Today we’d like to introduce you to Massiel Alfonso

Hi Massiel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My story starts off like many others—experiencing life and needing a place to release my thoughts. For me, journaling became my safe space, where I could freely express my most honest, vulnerable feelings without judgment. As I filled pages, I unknowingly began writing my own story, and over time, my confidence in both my writing and myself grew naturally. It wasn’t until I shared a poem with my friends that I realized I had a gift. Their excitement mirrored the same joy I felt when reading my work back to myself, affirming that this craft meant something deeper.

I’ve been writing all my life, meeting different versions of myself through this art form. What started as an outlet slowly evolved into a deliberate and intentional practice, leading to the realization that my story needed to be shared. By 2020, I took a leap of faith and turned this lifelong passion into a book. Seeing my name on the cover was the defining moment—it made the dream tangible. That book became a manifestation of all the stories I had been writing for years, and with it, I realized just how achievable dreams can be when you believe in them wholeheartedly.

In the years since, I’ve been on a journey, constantly challenging myself to become better than the person I was the day before. Writing turned into a mission, a calling that has grown deeper with time. I’ve published Handful of Poems, which earned First Place in the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and Honorable Mention in the 2024 International Latino Book Awards. These recognitions have fueled me even more, proving that my voice has a place in the world.

Now, as an award-winning poet and educator, my mission is to continue writing stories that celebrate resilience, love, and identity. Through my poetry, events, and workshops, I aim to inspire others to embrace their journey and to realize that our dreams are always within reach, waiting to be claimed. Every day, I get closer to turning this dream into my reality, and I know I’ll keep pursuing it for as long as I can breathe.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The closer you get to a dream, the more distractions seem to pop up, almost as if testing how much you really want it. That’s when you know you’re getting close—when your fingertips are just inches away from holding onto it. If there were no obstacles, would it even be worth it? We’d all be chasing our dreams if it were that easy.

For me, one of the hardest parts was believing I could actually do it. That self-doubt was a huge challenge in the beginning, and although I’ve grown past much of it, there are still moments when I wonder if this is the right time or if I’m ready. Once I got past that hurdle, the real obstacle became simply making it to the finish line—keeping myself motivated when things got tough. And trust me, they do.

There have been plenty of moments where I’ve questioned everything—financial struggles, lack of motivation, and the mental exhaustion of staying focused on a goal that sometimes feels so far away. In those moments, the key is just putting one foot in front of the other, looking ahead, and pushing yourself even when it feels impossible.

I’ve learned that when you stop resisting the challenges and clear the negative thoughts, surprising doors open. It’s not always a steady climb—there are ups and downs in every way: emotionally, financially, and mentally. But in those tough times, I remind myself to be still, find calm, and refocus. The passion I have for what I do will always outweigh the struggles.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I consider myself a multi-fascinated person—constantly evolving, just like my creative journey as a poet and artist. What I do is never limited to one thing; I embrace the freedom to explore, grow, and learn through every experience. That’s the beauty of being a creative—your art is fluid, allowing you to shift directions and dive into new inspirations. Whether it’s through poetry, writing, or hosting community-led events, I see art as a way of sharing my world with others, offering them a glimpse into my mind and heart.

I specialize in poetry, storytelling, and creating spaces for others to reflect on identity, healing, and self-love. My work often revolves around my Dominican culture, the power of self-expression, and the intimate connection between hair, body, and self-identity. I’ve organized art exhibitions like Letters To My Younger Self and hosted workshops like “I’m HAIR For You: Discussing The Importance of Hair In Our Culture”, all designed to inspire healing and transformation through art.

What sets me apart is that I don’t see myself confined to one label—I’m a multi-disciplinary artist, constantly chasing my heart and seeing where it leads. I’m always open to new forms of creativity, blending different mediums to create experiences that spark connection, introspection, and inspiration. My goal is to share my journey so that others can feel empowered to explore their own creative paths.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

Hmm, let’s see. Honestly, I feel like I’m pretty open with the people I connect with—whether it’s my audience or my friends. I’ve always believed in staying authentic and true to myself, and that’s what helps others feel seen. I think people resonate with my work because they can see a bit of themselves in me and my journey. So, there may not be anything too surprising about me that I haven’t already shared. My transparency is how I build those connections—by allowing others to feel reflected in my words and experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://massielalfonso.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mas_si_el/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-alfonso-2bab39262