ALIGNED & AUTHENTIC: Ryan Atkins
INTERVIEW TOREY SMITH PHOTO @FELIXNATALJR
In a music industry that often pressures artists to fit neatly into one genre or persona, Ryan Atkins has forged her own path. Jersey-raised and Manhattan-based, Ryan blends rock, pop, and the sensual soul of R&B into a sound that is raw, emotionally charged, and intentional. Her artistry is only one facet of her work—she is also a motivational speaker, life coach, and the author of Guided by the Vessel, a prayer-based, Spirit-led book aimed at guiding those navigating healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.
“I realized this was my lane when I stopped trying to fit into one box and allowed my influences to coexist,” Ryan explains. “My voice naturally carries emotion and grit, and those genres gave me the freedom to be vulnerable without losing strength. Once I honored that fusion, everything clicked.”
Rooted in Two Worlds
Growing up between New Jersey and Manhattan shaped both her sound and her perspective on life.
“Jersey grounded me in family, resilience, and real life. Manhattan stretched me creatively and taught me that identity is something you choose and refine,” she shares. “That balance shaped my sound—it is soulful and raw, but intentional. I am rooted, but I am not small.”
This duality informs every note she sings and every lyric she writes, allowing her music to resonate with authenticity and depth. It also influenced the way she approaches her career: as a multi-dimensional artist rather than someone who fits a singular mold.
Music as a Reflection of Life
Ryan’s music is inseparable from her lived experience. “I do not write from theory; I write from survival, healing, faith, and growth,” she says. “My music is honest because my life has demanded honesty. I do not separate who I am from what I create.”
This philosophy is evident in her single Twin Flame, a song exploring divine connection and vulnerability. “Twin Flame came from a season where I was learning the difference between attachment and divine connection. It reflects vulnerability, surrender, and discernment. I came to understand that not every intense connection is meant to be held, but every one can teach you something sacred.”
Ryan’s songs are not just music—they are messages, reflections of her journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. “I think music has the power to show people they’re not alone,” she adds. “If one person hears themselves in my song and feels seen, that’s all the confirmation I need.”
Commitment to Depth
In an industry dominated by surface-level content, Ryan remains committed to honesty and emotional depth.
“I stay grounded by being accountable to my values, not algorithms,” she says. “I would rather reach fewer people deeply than many people shallowly. Emotional depth is not a strategy for me; it is a responsibility.”
Music became a healing tool for Ryan long before it became a career. “It was the one place where I could tell the truth safely. Over time, I realized that what healed me could also help others feel seen, and that changed how seriously I approached my craft.”
Emotional Responsibility and Personal Growth
Ryan’s dedication to growth extends beyond music. As a motivational speaker and life coach, she emphasizes the importance of emotional responsibility.
“It looks like self-awareness, boundaries, and honesty with yourself first. It means not projecting unresolved pain onto others and taking ownership of your growth, even when it is uncomfortable,” she explains.
Reclaiming energy and protecting her peace came through a combination of faith, discipline, and self-trust. “I reclaimed my energy when I stopped outsourcing my worth and began trusting God’s timing over external validation. Discipline helped me protect my peace, and faith helped me release control. Together, they restored clarity.”
Faith, Self-Trust, and Discipline
Faith, self-trust, and discipline are the pillars of Ryan’s philosophy.
“Faith gives direction, self-trust gives confidence, and discipline creates consistency,” she says. “When those three align, transformation becomes sustainable instead of emotional or temporary.”
This philosophy underpins her book, Guided by the Vessel, a prayer-based, Spirit-led guide for people quietly navigating healing. “It is meant for leaders, creatives, and believers who feel deeply but do not always have the words. I wrote it for anyone learning how to listen inwardly and trust God outwardly,” Ryan explains.
The writing process was transformative in itself. “It challenged me to slow down and surrender perfection. It taught me that obedience can be just as powerful as ambition.”
Structure Fuels Creativity
Ryan also brings structure and leadership into her creative life. As a Director of Operations and licensed Realtor, she has found that organization actually protects creativity.
“Leadership has taught me discipline, clarity, and accountability,” she says. “Those tools allow my creative work to be intentional instead of scattered.”
She also believes faith and professionalism are not mutually exclusive. “Integrity is not situational. Excellence does not dilute belief; it reflects it.”
Purpose-Driven Impact
At the core of Ryan’s work is purpose-driven impact.
“It means leaving people more aligned than you found them—whether through music, leadership, or conversation. It is not about visibility; it is about transformation,” she says.
Looking to the future, Ryan hopes her name will represent authenticity and faith in action. “I hope people see what God has done in my life and understand that anything He has done for me is possible for them with God.”
Beyond the Spotlight
Ryan Atkins is more than an artist. She is a leader, a healer, and a messenger. Her life, faith, and creativity intersect in meaningful ways, allowing her to impact those around her through music, mentorship, and spiritual guidance.
“Everything I do comes from a place of intention,” Ryan says. “If I can leave someone with clarity, hope, or courage, then my work has been worth it.”
Through her artistry and life, Ryan embodies a rare combination of authenticity, courage, and purpose—leaving a lasting impact on everyone who encounters her work.