We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashanti Alexander. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashanti below.
Hi Ashanti, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve had so many jobs since I was 15 and though I excelled in all of them, they never lasted long. I could never see myself retiring with a company. Not because I don’t want the stability of a 9-5 but because being an artist makes it very difficult. I need freedom. In January 2020, I did my first open mic in years. It felt like home and I knew that I wanted more of that. I wanted to write and perform poetry. I also wanted to start back teaching yoga. Something I didn’t have the time to do due to my 7-6 job. A few weeks later, I quit my job and started teaching yoga again. I also started making hand bound poetry chapbooks and sold over 400 of them. Once quarantine started, I focused on selling and shipping them because I was not able to teach yoga in person. I only stopped because of the wear and tear on my hands from putting them together. The past few years have been a lot for me mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I’ve overcome things that I never thought I could and I’m still overcoming. I’ve been trying to live as my authentic Self in a world that pushes you in many directions. That’s what my new poetry book “333” is about…the journey to Self. I’m in the process of starting a business called Artsy Ashanti where I use my poetry and yoga to help people heal mentally and physically. It’s kind of weird calling it a business because it’s really just me trying my best to fulfill my purpose. I am an artist and always have been. It’s what makes me intriguing but it’s also what isolates me. During moments of solitude I remember that I was made on purpose with a purpose and I pour into myself so that I can pour into others.
Ashanti, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an all around creative person. It’s literally my drug. Poetry flows out of me. I know it’s a gift because I write before I think sometimes. It’s how I express myself and heal myself. I was introduced to yoga when I was in college. It was suggested to me after my mom passed. It was later suggested once I started having hip issues. After consistently going to a local studio, I decided to get certified in 2017. Yoga has taught me a lot. Most importantly it’s taught me how to be still. I don’t think we value stillness enough. I know I didn’t. Yoga is about being in the present moment and realizing that everything you do on the mat is a direct reflection of life. I started cosplaying last year and I’m really proud of that because I’ve wanted to do it for a long time. I won my first cosplay costume contest at Alabama Comic Con, as Storm, and I’ve been obsessed since. I love styling/making outfits and recreating looks. It’s the perfect hobby for me. I also enjoy modeling and hope to get signed with a fitness modeling agency.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My life fell apart this year. There were signs but I was distracted and in denial. In April, I became homeless. I had a good job and things seemed as though they were looking up for me but I had a mental break. I could not do life. Even basic things became a huge struggle. I knew I had to completely focus on myself or I wouldn’t make it. I started working on my book and I didn’t see how things would get better but I knew they would. I worked so hard to get back on my feet and I am happy to say that I now have a place to call my own. I signed my lease this month and I love my new place. I started working on my book in June and tried my best to focus on the good. I wish I could say I was optimistic but I wasn’t. I just kept pushing. I see myself as more perseverant than resilient. I’m a sensitive person and things get to me more than the average person. I was covered in shame and couldn’t hide it but I kept going. I think that’s the important thing. The journey isn’t always easy but it’s necessary.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I think they are a great way for artists to monetize. I’m still researching but wanted to to start my own; so I did. It’s called Artsy Ashanti NFT and I’m excited to see what happens!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsyashanti.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsyashanti/
Image Credits
Aly Hanson D’Artagnan Portrait Bryce Chapman Photo It’s Carter Made Rocky Heights Print and Binding Briumbra Photography