“It’s comforting to have someone who understands where I’m coming from.”
For Stephanie Adatsi the mentorship programme has been more than just a source of career advice—it’s been a space for reflection, reassurance, and real support as she begins to shape her path in the creative industries. An aspiring music producer composer for tv and film, with her mentor Thomas George, she has found not only guidance but connection—someone who genuinely understands the challenges of getting started and the uncertainty that can come with it.
Having that kind of relationship made all the difference. Her mentor didn’t just offer practical help; they shared their own experiences, creating a space where Stephanie could be open about her questions, doubts, and aspirations. That sense of being understood allowed her to approach her creative journey with more clarity and confidence. “Learning from someone further ahead makes sense—even taking a little knowledge from them can shift how I approach things,” she shared.
That shift has shown up in real ways. One major breakthrough came during a job application process that initially felt overwhelming. Her mentor walked her through the details—breaking down the cover letter, refining the wording, and helping her feel more in control. “We picked out the right words together—just having someone there made the process feel less daunting.”
This kind of support extended beyond logistics. Hearing her mentor’s personal story made Stephanie feel less alone in her own early-stage experiences. She realised that doubt, slow progress, and self-advocacy are all part of the process—and that she has every right to take up space. One important turning point came when she started asking to be compensated for her time. Where she once did free work without question, she’s now confidently requesting travel expenses and fees. “At first I thought I couldn’t ask for anything—but I’ve learned I can speak up.”
Creatively, Stephanie has been building momentum. She’s begun collaborating more actively with other artists, producing beats, co-writing, and recording demos. Having a clear creative goal—like finishing three demo tracks by the end of the month—has helped her stay focused and track her progress in a tangible way. “I need something tangible to show for all the work I’ve been doing,” she said, reflecting on the importance of seeing her ideas come to life.
She’s also stepped up in ways that surprised even herself. Though she once hesitated around group work and networking, she recently launched a group chat for women in the industry—a space for mutual support, resource sharing, and career-building. “It started as a way for everyone to connect, but I can see now it has real potential,” she said. That potential is already taking shape: the group has sparked new job opportunities and their first in-person meetup is scheduled for April.
As she looks ahead, Stephanie is focused on expanding her catalogue of music and building a network that supports her creative growth. She’s applying to initiatives like Small Green Shoots, looking into short-term roles to gain stability, and preparing to submit her music to labels. The goal is to stay consistent, stay connected, and keep putting her work out into the world. “I want to build enough work to show what I can do—and get a stable, part-time job alongside it,” she said.
Stephanie’s journey is a reminder that progress doesn’t always come in big, dramatic moves. Sometimes it’s a conversation, a shift in mindset, or the quiet decision to speak up for yourself that creates the most lasting change. And with every beat produced, application submitted, and message sent in that group chat, she’s building a creative future that’s grounded, collaborative, a creative future that’s grounded, collaborative, and unmistakably hers.
The Creative Opps Mentorship Programme supports early-career creatives through one-to-one guidance, peer connection, and practical tools for navigating the industry. Want to know more about how it works—or share your own mentoring story? We’d love to hear from you.