Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Graham
Hi Molly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m kid 6 our of 7. In 2011, my dad passed away and from then on I was raised by a single mother in The Greater New Orleans area. I went to NOCCA to study classical violin. I began modeling in high school. I graduated in 2017, went to NY to model, and started studying Mass Communication at LSU in the fall. I put modeling on the back-burner. I graduated from LSU in 2021 and began working in production. In 2022, I performed my violin for the first time in a non-classical setting. I began playing by ear and sitting in with local bands and musicians.
Now, I stage manage/assistant tour manage/tour manage/talent buy for various entities. I perform my violin with bands as well as perform solo for various events. I am newly working with Anita Model Management. I am an aunt to 11 nieces and nephews. I love to bake, play with my cats, and nap.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say smooth. My dad passing away greatly impacted my path. It left a lot of responsibility for my mom. She drove me to NOCCA every day from about 2012-2017, she paid for violin lessons and any gear, and she actually homeschooled my brother from coffee shops so I could get to school early or stay late to practice. I did not play violin very much when I got to college. I was struggling with my confidence.
I worked as a resident assistant, server, and a full-time student in college. I didn’t have much time to spare. When I graduated, my friends in Neutral Snap encouraged me to change my approach to music. They invited me to perform with them. I was working in production at this point and was laid off due to COVID and hurricane season. I started working at Tipitina’s as a lighting director. I began performing more often, started taking modeling gigs, and was offered my initial job back a few months later. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue invited me to interview for a position stage managing for their Voodoo Threauxdown Tour. I got the job! I’ve been working with them since. I’m modeling more often. I perform with my violin a few times a month, unless I’m touring.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a lot of irons in the fire. I stage manage/assistant tour manage/tour manage/talent buy/perform/model. I am most proud of my resiliency. External factors often got in my way, but as a professor in college used to say, I was determined to find a way or make one. I work gigs I don’t love, I miss family functions, I work 15 hour days. It’s not always easy. My friends and family show me love, support, and encouragement (though some don’t really understand what I do) always.
I would say I am known for being playful, but not afraid to hold people accountable. I’m a young woman working in a male dominated industry. I feel like I need to work harder and prove myself more than others due to people’s biases. I work long days. I am interested in having fun and not interested in suffering twice. If people are acting inappropriately, I’m often the first to give them the opportunity to make it right.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Because I work in a few different industry’s I’ll break it down like this:
Production/management: I think we will see more women joining the industry. More female-identifying people are being given power. I think this will lead to more accountability and more equal opportunity.
Modeling: I think we will see more inclusivity. The beauty standard is changing. People’s health is being prioritized and we are seeing less minors working long hours or for brands that are age inappropriate.
Music performance: I think online presence is become non-negotiable for performers. We have tools that allow us to connect with listeners in ways we have not had prior. People are more curious about what’s happening off stage more than ever. I think performers will need to be extremely well-rounded. They are no longer just performers, but personalities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollygrahamcracker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollygraham128
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mollygrahamcracker
