We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Loren SoReal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Loren below.

Hi Loren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Interesting enough, I did not realize nor recognize that poetry or writing was for me. I used to write just to express my emotions and I did not know it was a poem. I dealt a lot with mental health issues. I often would write about my life and it wasn’t until 2013 when I first realized I can use my poetry to shed light. I wanted to continue being authentic and sharing my emotions, but I wanted to focus on the message behind my poetry and words. I did not do it for the money, but I knew it was something I wanted to take seriously and turn it into something real.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My main focus in using my story; whether that is via poetry, writing, or speaking, I always wanted those around me to be able to heal from my mistakes. My main focus is healing those around me and allowing them to see their true potential that is inside of them. We live in such a superficial world, where we have to be perfect and no one wants to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is equated to mental issues and although we are becoming more in touch with mental health, there is still a stigma around it. I feel that me opening my mouth to say “hey this is what I went/go through” will allow people to be comfortable enough to be honest with themselves. If you really think of it, awareness to self is what brings true healing. I am most proud of doing poetry and speaking at the juvenile halls, where I was able to catch people’s attention with poetry and from there, let their guard down to listen to my story in order to provide inspiration.

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

I think the best thing people can do to support is to share if a message or poem has helped you. Our message doesn’t get spread without the people to help us spread it. Negativity is easy to circulate, but for some reason, positivity isn’t that popular. Sharing is always free, but there are ways people can support monetarily as well. If you see a small business or artist selling merch, try to support if you can.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am actually currently going through a pivot right now and I have been since 2020. On top of the pandemic going on, I also lost my mother. I shut down everything, including my poetry. I lost a big part of my identity and no matter how bad I was to get back into it, it’s something I’ve struggled with. I have learned a lot in this time and most importantly, I have learned to have grace and be patient with myself. As creators it’s so easy to feel forgotten or want to give up. I had to push myself, even to do this interview, to get back to what I know I am called to do. This goes to any creators or anyone who has a dream and a passion, no matter how life pivots you, never give up, even if it’s baby steps, keep taking those steps.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sheislorensoreal