir possible and played piano whenever I had the chance — or more accurately, whenever I was allowed. That sacred space became the foundation of my musical journey. It was where I first learned how powerful it could be to move people with sound.
As I grew older, however, I slowly realized I was living more in alignment with the expectations of others than the truth of who I was. I was told how to dress, how to act, and even how to show up in the world.
That’s when S. Journey — my artistic identity, short for Spiritual Journey — was born.
S. Journey is who I am when I’m fully free. She is the voice unbound by rules or limits. In her world, there are no ceilings. She sings, creates, and expresses without hesitation. She represents the self I chose to become — not the one defined by others, but the one defined by soul.
I chose the name Spiritual Journey because life itself is a continuous evolution. I am on a journey to learn more about myself and understand myself more deeply every day. I can’t say life has always been easy, but I can say that it has shaped me into the woman I am today — and for that, I am truly grateful.
I write from my past, my present, and even from the visions I hold for my future. My music reflects all of it — what I have lived, what I am living, and what I hope to become.
Influenced by a classical musical foundation, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for all genres. I love the richness of jazz, the power of opera, the vibe of neo-soul, and even the grit of trap. One day you might hear hints of Nina Simone in my tone; another day, I may be inspired by Jill Scott, Andra Day, or something completely unexpected. Music isn’t just a passion — it is who I am and what I breathe.
There’s a quote that guides me:
“To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
And with every note I play and every word I write, I continue stepping into deeper truth. Each day, I fall more in love with the woman I am — and the woman I am still becoming.
Life is a blessing, and I am blessed to live it authentically.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been anything but smooth, but I believe there’s beauty in that. I come from a background that included hardship, including environments that were not always supportive or nurturing. There were moments in my life where I felt unseen, unheard, and even doubted—not just as an artist, but as a person. I’ve faced circumstances that required me to fight for my voice and protect my individuality.
There were times when people questioned my vision or tried to define what my dreams should look like. At times, I internalized those limitations and struggled to believe in myself. But what I’ve learned is that adversity can be both a challenge and a catalyst. Rather than allowing those experiences to silence me, I chose to let them refine me.
Music became not just a passion, but a lifeline—a space where I could express what words alone could not. Every note, every lyric has been part of my healing. I create from authenticity, drawing from the parts of my journey that were difficult as well as the moments of triumph.
I’m proud to say that what once felt like obstacles have shaped my resilience, deepened my creativity, and allowed me to connect with others through honesty and emotion. I’ve learned that even when life is challenging, purpose can still thrive. Today, I stand as a testament that with perseverance, faith, and self-love, we can rise—and we can thrive.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it has been meaningful. And every step, even the hard ones, brought me closer to who I was meant to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I serve as both an educational consultant and a mathematics professor. My work is rooted in advocacy, equity, and empowerment. I specialize in supporting schools and educators to deliver impactful, research-based instruction—particularly for students who may be underserved or overlooked. I am dedicated to helping young people discover their brilliance, especially those whom others may have counted out or misunderstood.
Every day presents a new challenge, but I see each one as an opportunity to shape the future. When we invest in our youth, we invest in a better world for tomorrow. I believe education is more than academics—it’s about self-belief, resilience, and access to opportunity.
What I am most proud of is the transformation I’ve experienced within myself. I was once the child people found difficult to understand—the one some didn’t know how to support. I wasn’t “troubled”; I was simply shaped by circumstances I had to rise above. That experience fuels my purpose today. I lead with empathy, because I know firsthand what it feels like to be overlooked.
What sets me apart is my heart. I approach my work with compassion, authenticity, and unwavering belief in each student’s potential. My journey allows me to connect deeply, both as an educator and as a human being. I don’t just teach content—I help build confidence, hope, and self-definition.
Whether I’m empowering students in the classroom or inspiring educators in professional development sessions, my mission is the same: to be the voice I once needed, and to ensure that no child feels unseen.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice when it comes to finding a mentor or building your network is to start with authenticity. Seek out people whose values align with yours—not just individuals who hold positions of influence, but those who truly inspire you by how they live and lead. A mentor isn’t only someone who can open doors, but someone who will challenge you, support your growth, and remind you of your power when you forget.
What has worked best for me is showing up as my full self. When you lead with transparency and purpose, the right people tend to find you. Some of the most impactful mentor relationships I’ve had developed naturally through conversation, collaboration, and shared vision—not through formal requests.
I also believe in being courageous enough to ask for guidance. Mentorship doesn’t always start with “Will you be my mentor?”—sometimes it begins with a simple question, a moment of curiosity, or a willingness to be vulnerable.
Networking, for me, is less about collecting contacts and more about building meaningful connections. I’ve learned to enter spaces not with the mindset of “What can I gain?” but “How can I contribute?” Often, when you pour into people sincerely, the reciprocity follows.
Most importantly, be open to mentorship in many forms. Some mentors guide you directly, some teach through example, and others inspire you without even knowing it. Your community can be as powerful as your coach.
At the end of the day, the best networking tool you have is your story. When you walk confidently in your purpose, the right connections will not only recognize you—they will root for you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.journeymusic20/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-journey-108024215/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMUAsNEslUAwehAKio2Da2g
Image Credits
Stephen Hill Photography
