Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariana Iverson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ariana, 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.
I am currently working on one of the most meaningful projects I have pursued in the last few years. The HBCU Art of Mental Health Tour, it is an idea that has transformed over the years. Initially I wanted to create a pop up art show that showcased my poetry through visuals and art installations. It was an opportunity to take poetry and fuse it with the things I love (Music, Visual Arts and Mental Health). I see mental health in EVERYTHING that I do, it’s the driving force behind why I started creating in the first place and I wanted to share that with others that need it as well. Throughout the years I’ve had many grand ideas that really fell short. Mainly because I would talk myself out of pursuing them, I would tell myself NO before I let anyone else have the chance to say it. This has hindered me in many aspects of life. But I always knew that I was supposed to be doing something great with my art and my skills. In 2022 I was awarded a grant to do the first installment of the Art of Mental Health, which I turned into a yoga session while also reading a few poems from my books. The turnout was very small however it let me know that I was on the right track. The idea has now taken on a much bigger mission! Giving back to the community that built me and that’s HBCU’s. I am a proud two-time graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling, additionally, I have a Master’s in Entertainment Business and Audio Production certification from Full Sail University. I created a unique space for myself that isn’t always easy to define, yet I have faith and a belief that with consistency and dedication I will really see my dreams impact my community.
The HBCU Art of Mental Health Tour aims to bring a unique blend of artistic expression and wellness resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation. The tour is designed to create a profound impact on both students and staff by addressing the critical issue of mental health through the expressive and therapeutic power of art. This tour aims to provide a holistic approach to mental wellness, combining artistic expression with professional mental health guidance to foster a supportive and open environment for all participant. The goal of this tour is to not only touch the lives of the current and future students of these Universities and Colleges that are historically underfunded but it also aims to provide opportunity for more strategic partnerships with companies and brands.
My personal goal is to bridge the gap, I understand that students are navigating through a world unknown when they get to college. For many of them it takes the full 4 years to really feel like you got the hang of it and then once it is over you are out of the college bubble and into a much bigger society. This can be very traumatic and again takes time to learn how to handle everything thrown at you. I want this tour and the events that happen before, during and after to be a catalyst for navigating careers, family, friendship and personal growth.
As an alumnus of Bethune-Cookman University, I am deeply committed to giving back to the HBCU community and ensuring that our institutions are at the forefront of mental health advocacy. The motto of the Great Bethune-Cookman University left by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune is “Enter to Learn..Depart to Serve”, these words have stuck with me throughout the years, I understand that my purpose is to serve through art and mental wellness. The HBCU Art of Mental Health Tour is not just an event but a movement towards creating healthier, more supportive communities.
Ultimately, I need a lot of support to get this initiative off the ground. If anyone wants to be involved they can always reach out me via my website arianaiverson.com or on Instagram @_arianaiverson.
Ariana, 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?
As mentioned I am a proud HBCU graduate! I grew up an Army child, that spent most of my childhood moving from state to state. I always enjoyed reading, dancing and stepping, writing poetry and stories and being entertained by music videos. But my first love was always Tv and Film, I absolutely loved watching movies, TV shows and Documentaries. I wear many hats but my main focus will always be MENTAL HEALTH 1st! My professional background is marked by a blend of social services, music management, relationship management and strategic operations. You might also catch me on and off the screen of some of your favorite shows and movies as a background artist or in the office of production. I have been dedicated to serving individuals in the performing arts and entertainment industries through providing operations management, mental health advocacy and resources, event management, brand management and creative solutions to individuals and small businesses.
I have a profound passion for poetry. As a self-published poet, I have authored three poetry books “Poems to a King: Can I Get You High” (2019), “Thing’s I Hold Onto” (2021) and most recently “…because deep down everyone just wants to be loved…” (2024) I have also produced a spoken word album “Poetic Profits” (2021), which all have been well-received by diverse audiences. Being on stage is my happy place, when all eyes are on me and I am able to captivate the audience by taking them on a storytelling journey through my poetry; it’s truly an amazing feeling. I might be nervous the weeks, days and hours leading up to a performance but once I hit the stage all of those feelings go away and the words flow. Hearing the crowd react to my poetry makes me go even harder. It’s an even greater feeling once I’m off the stage and I have people come up to me and tell me I did a great job or that they loved my poems and they want to purchase a book.
