We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kendall Hope a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kendall, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I have always considered myself to be creative, whether that be in any art form or writing. When I got the amazing opportunity to become a published author with Indie Earth Books, they were just starting and so was I. Teaming up was incredible and being able to publish my first book, Pockets of Lavender, started what I consider to be my creative career a few years ago. Once the book was physical, I was able to push myself to speak to stores and sell to friends and strangers. The support from my loved ones was awesome and I am so glad they have done so. I would probably consider my first earned dollar as a creative that made it feel like the real deal, was selling copies at Poor Richard’s bookstore. I love it there and being a popular small business I was stoked to have my book even on shelves. Receiving my first check was incredible, especially since it came with a note that I had sold out and they wanted to restock! Every time I receive anything from them I feel so proud and remember my roots. I am now working on my 3rd book and have had so many brilliant opportunities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I absolutely love nature and anything to do with being creative. I believe expressing one’s self is the most beautiful thing we can do. To me, that connects myself deeply with others and the Earth itself. My art and writing relate heavily to the outdoors and emotions. I provide my own poems, illustrations, and photography in my work. I also dabble in using my typewriters for custom poems from time to time, and to incorporate into my art. I love feeling that I can bring unique thoughts and feelings to the creative world and inspire others, as well as adore them. I love to be silly as well as deep. I believe in sharing my thoughts with others, for if I do not tell them, how should they know what I am thinking? I love what I do and try to incorporate it in my daily life as much as possible! This aspect of my life, being an author, has brought so much more meaning to what I think life should be.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think an example of resilience in my journey has been heartbreak. As most people can be, I was heartbroken at one point. It hurt deeply, yet I still wanted to feel my emotions and grow from them. I was about to start my second book, The Willow Weepings, and came up with so many poems revolving the heartbreak. The pain and the beauty in life are both to be appreciated. I wanted to share how I felt in the moment, grow from it, and be able to reflect on those moments. I feel that made me resilient in knowing I would be okay, but could still feel what was necessary and understand I am human. Living and feeling fuels my creativity. Human nature and nature itself go hand in hand in my eyes.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think society can best support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem by truly observing. I think if we slow down and get to know the person behind the art or business, we can understand the depth of one another. Supporting someone is not just a purchase, but a transaction of meaning. The support means so much, but the thought and energy behind it all mustn’t go unnoticed. I think everyone’s talents in the creative industry are so unique and beautiful. I think if there is opportunity to support an individual and get something with so much character and value behind it, do that!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kendallhopepoetry

Image Credits
Katie Galloway -first photo upload/ author photo