We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mara-Joanne Derinor . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mara-Joanne below.

Mara-Joanne , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is one of my visual art projects. The project is titled “My Bad Mama”. The project highlights awareness of domestic violence. This project is significant to me because of the importance of raising awareness of social issues within the community and society. I directed the project and wrote the song and poem used in the project. I was an actress for the project. I also created the storyline of the project. I have intertwined my talents and art to raise awareness of domestic violence within the community.

Mara-Joanne , 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?

Hello. My name is Mara-Joanne Derinor. I am also known as Belle La Poet. I am a poet, dancer, choreographer, writer, director, author, travel nurse, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have been on the frontline of COVID 19 in New Jersey and have continued with travel nursing. It was an emotional roller coaster—one of the craziest things I have ever done. I am happy that I made that decision to be brave. I realized I was stronger than I thought I was. I’ve always been so passionate about the art of writing and performing. I’ve always written, especially as a little girl. I remember my fourth-grade teacher was so impressed with my writing. Growing up, some things were hard to explain or talk about, so I turned to writing. Writing was the best way to let everything out. I started my poetry journey my freshman year in college, where I went on stage and free-styled. Everyone was so moved by it and loved it. It was not until then I decided to take it seriously. Now I write poetry and perform at different occasions and competitively. My new and first poetry book, “Broken Crayons Still Color,” was published in 2019. I have now tied my poetry into other arts, such as dancing and acting. My choreographed ballet piece “The Last Dance” was performed at Indian River State College in 2018. “My Bad Mama” is a song and poem I wrote to raise awareness of Domestic Violence. The video was released in October 2019, during Domestic Violence Awareness month. I am currently the author of four books and more to come: three children’s books and one adult poetry book. “My Black is Beautiful”, “Benji Into The Harlem Renaissance”, “Lobisha The Lobster”, and “Broken Crayons Still Color”. I moved to Miami from Fort Pierce to attend Barry University. I received my Bachelor’s in Nursing and Dance at Barry University. I have received my Master’s in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. I am currently a travel registered nurse and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My ultimate goal is to give back to my community by using my art to raise awareness of different social matters. My poetry, visual art projects, songs, books, and short films are all creative masterpieces put together to raise awareness of different social issues such as anxiety and depression, domestic violence, social injustice, Black Lives Matter Movement, self-esteem, and self-love.

Things I offer to the community are poetry performances and book signing events. A challenge I faced was overcoming depression and anxiety. It was a very dark moment for me. It felt as if I was in a dark pitting hole, and there was no way out. But now, by the Grace of God, I am recycling my pain and helping others to overcome their silent battles and not to give up. I am raising awareness of depression and anxiety one project at a time. Making sure everyone knows that they are not alone. I am hoping that they find some type of comfort through my art. My business, The Boss Residence, is an art and dance therapy business maneuvering towards bringing art and dance therapy into the community. The Boss Residence also has a book collection consisting of three children’s books and one adult poetry book. There will be many more books to come. The Boss Residence offers all schools and children’s programs free reading sessions. My business page on Instagram is @TheBossResidence. It is my goal to continue hosting art and dance therapy community events. The healing of the community is a priority for such tense and extreme times.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to give back to the community by using my art to raise awareness of different social matters. My poetry, visual art projects, songs, books, and short films are all creative masterpieces put together to raise awareness of different social issues such as anxiety and depression, domestic violence, social injustice, Black Lives Matter Movement, self-esteem, and self-love.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is having the opportunity to “move” the people. Having the opportunity to share my talents with anyone. Many times, people share how my poetry moves them or encourages them. Many children express how the books from The Boss Residence collection positively impacts them. The most rewarding thing is connecting with the audience through my art.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thebossresidence