Katy Perry

Inner Keys to Success:

• GO FAILURE TO FAILURE UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR DESTINATION: Katy Perry never gave up on her road to success to become the aspiring artist she is today. Although Perry had a passion for music at a young age (Perry started taking music lessons at the age of 9, and learned to play the guitar by the time she was 13), she wouldn’t get her big break until she was shot down over and over again and even had 3 record deals fall apart. In fact her first album (a gospel album) only sold 100 copies. These failures didn’t stop Perry’s ambition to become a pop star, and as a result, she finally reached her dream. The simple message, never give up!

• BE BOLD ENOUGH TO EXPRESS YOURSELF: Katy Perry was extremely bold in being herself. Her parents are both pastors, and she grew up not being allowed to listen to any type of mainstream music, and would sing in choirs at church, not about kissing girls. She told Entertainment Weekly, “The only things I was allowed to listen to were the Sister Act 1 and 2 soundtrack” Her siblings and her were not even allowed to watch MTV and VH1. Although she came from a very religious, conservative family, she had an open mind and found what resonated with her, regardless of what even her family thought, she was bold enough to express her artistic side. In other words, she didn’t conform to her surroundings, but instead did what she wanted to do. Caring what others think can be a major mental road block holding you back from greatness.

• BIG SACRIFICES = BIG SUCCESSES: She made sacrifices to make her dream a reality. After obtaining her GED, Perry moved to Los Angeles to work with producer Glen Ballard in her late teens, who had worked for mainstream artists including Christina Aguilera. At 17 years old, she was an independent woman, living on her own and struggling to make ends meet. She states “It was five years of living in L.A. with no money, writing bad checks, selling my clothes to make rent, [and] borrowing money,” before she got the opportunity to become the amazing singer she is today.

“Ever since I was younger I wanted to be on stage, singing my songs in a glittering costume. And that happened and is still happening. I have to remember that this is what I wished for and be grateful because there are 500 other girls right behind me that are ready to snatch it up.”

– Katy Perry

Little Known Success Fact:

Katy Perry uses her creativity every chance she gets, she has even had a hand in writing songs for famous pop artists Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale and even Kelly Clarkson.