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

Lady, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I think some part of me has always known I’d have artistic pursuits. Even the idea of choosing a “pen name” my 9th grade year, was in preparation to one day publish a book. I was so young, writing about subjects that extended well beyond my years and my experience. But I felt safe and more confidence doing so. With safety, comes freedom, and the audacity to dream of course. So, I don’t think I cemented my desire for being a creative professional, or believed it was an obtainable goal until much later/my early 20’s.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the eldest of eight children, born and raised in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, I experienced a rather difficult childhood, that didn’t leave much room for me to be a “child” at all, and moved around a lot. Drawing and writing became a therapeutic means of escape really early on. Journaling, short stories, and of course poetry, all fueled by my imagination, grew from a passionate hobby into a craft I loved. Being able to later channel my writing into live spoken word performances, is an extra added bonus. Especially as bringing a full book to fruition, is still a work in progress. While writing keeps me alive, it’s not exactly a means of making a living as a full-time artist…yet! So when I’m not on stage, I keep my creative energy and finances flowing by way of fitness training, coaching gymnastics, and being a dance instructor. I always aim to put a little FUN in your fitness routine. Wherever I am, and whatever commitment I’m engaging in, it is usually something that connects me to other people.

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

Earlier I mentioned that both my fitness career and my poetry serves as a means of connecting me with others. Not just connection, but motivation! There’s an energetic shift that occurs, which in itself can jumpstart a healing journey. People of all backgrounds, different ages, and experiences, are all looking It is indeed the most rewarding thing about being a creative. Not only that, it is extremely humbling to have a complete stranger say they were moved or inspired by something I went through, or said. Like, if I can leave just one person feeling better, or heard, or less alone, then I’ve accomplished something far beyond pretty words. That’s what makes it all worth it!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe the best thing society could do for artists is giving them a chance, a listen, and SPACE to be themselves. You can have an extremely popular artist with millions upon millions of adoring fans, but there will still be an aspiring artist out there who has yet to see themselves in that unfairly projected mirror. Or fail to see themselves in anyone, who already occupies the spaces they desire to be in. That is because there is only one *insert name here*. So artists should be encouraged to be their authentic selves, not just in their work, but at all times. Especially, when no one’s looking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smart.bio/ladysyren/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladysyren/