We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeronimo Speaks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jeronimo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first realized i wanted to persue spokenword poetry full time in 2020 right before the pandemic. I was working a 40 hr a week job plus overtime and realized that I wasn’t happy, and it was a dead end job. My truest passion was performing my spokenword, traveling, and enjoying my artistry, I decided to step out on faith and commit full to my passion.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into spokenword when a mentor of mine suggested it. He had heard some of my poetry and seen something special in me, I was resistant at first because I want to be a rapper, but he asked me today trust him and I never looked back. I currently travel all over the country doing poetry, featuring in different states , I am a mental health advocate, so I sell T-shirts via my clothing brand 500 words apparel, the latest line is called P.T.S.D (Promote Therapy Stop Drowning). My poetry is rooted pain and healing through testimony, I feel like my art is unique in this space , because my story is unique to me. No one can immulate my life and that is what I give every time I step on stage. I am proud to be able to spead the word alof mental health and accountability on these stages. I want the fans to receive healing from my poetry and be able to relate and follow me on this journey.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a artist is touching lives. You never know what someone’s going through or been through, and as an artist it’s up to you and your pen to reassure them that it will be ok. My most rewarding accomplishment has been a person contemplating suicide, and telling me that my story sparked them to seek help. There is no award that can match that reward.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In today’s society in regards to supporting artist its very easy. Like, share, comment, add to Playlist in that order, and it doesn’t cost a thing. We live in an society where artistry reigns Supreme and if the support is there, big business would definitely fund it and back the artist to widing the platform.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.jeronimospeaks.com
- Instagram: Jeronimo_speaks
- Facebook: Jeronimo Speaks
- Linkedin: Jeronimo Speaks
- Twitter: Jeronimo Speaks
- Youtube: Jeronimo Speaks
Image Credits
📸 : Drew Michael Photography Clothing: 500 words apparel