We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Denell Porché a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Denell , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The biggest risk I have ever taken is taking a chance on me. For most of my life I have always listened to what others thought, judged, felt and/or had opinions on. Directly or indirectly theses views and judgments ruled my life. I obliged freely and willingly. Currently I am on a path, my greatest journey yet, in ruling me, governing myself from an authentic, true state. Feels lovely I must admit. It has taken me to face my greatest and most hostile fears. Discovered up until now, they hold no Truth or Value in my Life, never did. I was the culprit fueling my fears and co-signing to others belief systems.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
But of course. I moved down to Atlanta, Georgia in 2006 in hopes of becoming the next Billie Holiday (love that Soul). Something happens for me when I get on the stage. Poured into my craft of singing, writing poetry and expressing up until 2019. I would say 2019 was my last show before COVID was introduced. Had a full set called “ I’ll Feel As Though I Am Human,” blending vocals and poetry together at Smith’s Olde Bar. It was one of my highlights in my journey as an artist. Collaborated with fellow poetresses, JRenee and Kamaria Saudi called Project Light. We performed in front of a sold out audience through Atlanta Black Theatre Festival in 2018 for a black box theatre script “ A Journey To Unrevealed Love.” Also, was a director to a festival held in 2019 for poets from all genres. It was held in the East Atlanta Village area. Starting in 2016 I did have my own platform called SSSOAR where through poetry I was offering encouraging word to inspire well-being. Through the SSSOAR platform I self-published a poetry book in 2016, I Choose To SSSOAR. It seems so long ago.
As COVID started to have its effect, I paused, working as a RN. The blessing was I needed a pause to really reflect on what I was doing and my being-ness.
For the present moment, I haven’t really been fully immersed in my artist life. I did write a song for a play and was able to perform it through the entertainment company I have become associated with, Terrordome Entertainment; it was well received, I confess. This song, “Lets Begin Again,” adds to a collection of songs I’ve collaborated over the years with inclusive of some demo songs on SoundCloud. This particular song made me giddy due to the song being available on streaming platforms and was able to capture live me as an artist. In my mind, it made me a real artist (Billie Holiday status). My hopes through song I will find a sound to create a full album. That would be a treat to me so I can create a set for intimate affairs about well-being.
My current status is completing my journey where I become an ordained reverend of Spiritual Consciousness. I believe I have always been on this path.
I am a big advocate for self-awareness.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Having the time to reflect, the biggest lesson I had to unlearn is that I have to do things on my own. Any successful team I have found involves persons like-minded desiring to see growth. All persons understanding the part of a whole they play. Most of my creations at the time were birthed from a fear base state. I wouldn’t do or implement anything now unless there is community for me. Arriving to success from a thriving state is a win-win for all.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Honestly, I wouldn’t go back. It has been the mistakes and adventures that have poured into this present woman now. I do enjoy her immensely with much wisdom, love, and present mindset. Wouldn’t trade it.
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Image Credits
Theresa owner of Terrordome Entertainment