Today we’d like to introduce you to Percy Richard.
Hi Percy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I could tell you that I washed up on the shore as a mermaid and describe my life from there. My name is Percy and I also go by Bali. I am an androgynous singer, model, humanitarian, commentator, influencer, motivational speaker, certified life coach, and a lover of all arts. Born in Louisiana and raised in Omaha Nebraska. Growing up in the Midwest was hard being so unique. I remember coming out to my family at sixteen knowing that for the rest of my life I would always speak my truth. My journey led me back to Louisiana to studying undergrad at the University of Louisiana Monroe where I graduated in 2016 with my B.A in Communications with a minor in Psychology. I went further and attended Louisiana State University & Grambling State University for Graduate Studies. I think that’s where my love from helping people was developed. I remember growing up in some of the worst neighborhoods in Louisiana as a small child and I knew that everyone needed someone to be a voice and help them. My career took me to CenturyLink working as the assistant to the SVP of Corporate Communications to taking a role with Cox Communications. I decided that the tech world wasn’t where my heart was fully at. Life led me to Dallas following an encounter with domestic violence and after a soul-searching journey in Guatemala, I ventured off into nonprofit in 2020 after working at UT Southwestern taking a role as a manager at A local nonprofit. In my time at the nonprofit, I have been fortunate enough to have helped thousands of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
I helped revised a lot of systems so they can accurately help the victims, as well as assisted in opening their doors to members of the LGBTQ community.
After supporting that role for the last couple years God has called me to higher heights after realizing growth there wasn’t attainable and I am back on the venture with my career looking to one day lead or own a nonprofit. My mother always told me that the light goes where you go baby. So, the light left that building and I aspire to continue to take it where I go. So, I’m taking some much-needed time to funnel some love into my talents.
These last 12 month has been filled with career firsts being featured on TMZ as a commentator every month this year as well as creating and hosting my own podcast series that has been viewed now in several countries.
Co-hosting on other podcasts, being the featured model in the Pancakes and Booze Fashion Show and others, while modeling for several clothing and athletic brands. Through all of this, I’ve made time to work on writing a book that delves into my spiritual journey to finding myself and finding my way in this crazy world we live in.
It talks about my journey to Guatemala and how God called me to nonprofit and being a voice to the voiceless.
The book is under work and is slated for a fall 2022 release date.
I’ve also been working on my first EP titled “Balieve”.
It’s been one of the first times I’ve been able to let the world hear my voice outside of fighting for the voiceless.
I wrote every song on my EP and put every ounce of love into it.
I always loved singing and grew up in the church so I’m excited to say that my EP is full of soul and country, and yes, I said country.
I challenged myself with the EP to push my own boundaries and limits and I can’t wait to let the world hear what journey I have been on.
During the last year, I lost my ex-fiancé and it stirred up a lot of emotions that I have been channeling into my poetry and music.
I think the best way to create is to use pain and turn it into purpose.
As a survivor of domestic violence and a voice to the voiceless, I hope one day to have my voice used to the fullest of its potential to serve its purpose.
My future goals include getting married, owning my own nonprofit, being a multi-platinum recording artist, and using my voice in music, art, and film to help make the world a better place.
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?
Speaking to someone who had a door slammed in their face a month ago by a CEO I think that there is no road that will be smooth for me. I think that’s what makes the roads worth traveling. I don’t always need life to be nice and easy. Sometimes it has to be nice and rough. That’s what makes diamonds, pressure. I do believe that me being who I am is a testimony to the countless amount of people who never give up no matter how many doors are slammed in their faces.
I believe my career would’ve taken off faster had I had more support but I believe all things happen in their due time.
Coming from where I come from, I am crossing more obstacles than the ones that stood in my way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a vocalist, currently working on my first EP and performing at every open mic night I can until someone gives me the chance of a lifetime. I’d like to describe my music style as a combination of Jill Scott, Erykah, and D’Angelo. I make music that touches my soul. I got the nickname light of the world from a friend in heaven and it’s stuck with me ever since. What sets my music apart from others is the fact that it’s uniquely me. My words are some of the best expressions of who I am and my music accurately expresses me and where I’m at, and where I have been on this marathon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
“Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson.
I don’t think luck has played a part in my life if anything I don’t think I have the best luck.
I think I have faith, and it precedes me.
Whether I know the outcome of what’s happened in my life I’ve always been okay with whatever season I was in.
You don’t need luck when you have faith and good work.
Then you have blessings and those are something no one can take away from you.
Now if I have bad luck, it would probably be in relationships since I am currently single and have been for a couple years now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PrimeTimeLove
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/PrimeTimeLove
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/PrimeTimeLove
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/vWVbhkKyqTEbEfst5
- Other: https://primetimelove.tumblr.com
Image Credits
Tae Trent Photographer
Emily Gee Photography
Perfect Pixel Photography
