That is a fortuitous turn of events with your cold call. I wish you the very best in your artistic endeavors! It's truly inspiring to read these kinds of stories, the ones about "normal everyday people" in their shift to becoming "heavy hitters". Thank you for sharing it here!

What is the lesson I take from this? I guess – don't be afraid to embrace your dark side, it resonates with people!

Definitely.
Also, are you familiar with the lyrics to Tool's Forty-Six & 2? They touch on the dark side in that one. It came to mind when I read your quoted text above.

@ryivhnn, what are the odds!?
@tereza.basarova, we were just talking about the resting bitch face a few days ago, and now, completely unrelated and unexpected, here it is in your post. Ha!