We recently connected with Anastasia Patoka-Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Writing and recording my song “Ode To My Afro” has been the best experience.

Spreading the message of self love of natural hair and seeing all the positive response to the song, makes me feel like I have a voice, even at eight years old.

Anastasia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have loved to sing my whole life…. I admire singers such as Gloria Gaynor, Stephanie Mills and Tina Turner.

When we learned about odes in my third grade creative writing class, I knew there was nothing more I wanted to write about than my Afro! I turned my words into a song and worked in the music studio with a producer to create the song.

The experience of putting your words out and creating a song is like no other, and I hope to create music for a lifetime.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to show the world that kids can have goals, be professionals and have their voice heard.

The goal behind “Ode To My Afro” is to encourage all girls to rock their natural hair and have confidence.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I feel like being a singer you can create a unique platform for your voice.

Being multicultural (I am half Ukrainian and half African American), I can draw from both sides of my culture to create unique music and share my point of view.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anastasiasinags.com
• Instagram: @anastasia_patoka_smith