Meet Victoria E. Henderson Poole | Author & Radio Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria E. Henderson Poole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria E., where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in New York City, NY. We lived in the projects in the Bronx until I was 13. We then moved into a house in St. Albans, located in Queens, NY. I went to a parochial school which was a part of our religion from elementary to high school. This upbringing impacted my life in so many ways. I was surrounded by people who loved me at school and at church. We were our own family and friends and I am still friends with many of them today. The sense of community and love for others was fostered in a city known for crime and drugs. I did see all that, but my parents made sure my siblings and I stayed busy and away from trouble. I moved to North Carolina when I was 23 but still call NYC my home since I have many friends and family members still there. Watching my parents sacrifice to get us a house and move us out of the projects made me appreciate them so much. I saw firsthand what taking care of your family really meant. I would not change anything about my upbringing if I could. I know I am who I am today because of what my parents instilled in me – love for God, family and friends along with high work ethics.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the author of my first book, When I Need A Word, God Speaks! It was published in July 2019 and was a dream come true for me. The book is a compilation of what I felt were the best of the pieces I had on my blog site, Still Waters. I have found that God speaks to me in many ways and I use those words to encourage others to keep pushing in life. A few of my friends encouraged me to do a book. I kept putting it off out of fear. I was afraid that no one would really want to pay for a book of mine. I didn’t think it was possible for little ole me to be an author. With prayer and encouragement, my friend Ruth, who is a publisher, agreed to do it and within a year, the book was done. The biggest challenge I faced was believing that the dream was possble! My dear friend, Andrea Hines, told me that someone was waiting to hear only what I had to say. And she was so right! I have learned that the only thing standing in my way was ME! I was my biggest opponent and my procrastination kept me from completing some of the goals that publisher Ruth gave me. I now seek to encourage others to push beyond what they see and go after their dreams. I was asked later in the year to co-host an internet radio show with my author friends, Andrea and Ruth, on a show called Authors Up. This is also another thing that I never saw myself doing. We showcase other authors’ work during interviews and encourage others with our writings as well. I look forward to recording the show and spending time with my friends in this manner. I want the world to know that my faith in God is what gives me hope to face each new day. The journey may not be easy but there is such joy along the way as I embrace what God has for me. When I do that, I know I am fulfilling my purpose and calling.

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.
If any of my friends came to town, I would love to show them the art life in my city. Durham has an Arts Council in it’s own building that houses varuous classes from painting to theater productions. There is also the Carolina Theater that shows classic movies and hosts artist events. The biggest arena is the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) which hosts Broadway shows and local talent shows such as an Evening of Entertainment showcasing talent from Durham Public Shows as a fundraising event. We would also have to sample food from the many cusines located here as well. The visit would have to include a trip to either Wilmington or Carolina Beach which are both a few hours drive from here and  it is so worth it to see the ocean.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
No one could ever make it alone in this world and my life is no exception! I am certainly a product of the love shown to me by my family and friends. I will always thank my mom, Lois E. Henderson, for being a woman I will forever look up to. Her strength is uncomparable. I almost hate to list names because I am afraid I will miss someone. I have to thank these beautiful ladies for always believing in me and speaking life into me even when they did not know it. I love them all so very much, my woman warriors – Beghetta Liles, Lori Henderson, Leah Forney, Andrea Hines, Ruth Griffin, Keisa Stubbs, Dezrie Moore, Lisa Cooper, Lorraine Hexstall, and Avery Dawson. I am especially grateful for my husband, Gregory, and my daughters, Vanaya, Varyssa, and Vianna, who give me space to do my thing and let me be when I need to just be.

Website: www.stillwaters.blog
Instagram: @iamvicktorious
Twitter: @iamvicktorious
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriaevettehenderson/

Image Credits
Studio Griffin Publishers – book cover photo