We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Davis Guidera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by words. Words have the power to shape reality and provoke thought, stir emotion, build bridges, or burn them down. The way we can rearrange, reshape, and refine them until they capture exactly what we mean is art. That’s power.

I’m inspired by love. Love is the force behind everything I create, the fuel that pushes me to write, to build, to share. It’s the reason I take risks, the reason I keep going.

I’m inspired by courage, the kind that makes you take a leap despite the fear, not knowing how you’ll land but jumping anyway. Without courage, nothing begins. And even if what I create doesn’t take off the way I imagined, maybe it sparks something in someone else, and they create something that reaches the eyes it was meant for. Inspiration is a cycle, and I love the thought of being a link in that chain.

I’m inspired by my family, a family of builders, makers, creators. My mom runs a bakery, my dad owns his roofing business, my brother a tattoo shop, my grandma a taco shack, my uncle an IT shop. Independence, creativity, and self-made success aren’t just ideas in my family; they’re a way of life. It’s in my blood to create.

So when you ask what inspires me? It’s all of it. Words, love, courage, the ripple effect of inspiration, and the legacy of creation that runs through my veins.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is built on words. Their power to move, heal, challenge, and connect. Beyond writing, I love creativity in all forms. I have an eye for design, for abstract beauty, for the way things come together visually and conceptually. Whether it’s designing websites or helping others bring their creative visions to life, I do well in spaces where ideas turn into something tangible.

What sets me apart isn’t just what I create, it’s the lens through which I see the world. My family is large, diverse, and beautifully complex. My dad’s family lives on an Indian Rancheria reserve. I have seven siblings, including a sister who is disabled and another who was adopted. My extended family is vast… so many faces, so many stories. Growing up in such a unique, blended environment, I’ve experienced different walks of life, different struggles, different cultures, and deep love in many forms. And because of that, I feel deeply. I’m an empath to my core, which is why my writing resonates with people from all backgrounds. I write from a place of understanding, of seeing and feeling beyond my own experience, and that gives my work a reach beyond just one perspective.

What’s funny is that, in person, I’ve always been quiet, shy, and soft-spoken, the one who observes more than she speaks. But when I write, I unlock a different part of myself. Writing is where I’m unfiltered, where I’m open, where I let myself be fully vulnerable. It’s ironic, but that’s the beauty of words. They give me a voice in a way nothing else ever has.

Professionally, my journey hasn’t been conventional. I’ve published three poetry books, I’m writing my first fiction novel, and I’m creating a spoken word EP that will be released this year. I’m not a New York Times bestselling author, but I keep going. And that’s something I’m proud of.

It hasn’t been easy. Writing is vulnerable, and pursuing it seriously means facing doubt, discouragement, and the pressure to define success by external measures. But I’ve learned that success isn’t about recognition, it’s about persistence. The biggest lesson I’ve embraced is this: keep creating, even when no one is watching. Because the right people will find your work, and what you create will matter to someone.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my story, it’s that I write because I have to. Because words are how I make sense of the world, and I believe it’s a part of my calling. Somewhere out there, someone needs them. And if not… well, I need them.

The foundation of everything I do is my faith. I believe in God, and I know that none of this exists without Him. He’s the reason I create, the reason I keep going even when doubt creeps in. My faith reminds me that what I do isn’t just for me, it’s for a greater purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll be honest… I’m a homebody. So when I do step out, it has to be worth it. Good vibes, good ambiance, good music, and, most importantly, good food. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d take them on a curated experience, nothing too overwhelming, just the best spots to eat, relax, and enjoy the city at our own pace.

We’d start with food, because that’s always the priority. Uchiba (upstairs) for Asian fusion. Izkina for a cool vibe with good music. The Mexican for upscale Mexican food. Mexican Sugar for a refined but relaxed take on Latin flavors. Perry’s Steakhouse for a solid steak night. Komodo for an energetic, upscale atmosphere. La Neta for something fun and lively. And if we’re in the mood for some comfort food? Bubba’s near SMU. It’s casual, classic, and always good.

For entertainment, Addison Improv is a must for a comedy night, there’s nothin’ like a good laugh. For old souls, The Balcony Club is perfect for a jazz scene. I also love going to the movies, and there’s this spot in Wylie called B&B Theatre where the seats move with the film, so it’s almost like being on a ride. For a more laid-back day, we’d visit The Dallas Arboretum to take in the flowers and just breathe for a while. And of course, no good day is complete without coffee. White Rhino Coffee and 7 Brew Coffee are my go-to spots for a good cup and a chill atmosphere. At the end of the week, it wouldn’t be about hitting every touristy spot, because Dallas can be crazy, especially on weekends. it would be about good food, good company, and making every outing feel worth stepping out of the house for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate the shoutout to my family, Mrs. Fleener, Mrs. Detrick, and Shakiel Randolph.

Writing has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I was the kid who stayed up all night filling pages. Writing isn’t always seen as a “successful” career path, and while I’ve faced discouragement from others, my family has never let me forget that my words matter. They’ve believed in me even when I questioned myself.

I also have to recognize two of my earliest inspirations, my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Fleener, and my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Detrick. Their classrooms were places where creativity thrived, where I was encouraged to explore my voice through writing, and where I first realized the impact of storytelling.

More recently, Shakiel Randolph has been a major influence in my journey. A former NFL player to director of business operations, but also a creative at heart—he writes, sings, plays instruments, mentors, and pours into others. His multi-faceted nature inspires me, but more than that, his steady presence in my life has given me courage. He pushes me to step outside my comfort zone, to take creative risks without fear. Because in the end, it’s not about the numbers or the book sales, it’s about creating, expressing, and putting something meaningful into the world. He’s helped me embrace that truth, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.

Website: https://www.h-davis.com

Instagram: @h.davispoetry

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