Who’s In Your Friend Zone - Tapa blanda

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The seeds of my artistic journey were planted when I was just 7 years old. Poetry became my refuge, an outlet for emotions I couldn't yet articulate. Growing up amid my parents' struggles with addiction and the chaos of domestic violence, I turned to writing as a source of solace. When arguments erupted or gunshots rang through my Miami neighborhood, I instinctively reached for a pencil and paper, pouring my feelings into poetry. Little did I know, this creative practice would become my lifelong therapy.

As I entered my teenage years, life grew even more challenging. Homeless at one point, I found relief not only in writing but also in the performing arts. Miami Northwestern's PAVAC magnet program introduced me to theater, and with the guidance of my teacher and mentor, Ms. Charlotte Seward, I found another means of healing. Her maternal influence shaped my growth, both as an artist and as a person.

At 14, I began working to support myself and, later, my younger brother when my mother was incarcerated. Stability came through my grandmother, who took us in, as my father's addiction left him unable to care for us. By 16, I joined an after-school program as a peer educator, using the arts to bridge understanding and connect with my peers-a role that profoundly influenced my sense of purpose.

After a brief stint in the Army that ended due to an injury, I turned to nonprofit work, dedicating 25 years to empowering others. Today, I mentor youth in the same program that shaped my teenage years, guiding them to use the arts as a force for change. As Creative Director of Be Eccentrich Inc., I champion creative expression to enrich communities, often working in prisons and classrooms to fulfill my mission.

While poetry remains my foundation, my work spans many forms of artistic expression. Since 2016, I've competed in national poetry slams, earning top placements at events like the Exit 36 Festival and Blackberry Peach Festival.

My greatest pride lies in creating work that uplifts and inspires. Art is my way of processing life and encouraging others to do the same. Beyond entertainment, I aim to spark conversations and offer perspectives that challenge and unite.