We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Francois a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I began writing poetry in the sixth grade, not fully understanding the path I was stepping into. At the time, I was simply following encouragement from my mentor, whose feedback inspired me to keep writing. By the 10th grade, that same mentor took me to see a production called *City at Peace* in Washington, D.C. I remember sitting in the audience, captivated—watching kids my age share raw, personal, and powerful stories on stage. It struck me deeply, and I knew I wanted to be part of something like that.
The following year, I auditioned and became involved with *City at Peace*. Around the same time, I read Maya Angelou’s *I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*, which further ignited my passion for expression. Poetry was no longer just words on paper—it became something I performed, something I lived. I don’t recall my first open mic event, but I do remember being in the 11th grade when someone approached me after a performance and asked if I wanted to produce a piece of work. At the time, I didn’t think I was “all that,” but I took their business card. Nothing came of it, but that moment affirmed that my words had impact. I continued performing with *City at Peace* and let poetry guide me wherever it was needed.
When I attended Florida Memorial University, poetry remained an integral part of my life. I started open mic events in Miami, creating spaces for others to share their voices. After leaving Florida, I lived in Indianapolis for a year before moving to Atlanta, where my husband and I hosted poetry events. Later, when we moved to Abu Dhabi, I continued hosting poetry events there as well. Poetry always had a place in my journey. In Japan, my friend Twa’lea and her husband, Dre, were already hosting events, so instead of creating my own, I simply became part of the community. I never felt the need to build something new where something already existed, but when there was no outlet for poetry, I felt an obligation to create one.
For my 30th birthday, I decided it was time to publish my first poetry book after holding onto my work for so long. That accomplishment meant so much to me. Ten years later, for my 40th birthday, I published my second poetry book. I don’t know if I have another one in me for my 50th, but only God knows.
Looking back, I don’t wish I had started sooner. I began poetry at such a young age, and I’ve never viewed it as a career—especially since I don’t make much money from my books or performances. That’s mainly because I don’t push or promote them as I could. Poetry, for me, has always been a release, a way to let go of what I’ve been holding onto. Just knowing that my words are out there, that they might reach someone who needs them—that’s enough for me. I believe everything happens in God’s timing, and I trust that my journey has unfolded exactly as it should.
Right now, I’m using my poetry as the foundation for my podcast, *Say Something with Michelle True*, because I truly believe I have something meaningful to share. God has blessed me not just with knowledge but with wisdom, and I want to pass that wisdom on to the world—or to whoever will listen. *Say Something* is my poetic testimony. Through poetry, I tell stories that speak to the heart. The first six episodes have been recorded, and the premiere is set for March 8th, with new episodes releasing each week. I’m excited for the conversations this project will spark and the impact it may have.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Michelle “TRUE” Francois, mother, wife, educator, spoken word artist, author, proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and the visionary behind The Queens’ Tea International. Originally from Washington, D.C., USA, I have spent the last 13 years overseas, between United Arab Emirates and Japan, where I dedicated myself to shaping young minds as a Kindergarten Teacher alongside my husband and two children.
I discovered my voice at just 11 years old, using poetry as a powerful tool to navigate life’s challenges to understand the world around me. My first book, Testified: A Poetic Testimony (published 2013), offers an intimate collection of my poems that reflect my personal journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. My second book, Alphabet Palace (published 2013), was inspired by my son, Prince Jahiion. It introduces young readers to an imaginative alliteration story about a prince who learns the value of open-mindedness through the wisdom of a princess. My third book, Bridge: Poetry that Connects (published 2023), explores the deep connections between self, faith, and the universe.
From the moment I arrived in UAE, I immersed myself in the community, creating spaces for artistic expression. I co-founded Slammin’ on the Roof, the region’s first spoken word event, which later inspired other poetry and storytelling platforms across the UAE. I also participated in DXB Speakeasy, a monthly literary gathering in Dubai, further cementing my role as a cultural connector who celebrates diversity through art.
