We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Drekkia Writes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Drekkia below.
Drekkia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I remember being in 9th grade. I woke up in the middle of the night to write a poem that literally just came to me out of no where. I couldn’t sleep without finishing it. It was like God was leading my pen. After I completed the poem, I read it to my mother and she said “oh you have to read this at church. I feel like you’re telling my story.”
Initially, I was scared to read it at church. I was scared to be vulnerable and judged. When I performed you could tell I was nervous, I stumbled over my words and was sweating bullets. But when I finished, the crowd clapped and screamed loudly in excitement for me. I got so many compliments. It made me feel so good!
I then had a moment where I thought “how could I, as a 16-year-old write something that connected with someone who was older than me?” It was then that I realized I had a gift, so I started taking public speaking classes. That is what started my career in poetry and motivational speaking. Which ultimately lead to me developing a company that focuses on facilitating personal development through the usage of poetry and the performing arts.
I share this story to say at a young age I took the risk of being vulnerable in front of people I barely knew. I was nervous about performing but pushed past my fear and it proved to be one of the greatest things I ever did for myself. I took a risk and by taking a risk it opened doors of opportunity that I never imagined possible.
In life, you have to take a risk because on the other side of that fear is freedom. Your destiny could very well be tied to thing you are most afraid of doing.
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
Seven of Arts is an educational consulting company that uses the art of poetry to address social emotional learning in youth and provides professional development for youth educators.
For centuries, poetry has been used to help individuals express their concerns, pain and joy. It has been a tool for self-healing.
Through our poetry workshops we focus on creating a safe space for youth to talk about their feelings so that they can better focus on academics and maintain healthy relationships with their peers. In addition, our poetry workshops increase comprehension and communication skills.
Overall, we aim to strengthen the minds of young people- who are the future of our tomorrow.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Word of mouth and referrals are the greatest strategies for growing your business. Each time I work with a new organization I ask for feedback. If they give good feedback then I ask them for referrals of who they’d think would also benefit from my services.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Being consistent and passionate about what I offer has helped build my reputation. I am active in my community. I serve as the youngest elected official on the Little Rock School Board. I previously worked as the Arts in Education Program Manager for the state of Arkansas. I organize poetry events. I’m published author. I have a book of poetry that I’ve written called “17 Mirrors.” I even wrote a book called “The Art of Securing the Bag” that teaches artists how to monetize their passion.
I stay in alignment with my business by doing things that relate to arts and education which is the focus of the services I offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SevenOfArts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drekkia/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/drekkia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drekkia-writes-52687a72
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDQ_sYOotGkfDb5a6x54OHA