We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hattie Inese a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hattie , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is “NtimUcy,” a live production I created and produced that showcases creative expression and personal healing. This project brought together artists from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys of self-discovery through poetry, live music, and dance. What makes it meaningful is how it became more than just a performance—it transformed into a space for healing, not only for the audience but for the artists themselves.

The backstory stems from my passion for using art as a tool for emotional growth, especially for underserved communities. Each segment was designed to reflect freedom, joy, and resilience, with transitional cyphers acting as creative bridges. Watching individuals find their voice and confidence through this platform was powerful. It reminded me of art’s transformative ability to connect, heal, and inspire. This project embodies why I do what I do—fostering spaces where creativity and healing intersect.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a visionary, model, artist, and healer who uses my gifts and talents to create spaces for emotional healing and personal growth. Through Creative Purpose Productions Corp., I’ve built a platform that goes beyond traditional art—it’s a vessel for transformation. My work blends creative expression with intentional healing, offering resources through various outlets, including “NtimUcy,” a dynamic live production that showcases the power of storytelling through poetry, music, and dance.
As a model and artist, I embody the essence of freedom and authenticity, using my craft to inspire others to embrace their true selves. As a healer, I create therapeutic experiences that foster self-discovery, emotional release, and empowerment. What sets me apart is my ability to merge these roles seamlessly, offering not just art, but a journey toward wholeness.
I’m proud of how my vision has touched lives—turning creative spaces into sanctuaries where people find their voice, connect with their purpose, and experience genuine growth. Creative Purpose Productions isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement rooted in the belief that art has the power to heal, and I’m committed to using every gift I have to make that truth accessible to all.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I believe non-creatives may struggle to understand about my journey is that creativity isn’t just an activity—it’s a calling. It’s not something you turn on and off; it’s an ever-present force that shapes how you see, feel, and move through the world. The misconception is that creativity is effortless or purely for entertainment, when in reality, it often comes from deep emotional labor, vulnerability, and an ongoing process of self-discovery.

Creating is healing, but it can also be exhausting. Every piece of art, every performance, every project like “NtimUcy” carries pieces of my soul. It’s not just about the final product—it’s about the stories, the struggles, and the silent battles fought behind the scenes. There’s a constant tension between expressing authentically and meeting external expectations, especially when your art is also your livelihood.

What I’d offer as insight is this: creativity is courageous. It requires standing in your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or misunderstood. It’s about daring to feel deeply, to connect with others in raw, transformative ways. For those who may not identify as “creatives,” remember that creativity isn’t reserved for artists—it’s in the way you solve problems, tell your story, and imagine new possibilities. We all have it within us; it just speaks differently through each of us.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe society needs to shift from simply consuming art to genuinely valuing it as essential. Creativity isn’t just a luxury—it’s the heartbeat of culture, healing, and innovation. To truly support artists, we need to start with investing in arts education. Creativity should be nurtured from a young age, not treated as an extracurricular afterthought. Schools should prioritize the arts alongside STEM because art fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills.

Then there’s the matter of sustainable funding. Grants, residencies, and fellowships shouldn’t feel out of reach for most creatives. Accessible funding allows artists to focus on authentic expression rather than survival. Additionally, we need to create spaces for expression—whether that’s public spaces, community galleries, or digital platforms—especially for emerging voices that often get overlooked.

Shifting cultural mindsets is key too. Art isn’t just entertainment; it’s essential for mental health, community connection, and social transformation. Supporting artists isn’t limited to buying tickets or products—it’s about genuinely engaging with their work and amplifying their voices.

Lastly, equity matters. Marginalized artists often face systemic barriers, so we need to create opportunities that level the playing field. A thriving creative ecosystem happens when artists are seen not just as entertainers, but as visionaries, healers, and cultural architects.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hattieinese?igsh=MTY0eDQwYnRpNjRsZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15EcpXB8Bz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

PVYNE/The NVKED Eye
Evelyn Brooks/Vedat
Jefe Onore