It's been a bitter/sweet few days to say the least. The day before I flew to Kentucky to execute a now-successful poetry event for a client, I received a phone call informing me that my father, Bruce Jenkins Jr., was in the hospital here in Maryland and was in pretty bad shape, but stable. I flew out to Kentucky the next day (Friday) praying he'd still be with us when I returned. I made sure this was a very short trip (24hrs) so I could also see my 3 daughters perform in the Easter Sunday play at my home church, New Samaritan Baptist Church. I flew back on the earliest flight possible on Easter Sunday and got the chance to experience their brewing-greatness. However, shortly thereafter, I received a call from the hospital saying my father took a turn for the worse and we needed to make our way there. It would be our last chance. Fortunately, we got the opportunity to see him one last time, but, unfortunately, he passed away that evening. Although grieving, we've begun the homegoing planning process the next day (yesterday, Monday), but today is also my youngest daughter's 8th birthday. We've yet to tell the girls to shield them from having to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions we're dealing with at the moment given the two happy occasions I just mentioned just occurred and is currently occurring. We'll break it to them this coming weekend. While helping to plan the funeral, I'm also in the final planning stages of 2 back-to-back poetry events; one at South Carolina State University on this Thursday and the other here in DC at Howard University on Friday. Needless to say, I'm in a challenging place mentally, emotionally, and logistically. Usually, I don't post detailed posts like this; especially about the death of a loved one, but I thought it'd be, feel, and look weird (somewhat inappropriate) for me to continue enthusiastically posting and promoting about my events in a couple of days without sharing/mentioning the passing of my father. While I'm working my business, I'm also working through all of what I'm feeling. I'm ok... and I'll be ok. I just appreciate all of the condolences and support for our family during this tough time. Just know we are comforted in knowing that our earthly father is home with our heavenly Father... so all is well. Thank you all!

Hey Yall. Wanted to share two wins. I was Featured in an Article for Atlanta Films and TV where I talked about my journey as an Actress and Writer. 🎬✍️ Then I was also featured in another Podcast called “The Black Experience” where I talked about my journey as an Artist in the realm of Acting and Author/Poet and how I balance the best of both worlds 🎭📖 Check out The Link for the Article is in my bio and look out for the episode premiere tomorrow on IG danela_butlerofficial

In Lesson 1.2 of Module 1 of Track 1, we explore an important shift many poets eventually face: “Entities get paid more than individual artists. Businesses would rather operate B2B.” This lesson digs into what happens when a poet begins moving from being seen as an individual artist to operating as an entity... especially from a financial and opportunity standpoint. It raises real questions about: - How poets are perceived - How opportunities are structured - Why businesses often prefer B2B relationships - What changes when a poet positions themselves beyond the individual Let’s Discuss 👇🏽 - What are your initial thoughts on this idea? - Does this shift feel empowering, intimidating, or confusing? - Have you seen or experienced this difference firsthand? There are no right or wrong answers here—this is about awareness and perspective. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Shout out to @FoFeet UShairi Alkebulan for her amazing win! She was granted the opportunity to have her poetry book displayed and promoted on a huge billboard in Time Square in New York City. Let's celebrate her for this win/accomplishment. Fo Feet, share with us how that felt, what it means to you, and how it all happened... if you don't mind. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTdcyimkcSE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Family, We’re taking the Poetry Business Institute on the road! 🌍 This month, we’ll be hosting in-person Masterclasses designed to help poets, performers, and creatives turn their gifts into thriving poetry businesses. If you’ve been learning inside the Institute or just getting started in the Network — this is your opportunity to experience it LIVE. 🗓️ November Masterclass Tour Stops: 📍 California 📍 Oregon 📍 South Carolina 📍 Maryland Each Masterclass will feature: ✨ Hands-on learning from Christoph Jenkins, the Founder of The Poet Life & Poetry Business Network & Institute ✨ Live Q&A ✨ Networking + collaboration with local poets ✨ Real strategies to help you launch or scale your poetry business 🎟️ Reserve your spot now:👉 PoetryBusinessNetwork.com Spaces are limited for each stop — and once they’re full, that’s it. This is your chance to connect, learn, and build in person with the global Poetry Business Network family. Tag your poet friends in CA, OR, SC, or MD who need to be in the room! 👇