At 16, she put together a band, handling publicity, marketing, booking, song selection and set lists. She even ran the soundboard from the stage. When she moved to Nashville, she brought that work ethic with her, surviving by entering -- and winning -- talent contests around town. She also found a home on a regional radio show where producer Byron Gallimore heard her. With Gallimore guiding her, Messina made inroads in the Nashville music community.