We had the good fortune of connecting with Poetix Guru and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Poetix, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe that giving up is the absolute last resort. I do not allow myself to give up on anything until I have exhausted every last option and resource, no matter what it is. There have been plenty of times in my life where I gave up on something prematurely and I have always regretted it. In the times where I feel like giving up I remind myself of how I felt when I did, when I didn’t give my all and it pushes me to go harder. Reflecting on my past mistakes and times where I threw in the towel gives me strength and encourages to figure out another solution and another way to look at what ever it is that I’m contemplating giving up on.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Its been a long journey getting to where I am today, I wrote and performed my first poem in my Drama class in High school, it was then that I realized I had a knack for writing and memorizing poetry. Once I graduated I started performing poetry with University of Michigan’s Gospel Choral. We went on tour around the States performing and that was my first taste of a tour. It has been anything but easy making it to where I am today, but every test and trial has been worth it. I started performing in Michigan and I began to grow a local audience there. In 2019 me and my Fiancé moved to Dallas and I had to start from the ground up, that has been a true test of my artistry because I was questioning on if I would even be able to make it to where I am now. Every challenge I have encountered I’ve faced head on and have been able to overcome them with consistent hard work and an optimistic attitude. Some of the lessons I’ve learned are to never give up, always follow your heart and first mind, and to push boundaries to set yourself apart. I want the world to know that I was here, I want them to know that they can heal from the scars and things that they have been through, I want to heal the world one soul at a time, but above anything else i want the world to know that “It’s Possible” what ever their “It” may be.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to visit Dallas for a week I would definitely take them to The Freeman in Deep Ellum for some good food and live entertainment. We would surely hit the Strip in Cedar springs to bar hop. I take all my friends or family that come to visit to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for some good seafood. On Sunday we likely go to Snooze for brunch and after we would hit up On Premise in Deep Ellum for Sunday fun day as well as. I would take them to do some tourist stuff like the Dallas Aquarium, The Museum of Illusions, and I would find some of the popup interactive art galleries and selfie museums. I would also take them to Southern Gourmet Kitchen in Plano for some great food and depending on the day they have weekly entertainment as well.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother Doria Rainey is definitely deserving of credit and recognition in my story. She tells me that I should dedicate every show I do to her lol. She really expects me to say that at every show and she tells me that often. But my mom is one of my Biggest supporters even if she doesn’t always understand or agree. I honestly wouldn’t be half the person I am today without her. My Fiancé Jam Henderson is another person I would like to Shoutout. Jam has held me down the past 4 years, we moved from Detroit to Dallas together and he has been my rock. He is always willing and open to listening to me perform/critiquing my writing. He has also been a huge help in brainstorming ideas for poems and shows, as well as a ghost writer every now and then lol. He is my unofficial manager and he surely acts like it. But without his help, guidance, and love my life would not be the same.
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Image Credits
DXC photography JuJushotit