Tell us about the journey from singing Tina Turner at age three to stepping onto the City Winery Chicago stage for the first time.
Just reading that question has me saying… wow. I’ve always known what I wanted to do—perform. I remember putting on full shows for my family in front of the TV and singing my heart out in church. Back then, I didn’t know exactly how I would make it or even what “making it” looked like. What I did know was that I had a gift and a love for something I couldn’t and didn’t want to shake. So, what a blessing it is now to see my stages keep growing. I’ve prayed for this, affirmed it, and now I’m living in my prayers.

Your mantra is “Be you, be free, be love.” How has that philosophy shaped both your music and your life offstage?
Freeing myself from other people’s expectations and fully accepting who I am has created a permanent space of vulnerability. That space allows me to connect deeply—not just with my audience, but with people in everyday life. I see them, they see me, and we truly see each other.

Your work sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and impact. For a creative audience that may not live in spreadsheets, how would you describe what you do—and why it matters? 
What I do is an art in itself a process of transforming raw data into something that tells a story, that empowers action. At District Analyst, we don’t just analyze numbers, we help businesses see the unseen. For creatives, whether in the arts, entertainment, or other fields, this process is not about spreadsheets it’s about understanding patterns, opportunities, and hidden potential. Imagine it like preparing for a performance. Just as an artist practices relentlessly to perfect their craft, businesses must use data to refine their approach, ensuring that each step they take is purposeful, aligned, and primed for success. Data, when understood and applied thoughtfully, can be the brushstroke that elevates a vision from concept to reality. It gives organizations the clarity to not only meet their goals but to transcend them, thriving in an ever-changing world.

District Analyst is your brainchild. What inspired you to build a consultancy rooted in helping founders and small businesses make smarter, data-driven moves—especially in communities that often get overlooked?
District Analyst was born from a vision to bridge the gap between data and the entrepreneurs who need it most. Founders, especially those from underrepresented communities, often lack access to structured, actionable data that can guide their decisions. I saw firsthand how many brilliant minds struggled to translate data into meaningful strategy. My purpose with District Analyst was clear: to create a space where data becomes a trusted resource, an ally, in the pursuit of growth. It's not just about reflecting on the past; it’s about using data to shape a brighter future. We empower these businesses to improve operations, engage customers more deeply, and make smarter choices that don’t just survive but thrive.

Angela D. Priso is redefining what it means to be both a cultural entrepreneur and a literary visionary. As the founder of Roots & Rhythms Stories, Priso has crafted a storytelling brand that transcends borders, genres, and expectations. Her work fuses African and diasporic narratives with imagination, joy, and purpose—offering young readers stories where identity is celebrated and imagination has no boundaries. Through lyrical books, bilingual formats, and dynamic digital content, Priso is cultivating cultural confidence in children across the globe. In this interview, she shares the inspirations behind her work, the entrepreneurial journey behind her brand, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

How has your work with Roots & Rhythms Stories positioned you as both a cultural entrepreneur and literary visionary?
Through Roots & Rhythms Stories, I’ve created a brand anchored in amplifying underrepresented voices—children, immigrants, girls, women, and communities of color. That’s at the heart of my work as a cultural entrepreneur. I’ve intentionally built something that resists the commercial mold—bilingual books, lyrical picture books rooted in African ecology and folklore, and animated YouTube stories told through music and narration. Not every family connects through traditional books, but music and visuals are universal bridges. The global response—especially from Europe—has been powerful and affirming.
As a literary visionary, I see stories not just as tools for teaching, but as launchpads for wonder. I don’t write to dwell in trauma; I write to expand children’s imaginations. While many books center important social justice themes, my calling is to explore what’s possible beyond survival. If I give you a map of Indiana, you follow a path. But if I hand you a globe, your journey becomes infinite. That’s what I want for every child who picks up my books.

What life experiences or cultural influences have most profoundly shaped your artistic identity?
My early exposure to art and African American cultural history shaped my passion and pride as a Black man in the United States. As a child, my family introduced me to various cultures beyond my predominantly African American neighborhood through our travels across the country. The most impactful cultural influence came in the 4th grade when I watched the mini-series Roots. I was captivated by every episode and deeply moved by the portrayal of how Black people came to America and lived through hardship. That experience ignited my hunger to learn more about African American history.
I began visiting museums and art galleries in Detroit, MI, with my family and on school trips. The images and stories I encountered planted the seeds of my identity and inspired my passion for self-expression. I’m grateful to have been born in this era and to benefit from the sacrifices and hard work of my parents, which have opened doors to the opportunities I have today.

When you approach a blank canvas, what internal dialogue or emotional current typically guides your creative process?
I approach each painting with a vision of the colors I plan to use, but I also leave space for the piece to evolve organically. This process allows each painting to develop its own uniqueness and value. I don't restrict the work—I allow it to speak to me and reveal its own direction as it unfolds.