We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ivette Epps. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivette below.
Hi Ivette , thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
Being misunderstood has truly marked the beginning of my creative journey. I believe this mantra resonates with many individuals because, in life’s journey, most people won’t truly grasp your essence until you’ve achieved personal milestones. Throughout my teenage years, I was always reserved and overly self-conscious about my appearance and how others might perceive me. It wasn’t until I published my first erotic poetry book in 2022 that I finally found comfort in my own skin and learned to disregard the distractions and judgments of others.
Sharing my poetry with the world not only boosted my self-confidence but also inspired me to pursue and achieve my goals in various other aspects of my career. Currently, I’m dedicated to establishing my own brand, “Poison Erotic’s,” which will specialize in selling erotic novelties that reflect both my personality and the themes within my book. On the flip side, I also have a corporate persona as a digital marketer for a franchise corporation, overseeing multiple gym locations.
All these diverse paths have equipped me with the confidence to embrace the label of being misunderstood and have thickened my skin to handle everything that comes with it – be it creative blocks, failures, success, mistakes, or lessons. I genuinely feel honored to possess such a versatile skill set that empowers me to navigate multiple industries without the constant burden of being misunderstood.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi there, I’m Ivette Epps, but you’ll often hear people calling me “Ivy” or “Poison Ivy.” I was born in Manhattan, NY, and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey. Over the years, I’ve worn many professional hats, embracing roles as a creative writer, erotic poet, entrepreneur, and marketing specialist.
My journey into the world of writing began at the young age of eight when I first ventured into poetry classes and book reading clubs. As my love for the written word blossomed, I graduated high school with honors and embarked on a college journey with aspirations in journalism. Unfortunately, a blend of financial hardships and mental health challenges temporarily dimmed my academic pursuits. But I’m proud to share that I’m currently on track to complete my degree, with just one year left until I obtain my bachelor’s in marketing.
Despite the setbacks I’ve encountered, I managed to self-publish my debut erotic poetry book in 2022. This book, which is available on Amazon, has truly been a breath of fresh air for me, as it allowed me to release a multitude of emotions and trauma intertwined with its words. This non-fiction collection of poetry stands as a symbol that imperfection can be incredibly alluring, especially when one invests effort in healing and evolving into a better self. With the load of emotions that my introverted soul carries, my goal is to continue crafting books that inspire countless readers worldwide to embrace and cherish their healing journey in its entirety—every single part of it.
Additionally, I’ve climbed the corporate ladder within a franchise corporation, where I now handle marketing for multiple gym locations. This experience has flung open the doors to numerous industries, enabling me to pursue a full-time entrepreneurial path in a world where creativity has no limits. I take immense pride in my strength and ability to bounce back from setbacks, emerging stronger and more determined to move forward, regardless of the obstacles that cross my path. It’s this resilience that fuels my drive and pushes me to achieve even greater things.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I’ve noticed that non-creatives, and people in general, who don’t see the value in openly discussing one’s sexuality often pass judgment on me for being s*xually transparent. I’ve come to understand that s*x-related topics tend to make people uncomfortable in conversation, largely because they’ve been stigmatized as improper. But I’m determined to shift that perspective. My journey through self-love, self-confidence, and even within my own s*x life has played a significant role in shaping the woman I am today. It’s essential for me not to feel ashamed of my eroticism but rather to embrace it. I aim to let this creativity resonate with those who may experience similar feelings but might not know how or where to begin expressing them. I firmly believe that recognizing your sensuality and feeling sexy are not only empowering but also incredibly exotic and fulfilling experiences.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Being an introvert, I truly wish I had grasped the importance of networking with the right people earlier in my journey. I believe that many creatives, especially when embarking on their entrepreneurial path, often find themselves entangled in the allure of clout and the idea of being in the company of influential connections. I want to emphasize that not everyone you encounter is necessarily meant to play a role in your creative journey. Sometimes, these encounters may serve as valuable lessons, helping you boost your confidence and assertiveness, even if it means learning to say no. Rushing into networking can easily lead to people-pleasing, and if only I had received this advice sooner, I might have avoided several setbacks. These setbacks occurred because I prioritized others over myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poisonerotics.com/
- Instagram: @poison_ivied , https://www.instagram.com/poison_ivied/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivette.epps
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivetteepps
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S92KYZS?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 (poetry book link) https://www.flowcode.com/page/poisonivy (one link to all of my socials and websites) https://ivettemepps.wordpress.com/ (poetry blog)
Image Credits
Photos by: Emily Cubilete Creative Graphics by: Ivette Epps