We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanaya Jack-davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vanaya, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I have always been interested in writing poetry, stories, and dramas. I desired to write inspiring stories, drama, and poetry that came from a position of positivity. I never imagined that my first published work was about me being a victim of spousal abuse for over two years. This was not the type of story that I had imagined writing, and it was both traumatic and therapeutic at the same time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always been a fervent reader from as far back as I can remember. I have written poetry and short stories that I shared with family and friends over the years. During high school, my favourite subject was English Literature because I got to read books and discuss them. But about two years ago, while listening to a TD Jakes sermon, the Lord spoke to me about writing a book on the spousal abuse that I went through several years ago. This, I can tell you, was a story that I was very reluctant to share as I still felt like a victim and was embarrassed about what I had experienced. But the thought of writing this book was relentlessly pressing on me that other women needed to know what I went through and that they were not alone, and just as I survived, so could they. I wanted them to know that though I was terrified, I showed no fear. Though I was being oppressed, I didn’t throw in the towel and give up on life. I learned resilience through my challenge, excelled at my job, and successfully completed my first degree despite the odds being stacked against me. I am proud that I wrote the book even though it exposed my private life. Writing this book and entitling the ministry that I write through, “Still I Rise”, made me realise that I am a victor and not a victim and that I have nothing to be ashamed of. I now feel empowered to write on other aspects of my life and other cultural phenomena that can offer support and motivation to women worldwide. No matter what I face, “Still I Rise”.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The particular mission that drives my creative journey is my desire to empower women to be bold, brave, and resilient and to pursue their dreams despite the challenges that arise. I want women to realise that they are not weak, that they do have value, that they do have a voice, and that they can make a difference in the world by being present in all spheres of life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is watching my stories and poems change the lives of readers. Nothing gives me greater joy than watching someone who doubted their ability and worth start believing in themselves and thriving after hearing my stories.

Image Credits

Dr. Althea Moore-Holt