This is my 2nd take for my Module 3 video😶‍🌫️, I'm crafting y'all. I still don't like making videos, but I dislike it less😅😁. This was done after church & running errands. Goodnight fam, your girl is done.🥱💛

Hello Poet Life members, I'm embarking on a 52 week journey over on Substack with the hopes of putting together an anthology called 'Beautiful Wreckage" Every Sunday I'm dropping the theme, and a verse of my own to kickstart it I have kicked off the first week with 'Fractured but Breathing' If you'd like to participate let me know, or come follow along on the journey. Even in the wreckage, survival is proof of resilience. Wreckage isn’t the end state. Breathing in the aftermath is step one toward reclaiming self. This is Ink To Impact - Vision 2 Verse https://open.substack.com/pub/napalmjax/p/beautiful-wreckage-week-1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2ve4n0

That is how I was asked to interview for my local newspaper. The journalist was actually my instructor from a Professional Branding class I took a few weeks ago. When she asked the students to introduce themselves, I basically recited my 30 second Elevator Speech. She was impressed, said she had never heard of a poetry business, and that she would like to interview me. After the interview I was asked if I wanted to work with her in the University Ciry school district and bring my love for poetry for the students to witness. This was a great opportunity to introduce myself; and the blessings that follow may prove to be a huge boost to my company. Closed mouths don’t get fed. Speak up!

How did your journey in poetry begin; and, what drew you to transform your creativity into a career? You wear several hats—poet, publisher, author, and theater professional. How do these roles intersect and strengthen one another in your work? Poetry is often seen as a passion rather than a profession. What steps did you take to shift from creating art for expression to building it into a sustainable career? What do you wish more emerging poets understood about the business side of poetry? Beyond selling books or readings, what are some innovative ways poets can generate income from their work? You’ve been deeply involved in building community for poets in St. Louis. Why is community essential for artistic and professional growth? The St. Louis Argus has always been a voice for African American life, history, and progress. How has your work in poetry and theater been shaped by the cultural richness of the Black community here in St. Louis? What unique role do you believe Black poets and writers play in preserving and advancing our cultural narratives? Historically, many African American artists have struggled with being undervalued in the marketplace. How do you help poets see their work not just as art, but as enterprise with economic and cultural power? The Argus has chronicled generations of Black entrepreneurship. In your view, how can poets model that same entrepreneurial spirit to create sustainable businesses and legacies? What is your vision for the next wave of African American poets and performers? How do you hope your work—as poet, publisher, author, and theater professional—will influence not only today’s artists, but also future generations of Black creatives in St. Louis and beyond? What projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you’re most excited to share with our readers?

Hello everyone, I’m excited to be apart of the community and looking forward to gaining connections and charting new avenues . 🤎 IG :poetic_vessel