I started writing again in my adulthood as a way to ease my anxiety and depression, I had just graduated with my 1st masters and I was working on my 2nd, I moved to LA and life just didn’t feel like it was going my way. By the time I moved to Atlanta, the poetry helped me get my thoughts out and before I knew it I had enough content to put into a book. Working in corporate environments I quickly realized that something felt like it was missing for me, I couldn’t (or didn’t want) to stay in one place too long. I would get real antsy and felt that I learned what I needed to learn and it was time to move on. I realized most companies are missing GUIDANCE COUNSELORS, we need them even in our adult, work life. I understand now that it was my mental health that played a huge role in how I approached these work environments. These experiences have led me to creative wellness solutions in the corporate spaces! We all deal with mental health in some capacity so my mission is to provide advocacy, resources and opportunities for both artists and professionals through creative partnerships with organizations that are dedicated to providing equitable access to excellence that focuses on well-being in the community and the workplace.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Honestly, I truly believe that best way to support artists and creatives is to understand that these TITLES are real JOBS. They are careers that must be nurtured. Too often we hear the story about the “starving artist” and people view them a certain way. But the reality is, as an artist/creative; everyday you wake up and choose to do the things you love. You pour your heart and soul (and many tears) into the art you create. For many of the people they are college graduate, veterans etc. As an artist/creative you are your first advocate, you are your first motivator. Just like any career it must be studied and it must be sustainable. Artist deserve to be paid for their work every single day, more companies, brands and community partners should invest in having artist/creatives as employees and leaders within their organization.
The reality is many artists and creatives create through their mental health and their living environments. They are the storytellers, truth bearers, historians and future tellers of our society. They are just as important as Teachers, Nurses, Doctors and Judges. At every level they are needed and require support. When you think about it everything we consume is ART and was created by a creative/artist; they are the backbone of our economy.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I am an avid reader, I love buying books (Thriftbooks.com is one of my faves) I also find a lot of books. I’m someone who will pick a book up from off the streets if I find it interesting. I have read many books including 48 laws of power, The 7 spiritual laws of success, Think and Grow Rich, The Richest Man in Babylon, Mastery by Robert Greene, The 12 Lessons to Restore the Image, the Character and the Responsibility of The Goddess Blackwoman, The Year of Yes, The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, Stephen Covey, The 4 Agreements and many others. I’ve read many of these books over the years and honestly I don’t remember them all, however I know that during the times I was reading them they were exactly what I needed for the moment. One of my favorites of all time is The Alchemist, it’s reminder to me to continue to go after my dreams but also that everything you need is really right in front of you. I am currently ready the 4 Disciplines of Execution, this is perfect in this time right now. The reality is many of us have big dreams, ideas and goals but we don’t know where to start to actually see them come to fruition. This book not only provides a breakdown for executing goals but it also serves as a reminder that it takes time and dedication. I’m truly learning to move through my FEAR, with small actionable steps. “To achieve a goal you have never achieved before; you must start doing things you have never done before”.
I also enjoy watching videos as well, Sarah Jakes Roberts is a go to of mine when I need the spiritual uplift. Rev Ike is another one that not only teaches spiritual uplifting but the understanding of manifestation and knowing what you truly deserve. Jim Rohn when I need motivation for success and going after my goals. Tony Robbins is also a great one for success and motivation. I listen to frequency music, I may not watch these videos everyday, however throughout my continued journey I use these resources to re-center my focus. Podcast interviews have recently been added to my watch list, whether it is the “Circle of Greatness” “Social Proof Podcast” “Pour Minds” “85 S. Show In the Trap” “Full Transparency with Donni Wiggins” and many others. I love listening and watching the interviews these podcast have to offer, hearing the stories of great entrepreneurs, thought leaders and community builders; really motivates me to keep going. Especially during the times when I feel like I’m headed no where. People drop some great gems, you just have to be willing to listen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arianaiverson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_arianaiverson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnkljVVwEur87QJQ8tW3Ffw
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/arianaiversonmedia/
