We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Simone’ LaRay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Simone’ below.
Simone’, 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’ve ever worked on is my book, A Black Girl’s Diary by Simone’ LaRay Poetry.
This vulnerable poetic memoir marks the beginning of my healing journey—from surviving childhood trauma to becoming a mother. I began writing this book to process the pain I experienced growing up in physically and emotionally abusive environments, starting at just four years old. These weren’t just difficult experiences—they were traumas caused by people who were supposed to love and protect me.
This poetic memoir and journal was intentionally designed to heal and inspire by telling my personal story of survival and growth. It features journal prompts to guide readers through their healing process. Many people are simply walking around in trauma without even realizing it. This book was created to help people face childhood trauma head-on, begin the healing process, and break generational curses.
What makes this project so powerful is that it was intentionally designed to heal and inspire. Alongside the poetry, I included journal prompts to guide readers through their own healing process. So many people are silently carrying trauma they haven’t yet named—and this book gives them permission to face it, feel it, and begin to release it. It’s about breaking generational curses and reminding others that they’re not alone.
A Black Girl’s Diary was truly the beginning of my healing process, and it was also the start of me connecting with such a beautiful community of writers, storytellers, and musicians. We were healing together through our stories—and we continue to heal as we write and share our art with the world, inspiring and giving back to a bigger cause.
“A Black Girl’s Diary” was the start of something bigger than me. It opened the door to a beautiful community of writers, storytellers, and musicians—creatives who, like me, were finding their voice and their healing through art. Together, we continue to grow, express, and uplift by sharing our stories.
This movement led me to found The Poetry Lounge, a creative platform with the mission of BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS. A safe place to express is always needed, and I strive to create that space through everything I do—starting with A Black Girl’s Diary and continuing through The Poetry Lounge.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For folks who may not have read about me before—my name is Simone’ LaRay, and I’m the founder of Simone’ LaRay Poetry and The Poetry Lounge.
Simone’ LaRay Poetry is a brand I started under the umbrella of poetry and creative writing, rooted in the idea of creating “art uniquely designed to intrigue the heart and mind.” What began as personal poetry turned into something much larger—books, apparel, healing spaces, and full-scale events centered on artistic expression and community building.
I originally entered this industry simply as a single mom looking for a safe, welcoming stage to share my poetry. But most of the open mics I found were on weekday nights, which made it nearly impossible for me to attend as a single mom. What started as frustration turned into purpose. I decided to create my own platform—The Poetry Lounge—after a meaningful conversation with someone I was dating at the time. That push led me to host my first few open mics, and after about a year of testing, learning, and fine-tuning, I officially founded The Poetry Lounge under my already existing brand Simone’ LaRay Poetry.
I wanted to build something different. I envisioned an open mic platform that was not only accessible, but also intentional—centered around specific themes that encouraged vulnerability, storytelling, and true connection. The Poetry Lounge has now been thriving for almost four years, growing into a beautiful and impactful creative community.
Today, we offer a range of experiences that embody “Building Community Through the Arts”—each with its own unique purpose:
Zen and Pen at Haven – A gentle, conversation-based writing and open mic event, designed especially for those who love to write but may feel anxious about performing. It’s a soft, healing space that invites reflection, connection, and calm.
Verses and Vibes at The Slush – A high-energy open mic that blends poetry with the nostalgia and soul of classic R&B and hip hop. Co-hosted with Prince the Poet, this event is all about feel-good vibes, creativity, and collective joy.
Creative Black Cinema – A powerful collaboration with Charlotte-based poet Porsha the Poet, this event celebrates Black film through a creative lens. We combine acting, dance, poetry, trivia, and discussion to explore the cultural impact of iconic films we all grew up watching.
In addition to events, Simone’ LaRay Poetry also includes my published books—most notably A Black Girl’s Diary, a poetic memoir that documents my personal journey of healing from childhood trauma to motherhood. What makes this book so meaningful is that it doesn’t just tell my story—it offers journal prompts to help readers begin their own healing journeys. It’s about naming trauma, breaking generational curses, and reminding people that they are not alone.
Alongside that, I also created My Self-Help Affirmations Journal: Hey Sis, available on Amazon. It’s a guided affirmations journal designed to uplift women as they navigate their own emotional journeys. It encourages daily self-reflection and self-love through powerful affirmations, space to write, and intentional healing.
What sets me apart is the heart behind everything I create. I don’t just write poetry—I build spaces for people to breathe, express, reflect, and grow. Whether through the written word, live events, or community programs, my goal is to make healing through the arts both accessible and authentic.
I’m most proud of the community that’s formed around this work. The Poetry Lounge is not just an event series—it’s an experience. A home. A place where creatives, empaths, survivors, and dreamers find one another, share truth, and lift each other up.
If you’re new here, I invite you to explore, connect, and heal with us. This work is more than art—it’s liberation through creativity.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the connection—building with people and creating a space where they feel seen, safe, and inspired.
I’m just a girl from the DMV who lost her mother at an early age and went through a lot of trauma and healing to become the woman, mother, and teacher I am today. To hear people tell me that I’ve helped them, that I’ve created a space where they feel safe to express themselves—that’s humbling beyond words. I never expected to be seen as a pillar in the creative community. It’s truly an honor.
When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing. I just leapt in with faith and love. That first year was incredibly tough—financially, emotionally, personally. I was going through one of the hardest seasons of my life. But I stayed the course. Even after taking a few months off, my poetry family welcomed me back with open arms—full of love and support. I’ll never forget hosting events with my newborn son in my arms, and the community embracing us both without hesitation.
The Poetry Lounge isn’t just a platform—it’s a family. Every single person who has ever stepped into one of our events is connected to that love and sense of community we’ve built together. That’s the most rewarding part for me—knowing that through art, we’ve created something that feels like home.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, there is a deep mission driving my creative journey—and it’s rooted in expansion, inclusion, and community.
My ultimate goal is to grow The Poetry Lounge from a mobile platform into a permanent storefront space. I envision a vibrant creative lounge filled with food, music, and a wide range of artistic events that bring people together in powerful, healing ways.
There are so many layers of The Poetry Lounge just waiting for the opportunity—and the space—to fully bloom. Our mission has always been and will always be: Building Community Through the Arts. We want to create a home for all forms of creativity—dance, poetry, music, acting, painting, storytelling, comedy, culinary arts, cocktails, yoga, reading, wellness, and more.
One day, we hope to open our own building, where we can expand our reach, partner with the community to host festivals and carnivals, and continue to pour into the creative world with love, intention, and purpose. The dream is big—but the heart behind it is even bigger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SimoneLaRayPoetry.com
- Instagram: @SimoneLaRayPoetry, @The.Poetry.Lounge
- Facebook: Simone’ LaRay Poetry, The Poetry Lounge
- Linkedin: Simone’ LaRay Poetry