Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Selah Sapphire. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Selah Sapphire thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My decision to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally was unexpected and beyond my wildest dreams! I wholeheartedly consider myself a shy and introverted person. However, I recognize that introversion is a normal and valid personality trait, and it’s okay to be more reserved or introspective. I’ve learned introverted individuals often possess strengths such as deep listening skills, creativity, empathy, and thoughtful reflection. This is the inspiration behind my poetry name, Selah Sapphire.
Initially, I had misconceptions about the potential to be compensated in creative fields like poetry. While it’s true that the arts, including poetry, can be challenging fields to monetize, I realize there are various opportunities for poets to earn a living and even be compensated generously for our craft. My realization of wanting to perform spoken word professionally was a deeply personal and spiritual moment for me, one that emerged from a place of introspection and connection with God. For many artists, including spoken word performers, inspiration and creative epiphanies can come from moments of stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection. These moments allow us to tap into our innermost thoughts, emotions, and creative energies, leading to profound realizations about our passions and purposes.
My decision to pursue spoken word professionally after praying and meditating allowed me to listen to my inner voice and follow my intuition despite the insecurities, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, etc. As a diagnosed individual navigating with Bipolar II Disorder, spoken word and spoken word performances are a part of my journey to becoming. It’s a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and self-discovery. Artistic expression provides a means of channeling my emotions, thoughts, and experiences into art that not only resonates with others, but it serves as a source of empowerment and healing for myself.
I’ve realized that sometimes, our paths in life take unexpected turns, leading us to new and exciting opportunities that we may not have imagined for ourselves initially. Embracing these unexpected opportunities and following our passions can lead to fulfilling and enriching experiences. Whether it was a sudden realization of your creative talents, an unexpected opportunity that presented itself, or a leap of faith into a new and exciting endeavor, embracing your creative journey can be a transformative and rewarding experience. Exploring and expressing your creativity professionally can open doors to new possibilities, personal growth, and the fulfillment of your wildest dreams. No matter where your creative path takes you, remember to embrace the journey, stay true to yourself and your vision, and continue to pursue your passions with enthusiasm and dedication. Your unique perspective and creativity have the power to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in the world of art and beyond.
My journey exemplifies how introversion can be a source of creativity, empathy, and deep reflection in the pursuit of artistic expression. As I continue to embark on this journey as an upcoming professional spoken word artist, my performances will continue to be infused with the depth, authenticity, and spiritual resonance that first inspired me. I’m Selah Sapphire and I speak sanctified stories!
Selah Sapphire, 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?
I’m Selah Sapphire and I speak sanctified stories! I speak for the unspoken and use poetry to progress the broken! “Selah Sapphire” represents my chosen poetry name, embodying introspection, spiritual insight, and creative expression. “Selah” is often associated with musical notation in the Bible, inviting pause and reflection. “Sapphire” evokes imagery of a precious gemstone known for its deep blue color, symbolizing wisdom, inner peace, and spiritual insight. Together, Selah Sapphire reflects my introspective and creative nature, as well as my ability to craft meaningful poetry that resonates with others. I share narratives that are sacred, imbued with meaning, and inspired by my personal journey, spirituality, and healing process. As “Selah Sapphire,” I use spoken word as a medium to convey stories that are not only deeply personal but also carry a sense of sanctity and reverence. Through my performances, I aim to uplift, inspire, and connect with others on a spiritual level, sharing narratives that resonate with themes of faith, healing, resilience, and transformation. I invite listeners to pause, reflect, and engage with the stories I share.
I stumbled upon poetry by mistake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artistic expression became my creative outlet and source of solace and self-expression during a period of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Poetry provided comfort, catharsis, and a means of processing complex emotions. To this end, writing poetry served as my form of therapy. It served as my source of empowerment during a time I was trying to be strong when I didn’t have the strength. My experience highlights the transformative power of art and creativity in navigating difficult circumstances. Through poetry, I found a way to channel my emotions, cope with my struggles, and I discovered new insights about myself and the world around me. As I continue this journey with my poetry, I will always remember that my words can resonate with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. I want to use my poetry as a beacon of hope, empathy, and understanding. My voice matters! My voice is a powerful force for progress and healing in a world that often craves both. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve weathered storms, navigated difficult circumstances, and I found the strength to keep moving forward and emerge stronger on the other side.
I recently started a grant writing business entitled Watkins Grant Management in which I assist individuals in securing funding for their important projects and initiatives. I find grant writing rewarding because I play a crucial role in helping clients articulate their vision and secure the financial resources to contribute to long-term sustainability and the capacity to carry out their mission and the communities they serve.
My goals are to publish a book of my compiled poetry writings and monetize my spoken word performances with long-term booking opportunities. For poetry-based bookings, I am available to perform at live events, workshops, or personalized poetry venues, write poems, and speeches. My poetry captures the essence of resilience and empowerment, and the interconnectedness of resilience in the context of psychological well-being demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience. Overall, my poetry conveys a powerful message of hope, strength, and solidarity, inspiring audiences to recognize the resilience within themselves and their communities.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A particular lesson I had to unlearn is the fear of rejection. Unlearning the fear of rejection is a personal development journey that many people undertake. I learned to recognize the underlying reasons that stemmed from past experiences, social conditioning, and self-doubt. I also had to practice self-compassion and remind myself that rejection is not a reflection of my worth. The fear of rejection is deeply rooted in my struggles with self-esteem, doubts, and insecurities. In every rejection, I internalized every experience as a reflection of my self-worth and self-efficacy. Over time, I developed an extreme fear of rejection because I always believed I was not good enough. As I prayed and said my affirmations, I began to challenge that belief and misconception. Through God, I remembered who I am and whose I am! I learned to separate my sense of self-worth from external outcomes. I reframed rejection as my protection, rather than a reflection of my inadequacies. One of my favorite biblical verses is Philippians 4:13. I hold firm to the belief that “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my creative journey is the ability to express myself unequivocally and authentically about my experiences with the world. Writing and performing spoken word allows me to tap into creativity, explore my inner thoughts and emotions, and communicate complex ideas in a tangible and meaningful way. Artistic expression is a source of personal fulfillment, providing a means of self-expression, emotional release, and a pathway to reconnect with my authentic self. Irene C Kassorla once said, “The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand.” This quote reminds me that we have the power to shape our destinies, overcome challenges, and write our own unique life stories according to our own values, aspirations, and beliefs. By holding the pen in our own hand, we assert our agency and authorship over our lives, embracing the opportunity to create meaningful and fulfilling narratives that reflect our true selves and our deepest desires. It serves as a reminder that we can craft our own paths, define our successes, and ultimately, shape the legacy we leave behind. My poetry is a God-given gift and essential to my existence. To deny oneself the opportunity to engage in creative endeavors would be to suppress a fundamental aspect of my identity and potential for growth. I must honor this gift and continue to edify and pursue a career rooted in creativity to live a life that is true to myself and my calling.
My story underscores the profound therapeutic and cathartic nature of art, serving as a reminder of its ability to heal, inspire, and uplift the human spirit. Art has been a constant source of strength and resilience for me, allowing me to navigate life’s challenges with grace and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selahsapphire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrica.watkins
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrica-watkins-m-a-01b59886/
Image Credits
All images belong to Rohn Howard Photography