Today we’d like to introduce you to Ife Al-Din
Hi Ife, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was inspired to begin writing poetry at 7 years young, inspired by my dad. He’s a poet and would often take me and my sister to open mics with him. Poetry was my way of feeling close to him that evolved into my way of expressing the feelings that I was unsure of how to share with the world. At some point, my poetry started exploring the social, political and economic woes that were apparent to me through living and observing. Throughout college and shortly after graduating, circa 2013-2017, I shared poetry at events that centered sociopolitical change. A few were Split This Rock’s Poem Bomb the D.O.J., various events hosted by the Institute for Policy Studies, and several episodes of WPFW’s Voices with Vision.
During the pandemic, I began painting and sketching and uncovered a talent and joy for a new artform. In July 2021, I left my fulltime job at my alma mater without knowing what was next. In 2022, I’d emerged into the poetry scene somewhat, frequenting open mics at Busboys and Poets. By April, I imagined hosting my own open mic and the community at Dwell DC that had become an integral part of my life encouraged it. This open mic created space for the vulnerability and self awareness that I’d avoided most of my life. I decided to become an example for what I did not see growing up.
It has now evolved into a sustainable brand that promotes holistic health, self-empowerment, community interdependence and freedom through vulnerability. Love Iconic was established in December 2022 and now hosts 2 monthly open mics, produces showcases, features upcoming artists, holds clothing swaps and is consistently creating plans for more. I am grateful to BloomBars, our primary Love Iconic venue and collaborative community, for holding space for many of these goals to be actualized.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In order for someone to be very passionate about healing and vulnerability, or anything for that matter, they must know the polar opposite of that thing. It has been a long, jagged road. Leaving a fulltime job and what most people considered security was difficult. Not having a plan and having a mortgage to cover was a leap of faith. The shift into being a fulltime multidisciplinary artist came after a couple mental breakdowns, therapy and dealing with a lot of repressed childhood trauma head on. Living a life that is fulfilling and purposeful still comes with financial insecurity now. It’s a sacrifice as you transition into figuring it out that many people are not willing to make. It comes with a lot of people clapping for the things you produce without having a clue what you sacrificed to do it. It becomes a lonely road at times where no one and nothing is holding you accountable but your mission.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love to tell people, “I’m a poet in my real life.” Haha. I mentioned already that I am the founder of Love Iconic, which hosts monthly open mics, produces showcases, and features upcoming artists that align with the brand’s mission. Outside of that, I do things like live paint with Porchfest DC, host, and perform poetry at arts and culture events. My visual art has been featured in a few exhibitions and my poetry won a competition by Arlington Arts to be featured inside of public buses this year. I am also in love with being a teaching artist! I am a writing coach for elementary aged students for DC SCORES and this summer, I taught Creative Writing to teens at Creative Suitland Arts Center. This April, I self-published my first collection of poetry, entitled “A Third Wind”. In July, I sat on my first panel to discuss the business of art and had the pleasure of learning twice as much as I shared. I also graduated from my fellowship with Leaders of Color a week before that, which will help me scale my plans to promote holistic health and social emotional learning for youth and adolescents. I am proud of all the work that I do and how it impacts people of all ages; however, working with youth brings me so much joy. I know the way that I interact with people sets me apart, the authentic love and grace I share is a gift to me and everyone I come across. I am currently working to secure grants to provide a more comprehensive SEL curriculum in conjunction with art, somatic healing and other therapeutic practices to expand the reach of that love.
How do you think about happiness?
The knowledge that my choice to serve and build community by inviting people to embrace all of themselves makes me happy because I know that it has this beautiful ripple effect that makes the world a better place. I am offering people an alternative perspective and it fills me with gratitude.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Dermaine Chambers-Walker
Hillary Deane