My ability to mentor, collaborate, and inspire led me to establish TrueOne Events, a platform that fosters empowerment and creativity. One of its most celebrated initiatives is The Queens’ Tea International, an annual event inspired by my daughter that began with just six mothers and daughters in my living room and has now welcomed over 1,000 attendees internationally. The Queens’ Tea is a royal celebration of sisterhood, uplifting women and young girls from all walks of life. I try to encourage every woman to embrace strength, ambition, and community, fostering an environment of love, support, and progress.
Through my poetry, events, and mentorship, I continue to empower others, speaking on ambition, humility, self-love, and enlightenment, guiding women and young girls toward boldly embracing their power.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist and a creative is similar to the joy I experience in my classroom. It’s that moment when a student has an epiphany—when something just clicks, and they suddenly get it. That same feeling happens when someone comes up to me after a performance or after reading my work and says, I connected with this in such an authentic way or You told my story in a way I couldn’t.
Those moments remind me how deeply connected we all are. I truly believe that we are more alike than we are different, and I wish the world could see that as clearly as I do. Art allows me to extend empathy to others because just as no one can look at me and instantly know my story, I can’t know someone else’s unless they choose to share it.
Through my poetry, events, and podcast, my goal is always to build connections. I wholeheartedly believe that if we sat down and had real, honest conversations with people—across all demographics, races, religions, and anything else that is used to divide us—we would see how much we truly have in common. We would begin to let go of the hate, the misunderstandings, and the barriers between us.
At the core of it all, we share so many of the same hopes and desires. That’s why, to me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection. It fills my heart with joy every time.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The most recent book that has significantly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy is Start with Why by Simon Sinek. I had heard about this book for years, but it wasn’t until December 2024 that I finally sat down and read it. And when I did, it made me deeply reflect on my why.
I had always had a sense of my purpose, but reading this book helped me put clear, intentional words to it. It gave me purposeful language that allowed me to move with clarity and conviction. Once I truly understood my why, it was as if a fire was lit within me—an ignition that has fueled my energy and creativity since 2025 began. I feel like God has been pouring so many ideas into me, all of them tied to my purpose of connection.
That journey of connection started with strengthening my bonds with my own family—my mother, my sisters, and my brother. From there, it expanded to reconnecting with long-lost friends, nurturing the relationships that were already part of my life. I see this process like planting a garden: when the roots grow deep, the branches can extend even further. My goal is to cultivate a connected garden, one that thrives and expands beyond just my personal circle.
I used to say I wanted to “buy the block”—to create a space where my people could live and thrive together. But now, I see beyond just a block. I want to build communities around the world. Having been part of creating communities in the United Arab Emirates and Japan, I understand the power of bridging connections across cultures. There is something deeply meaningful about knowing where I’m going.
Because of that understanding, I no longer feel aimless. Whether I’m writing poetry, organizing events, or creating spaces for people to come together, I now move with a true sense of purpose. My calling is to connect people, to connect ideas, and ultimately—to lead them to Christ. The love I have for humanity is not just my own; it comes from Jesus Christ. And through that love, I know people will be drawn to Him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thequeensteaintl.com
- Instagram: @michelletruefrancois
- Facebook: michelletruefrancois
- Youtube: michelletruefrancois
- Other: Testified: A Poetic Testimony- https://www.amazon.com/Testified-Testimony-Michelle-True-Francois/dp/1483668525
Alphabet Palace
Ebook- https://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-Palace-Michelle-Francois-ebook/dp/B0792K1514
Paperback- https://www.xlibris.com/BookStore/BookDetails/513594-alphabet-palaceBridge: Poetry That Connects- https://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Connects-Michelle-True-Francois/dp/B0CD13LHDH
Nations of Peace – A Poetry Anthology
https://www.amazon.com/Nations-Peace-Ms-Loraine-Harrison/dp/B09TWL16HN
