We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robin G a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Robin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Speak my name in room that I have never stepped foot in.
I have been presented with so many different opportunities just by someone simply speaking my name in spaces I’ve never even thought to be in, from performances, speaking engagements, vending opportunities & different connections.
That means so much to me for many reasons, but mostly because being spoken up or thought of by my counterparts in a capacity that intrigues others, is a luxury that my hard work has afforded me. That makes my feel proud & blessed.
Robin , 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?
So, I’m Robin G…a poet, creative, curator, speaker & entrepreneur. I own The Stanza Collective, statement apparel inspired by my original pieces of poetry, & am co-creator of Girl Code: a storytelling platform for women of color.
I started writing when I was really young, maybe 10 or 11, & it quickly became a passion of mine, a way to escape the reality of my surroundings…I didn’t realize how good I was at it until I introduced it to the world as teen (& young mother) & that’s when I realized I had something special.
I think the thing that sets me apart is my willingness to be so transparent. My work is inspired by the adversity I face as a black woman journeying through life in all its glory. I write about the beautiful things, the ugly things & all the things in between.
I started working & writing professionally, like being paid, about 10 years ago. It all started with poetry, but then it got bigger. I started speaking, hosting events, curating open mic opportunities in my city, facilitating original writing & positive self reflection workshops within the school system, winning awards & starting The Stanza Collective.
I am my brand. My supporters have seen me through some of the most trying & joyous moments in my life because poetry, self expression & transparency are what free me.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Whew, just one?! Lol…the greatest lesson I’ve had to learn is that I belong here.
“Here” being spaces & opportunities that I have had the honor to step into.
In the past, I have almost sabotaged a lot of what I’ve built (am building) due to not knowing WHO I am & what my WORTH is. Whether it be not meeting a deadline, not responding to an email or simply not showing up when I was supposed to. All in the name of imposters syndrome & that intrusive “WHO DO I THINK I AM” mindset.
Through many, many losses, I have learned to accept that I am gifted & I am great at what I do & that I belong wherever God sees fit.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In life.
I am a mother to 4 amazing kids & a “G” (grandmother) to 2 beautiful babies.
I have always been present, supportive & loving in regard to my family, but I learned very quickly that I am NOT superwoman & that I DO NOT WANT TO BE.
So pivoting was kind of my thing early on.
I became a mother at 16, 21 & 23 years old, so my “becoming a woman & mother” era was synonymous & whew…..
In 2022, I quit my full time job in healthcare to pursue entrepreneurship full time. I think this may have been my 3rd attempt, (again pivoting lol) to do so.
Long story short, mouths needed to be fed, roofs needed to be kept & clothing is required….so after only about 6 months & one failed opportunity after the next, I went back to work. & THAT IS OK.
I am still doing what I love to do, my books are busy, I am maintaining a healthy work life balance & my family is happy & healthy.
I’ll try again….& again….& again.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robingpoetry.com
- Instagram: @robingpoetry
- Facebook: Robin Garner
- Twitter: @robingpoetry
- Youtube: Robin G Poetry
- Other: www.thestanzacollective.com
Image Credits
Best Dad Media Stephen Cohen