Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to have raving fans who can’t stop talking about them, while others struggle to gain traction and eventually fizzle out? The difference often lies in the ability to connect with people on a deeper level—creating a brand that resonates, sparks excitement and builds loyalty.
The importance of integrating art and creativity into business goes beyond abstract conversations about big ideas—it serves a much deeper, more practical purpose. For Shyan Selah, this connection is key to his approach, both as an artist and entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial idea revolves around creating experiences and stories that draw people in, making them feel like they’re part of something bigger.
Born in Kentucky but raised in Federal Way a City based just south of Seattle, his upbringing instilled in him a sense of adventure, loyalty, and purpose. From an early age, Shyan was exposed to the dynamic world of music and culture, with influences ranging from his family’s connection to the aviation industry to his experiences growing up in Seattle. His career spans across multiple creative disciplines, including music, fashion, and film. He found his light in his ability to combine his art with the strategic mindset of a business leader.
He says, “Art and business are often seen as diametrically opposed, with one focused on pure creativity and the other on profit-driven strategies.”
For many, the idea of mixing the two seems unnatural or even counterproductive. But Shyan Selah, a renowned artist, entrepreneur, and the founder of Brave New World, knows how blending the two well can lead to not just artistic success but lasting business innovation.
So how exactly did Shyan build Brave New World into the powerhouse it is today? The answer lies in his ability to think big and act intentionally and strategically. At the core of Brave New World is Shyan’s desire has historically been to disrupt the traditional entertainment industry and create new opportunities for creatives.
The mission was to bring fresh, soulful, exciting music, art, and live shows to the world. But he quickly realized that to make this happen, he needed more than just talent—he needed a solid framework to support his vision.
Collaboration with Starbucks is a perfect example. It began as a casual performance at a Seattle Starbucks location turned into the Cafe Noir project, a movement that blends music, culture, and community.
He got a bit extra creative “I learned to turn my art into a business and my business into an art.” He believes that many creatives underestimate the power of entrepreneurship, and from the beginning, he was focused on finding a balance that would allow him to stay true to his artistic roots while building a sustainable business. By integrating both sides, he’s been able to foster both creativity and growth in a way that works.
Shyan often asks people, “Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?” And, on some level, you probably do. But how does that label sit with you? Does it feel a bit uncomfortable?
Does the idea of being an entrepreneur feel like it doesn’t quite match who you are? I get it—entrepreneurship often feels like a world of logic and strategy, and I can hear you saying, “Shyan, we’re artists! We live in a world of creativity, ideas, concepts, and emotions! We’re not just about numbers, analysis, or details! We’re creators!”
But here’s the thing that he often challenges. If you, as a creative, never paid attention to the details, the facts, or the strategy behind your art, you wouldn’t be able to achieve the level of excellence you’re capable of. The challenge is to establish viability around the creativity. There’s a value to each component.
The two worlds, creativity and entrepreneurship, are not as separate as they might seem. They are interconnected, and when you find the right balance between them, that’s when the magic happens.
Execution Matters
Great ideas are crucial, but without execution, they remain just that—ideas. Shyan’s success didn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment or hoping for luck; it came from making things happen. “I learned to turn my art into a business and my business into an art,” he shares. This mindset of turning vision into action is essential. In the business world, execution is everything! Be it launching an album, an art piece, or a new business venture, you have to be able to execute your ideas efficiently.
Stay Fresh, But be authentically soulful. Be you.
We all know it’s easy to get caught up in what’s popular. But staying authentic to your artistic vision is important. Authenticity builds trust with your audience, and it’s that trust that keeps people coming back.
When building your brand or business, always keep your values and your unique voice at the forefront. The world is filled with copycats, so your individuality is your competitive advantage.
Think Big, Act Strategically
We often hear from successful creative entrepreneurs to “think outside the box.” It’s not only creating great art, but also disrupting the status quo and thinking beyond the immediate.
While dreaming big is important, strategic thinking is equally essential. Thinking strategically means setting long-term goals and creating a roadmap for how you’ll achieve them. It’s about asking, “What’s the bigger picture here?” and then determining the best path to get there. For creative entrepreneurs, this could mean diversifying your offerings, exploring new revenue streams, or partnering with other businesses or creatives to expand your reach.
As an artist, Shyan has collaborated with icons like KRS-One, Eminem and Tommy Hilfiger, gaining invaluable insights that helped shape his multifaceted career. He’s worked in sectors that range from tech to fashion. But beyond his collaborations, he has always been committed to creating something bigger—something that connects with people on a deeper level.
With that, Brave New World is set to make waves. A creative enterprise that serves as both an incubator for talent and a steering wheel for bringing artistic visions to life. He stays grounded through innovative outreach programs that stimulate young minds to dare to achieve their dreams. The company is focusing on music, art, live shows, community development and merchandise, providing a structured framework that allows creative work to thrive in a business context.
