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

Rebecca, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I realized how much I loved words and that me and a regular 9 – 5 just didn’t work. Financially it can be challenging at times but the freedom to do as I want when I want is priceless. Having to ask for vacation time or time off just doesn’t sit well with me.

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

I’ve been writing since the age of 10. I got into my industry of the arts going to open mic nights starting from May of 1997. In 2001, before the host started the open mic, she expressed that it was cool that we got up and shared our poetry but if it was something we really wanted to do, then we should get serious about it. After that night, I pondered on what she said and in July of 2002, I took the leap to be a full-time poet. I was given the name Butterfly by a man name Douglas Pollard in Jacksonville, FL. He was the photographer for an open mic night that I had featured at along with a few other poets from Miami. For my birthday in March of 2002, he sent me a crystal butterfly figurine. He addressed the envelope Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns and I kept it as my artist name. What sets me apart from others in my craft is my ability to create in the moment. I just need to know the theme or a little bit about the person or organization. I don’t write anything. I stay ready. My slogan is that I go wherever words are desired. I perform for literally all occasions from birthday parties to weddings to funerals to community events to festivals and corporate functions. I also host and emcee events. I’ve also been invited to be a guest speaker for graduations and conventions. I’ve had the privilege of poetically serenading Keke Palmer, Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, Betty Wright, Nikki Giovanni, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Fantasia, Beres Hammond, Kim Coles, Anita Marks, Andra Day, and Maxwell. I’ve opened up for Monica, Kem, Stephanie Mills, Kelly Price, Deniece Williams, Tank, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Pastor Shirley Ceasar, and Keith Washington. I’ve released 3 self-published books of poetry(no longer in print). I’ve released 14 studio albums(9 are available on all digital download platforms ~ Artist:Rebecca Butterfly Vaughns ~ Genre: Spoken Word). I’m 21 years in the game and the journey continues.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Me believing in myself and my craft. Many thought I was crazy and still think so being a poet full-time. I still pressed and pushed on in spite of the lack of support. I found my niche and my passion. I realized my purpose and chose to move in it no matter what or who thought it wasn’t okay. I am a rebel to heart and soul. A master at going against the grain!!!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes. My goal is to be successful and thrive as a full-time poet~spoken word artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Soulfulpoet72
• Facebook: RButterfly Vaughns
• Twitter: Prettywingz372
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Patrick Wilcox