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Imagine discovering your gift for music in your mid-30s… and then realizing the music industry still pays artists fractions of a penny for their work.

In this episode of Wins + Lessons, Leron and Lex sit down with Shawn Haynes, an independent R&B artist, producer, and finance professional who refused to let the industry decide his value. Shawn talks about why he turned away from traditional label deals and streaming payouts, and how he built a direct-to-fan model that lets him keep ownership of his music and his message.

Shawn shares:

Why streaming royalties don't add up for most artists

How selling watermelon and produce in Long Island helps fund his music career

Lessons from almost 30 years on Wall Street and what he's learned about money, risk, and the economy

His views on social media, algorithms, and AI – and why he doesn't trust platforms with his future

A powerful conversation on Black love, partnership, and accountability in real life vs online narratives

He closes by sharing his biggest win and most important lesson from navigating music, money, and manhood on his own terms.

This episode is for independent artists, creatives, and anyone trying to fund their dream without losing themselves in the process.

🎙 Guest: Shawn Haynes – Independent R&B artist

www.shawnhaynes.com

🎧 Show: Wins + Lessons – where there are no losses in life, only lessons.