Meet Tro’juan Henderson | Poet. Teaching Artist. Photographer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tro’juan Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tro’juan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I know we often hear this saying “if you do what you love it’ll never feel like work”..and that’s not necessarily true.

It’s love but it’s also labor, and sometimes I need to step away. Sometimes I need to decline a gig for rest, that balance is necessary. Or before you know it you’ll be so burnt out that when your stars do align you’re not in a position to receive or be present for it.

Sometimes it’s for family, depending on your creative medium it takes away a lot of time. I looked back over the last five years and I wasn’t present in any of my family pictures, that kinda hurt. I was think what was I doing that I wasn’t available. That shifted my thinking and I’ve become more practical with time invested. We don’t have to grind 24/7. It’s not worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I become a teaching artist and poet by being student of hip hop as early as 7 years old. I didn’t know I’d be this deeply invested but here we are. My start began I’m open mics, it felt very liberating and I kinda began to take off. The business was the most complex, like how do I get others to pay me lol. It hasn’t been an easy process by far however I do believe relationships have carried me.

I’ve also dived into photography within the last two years when I turned 30. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is allow yourself room to grow and change, your passion today may not be here years later, which is okay? Scary, but it’s cool, and sometimes your passion for this art form may merge with future passions. Allow that space, manage it, and rest. The 24/7 grind isn’t worth your mental / emotional state of being .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Currently I’m in Dallas, so I’d say this.

MapleLeaf Cafe ( breakfast )
Island Spot ( Jerk Wings are amazing )
Cane Rosso
Klyde Warren Park
Enos Pizza
Wild Detectives bookstore & winery
Chocolate Secrets
Josey Records
Rent a Bike to explore downtown Dallas
Opening Bell Cafe
Catfish Floyd’s
Cake Bar
Vals Cheesecake

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Will Richey, Natasha Carrizosa, Darius Frazier, Anne Marie, Brittany Shar’nyce Henderson and my pops for giving me my love of music.

Pretty much anyone who has been gentle with me in the process, it hasn’t always been pretty.

Instagram: @Trojuan_

Twitter: @Trojuan_

Facebook: Tro’juan Henderson

Image Credits
Hakeem Adewumi