We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria P. Allen-Graham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria P. below.

Hi Victoria P., thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most meaningful project was self publishing my poetry and prose book titled “Thoughts of a Mustard Seed”.

I’ve been using poetry as a wellness writing practice since I was twelve years old. Through trauma, heartbreak, love and self identify, I poured it on the page.

When the covid lock down hit, I finally had the time and extra income to publish my collection of poems over the years.

It was important to me for numerous reasons. It’s my story and gives a deeper insight of my life than most people would know.

Secondly, it includes journal/reflection prompts to help guide the reader on their healing process.

My poetry book is like my baby and will always be apart of me.

Victoria P., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I mentioned before poetry was my introduction to art. Now I consider myself a multifaceted artist because of my love for acting, creative direction, painting, and event curation.

I was introduced into visual arts in college while working at different art non profits and organizations.

Currently I focus on the intersection between art, mental health and diversity. This shows up in the teams and talent I usually work with or showcase. I identify with all three so it heavily influences my work.

I’m proud of creating memorable experiences like my upcoming event “A Vibe: Self Love & Confidence Building” you can find more about it on my website www.vpadesigns.com

Have you ever had to pivot?

Recently I had to pivot for a collaborative event called Serenity Oasis. My friend and I planned an all day wellness experience included breakfast, tea blending, coworking, Tai chi & meditation, a writing workshop and sound bath.

Sadly we weren’t getting any sales as the date was approaching. We had to decide between paying for the expenses or offering it for free and just doing the evening programming.

Thankfully the venue owner offered the space for free if we didn’t charge for the event.

We figured this is the best route and later down the line maybe we can secure sponsors for future events.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish that I took more classes on grant writing and how to market my art. I often need to pitch ideas for event curation, submit to magazines, and secure sponsorships. I believe if I learned more about how to effectively persuade readers than I would have gotten more help earlier on in my career. Additionally, marketing yourself is crucial as a creative and while I can easily think of content; I struggle with the analytical part of marketing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vpadesigns.com/
• Instagram: @victoriap.Allen @swim.in.your.feelings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriapallen.designs?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-allen-1995va
• Twitter: @swiminyourfeels

Image Credits
Photographer for most of my portraits (excluding the one of me as a vendor) Dierra Font