Singer/songwriter Sky Heavens has worked with the biggest names in music, including Eminem, Nicki Minaj, and Kanye West. With her nonprofit and new single, she is making the world a better place.
You recently released a new single, “Light Within” as well as a campaign with the same title . Tell us about it.
Sure I wrote my single and envisioned it for a campaign for United Luz Foundation to help raise awareness to domestic violence and depression awareness month, to empower and uplift anyone who may be in need of light within, share helpful resources for anyone who may be silently battling, and honor the memory of loved ones who have transitioned due to these prevalent issues.
I had the idea of the hook, sang it, and shared my vision for ULF with my great friend Grammy award winning producer Keith Harris and he created the track around my hook idea. The campaign anyone can find the custom filters I created to help raise awareness on United Luz Foundation Instagram page. Basically anyone can post a selfie with the filters which all have a message on a mask, and share whichever message they would like to add.
The nonprofit organization you founded, the United Luz Foundation raises awareness for domestic violence and depression. What was the inspiration for championing such a worthy cause?
United Luz Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness to Depression and Domestic Violence globally by providing empowering platforms, programs, resources and events that help restore self-esteem and foster self-love/care. I founded ULF in 2016, in honor of my mom who transitioned in 2012. My mother’s selfless spirit had always inspired me to start something that I was able to relate to from my own personal experiences as well as my mother.
What kind of programs does United Luz Foundation provide for domestic violence survivors and children?
We serve several platforms, but most families, and our amazing volunteers, love our Pamper Me Pretty, which I created to provide an inspirational platform focused on mental health, and self/love self/care, to inspire and empower domestic violence survivors and their children living in safe houses, homeless shelters. We provide several self care workshops, a domestic violence motivational speaker, and each program beneficiary has the option to receive a full makeover by a team of hair and makeup artists, they all have photoshoots by themselves and with their children. This platform allows them to enjoy a full day of pampering and bonding time. It’s always an emotional and fulfilling experience for us, the families, the children, our amazing team, and volunteers, We always have tissues handy!
https://www.unitedluzfoundation.org/our-programs
What would you say has contributed to the rise in domestic violence in recent years?
The pandemic has definitely contributed to the rise in domestic violence, as it has spiked at fifty percent. The homeless rate living in shelters right now is full of domestic violence survivors and their children.
As a renowned singer and songwriter who has worked alongside Nicki Minaj, Robin Thicke, and Eminem to name a few, how has those experiences impacted your art?
I am super grateful to have had front row seats to what it takes to be in the forefront, the consistency, the hard work, the sacrifices, and in making our mental health a priority amongst it all. I am super thankful and blessed for my journey thus far!
Do you feel more artists should use their platforms and follow your example to benefit the community that supports them?
I feel that every artist should do whatever it is that feeds their own spirit. Individuality is what makes us all beautiful and unique.
What would you like to see happen as far as legislative action?
More programs have to be implemented with schools and colleges when it comes to mental health and what a healthy relationship looks like. A Lot of these kids have no idea and just practice learned behavior, so I feel it should be added to our schools curriculum.
How can are readers connect with you and your organization?
Visit my website SkyHeavens.com and UnitedLuzFoundation.org.
Be’n Original
