Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra Lashae.
Kierra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story starts in the small town of Rome, GA. I come from a family rich in spirit and love. My community didn’t have much financially; I grew up mostly in the projects, or never too far away from them (figuratively and literally). Everyone knew everyone. My elders, especially my grandmother did everything within her power to make sure my friends and I did not end up a product of our environment. On the weekends, she would go around the neighborhood, round all the kids up, and take us to the soup kitchen or food pantry. We would help cook the food, serve the food, and eat with those in our community.
During the summer, she would find all types of free summer programs (mostly religious) to occupy our time. Whenever a summer camp wasn’t in session, us kids would walk all over town to different parks and random places to just hang out. No matter what we were doing, my favorite program to participate in would always be the summer reading program at our local library. The library was my heaven. I loved getting lost in a good book and letting my mind wander.
I also loved learning. During grade school, I excelled in my classes and eventually went on to graduate from Georgia Tech in 2016. Now, I work as a Senior Marketing Specialist at one of the top nonprofits in the country and live a pretty comfortable life. To many (even myself sometimes), I’m the typical “made it out the hood” story. But that’s not enough for me. What good does one person making it out do if others are still struggling? That’s a question I’ve asked myself since high school when I first realized I was consistently one of the only black people in my classes.
This is one of the main reasons I started writing. Although I enjoyed learning, I hated going to school and sitting around people who didn’t understand me. I hated having to understand other people’s lifestyles and cultures and pushing mine to the back burner until I got home where I could be myself, without judgment or criticism of my own culture. Once I got to college, I was fed up, and started writing. I wrote for me. To pay homage to the things I experienced growing up. I wrote to give a voice to people who look like me, but for whatever reason, aren’t allowed or accepted in the places I take up space in. I wrote to release my feelings and touch people that may be going through the same things.
It wasn’t until after graduating college that I started taking my poetry more seriously. I started performing at different open mics and coffee shops. In June 2018, I published my first poetry book, and this year, I’m happy to say I’ve had three poetry features throughout the Atlanta area and competed in two poetry slams, where I came in 1st place for both. Today, most of my writing focuses on the intersections between race, feminism, mental illness, and socioeconomic status.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey was no easy at all. I struggled with impostor syndrome for a long time. Although I loved reading and enjoyed writing, I didn’t have beautiful metaphors or any special writing forms that made me stand out. My writing was (and still is) very straight to the point. I wrote for years before I ever publicly spoke at an open mic. Many times, I let fear and anxiety get in the way. Even after I started performing, I still didn’t think my poetry was good. I told myself I was getting a pity applause, or that people only clapped because they were my friends and liked me. Those negative thoughts are always just in our heads though.
One of my favorite quotes is “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Many performers will tell you there is always some level of anxiety or nervousness before they perform. But you can’t let that stop you from your greatness. We are our own worst critiques. This is not to say that we don’t have bad performances or poems. It just means you have to learn to accept the good with the bad, and not let fear stop you. We only have one life to live, why not live it to the fullest?
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a spoken word artist, writer, author, and speaker. I’ve performed at numerous places across the metro Atlanta area, a couple being historical poetry landmarks such as Urban Grind and Java Monkey. In 2019 alone, I’ve spoken at an elementary school for a professional series and had the privilege to bear three poetry features. I’ve also come in first place at two poetry slams: the 11th Hour Poetry Slam in Washington, DC and most recently, the Java Monkey Slam in Atlanta.
My first poetry book was published last summer entitled When Magic’s Not Enough. In the book, I discuss topics such as race, feminism, mental illness, and economic status from a small-town girl’s point of view. My book is available on Amazon or one can personally reach out to me for a signed copy.
I aim to be a global changemaker. Whether I’m using my voice at work in a room full of people who don’t look like me or spitting poems at a slam or open mic, I am dedicated to bridging gaps and creating more equity across age, gender, and racial lines with my words. As a person whose identity intersects with multiple marginalized groups, I am often saddened by disparities but never discouraged. I see opportunities in problems and plan to be part of the solution.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have been my authentic self from the beginning, regardless of who is around. I would have asked more questions and not been timid. Most importantly, I would have believed in myself and been more confident throughout this entire process. Every day I’m still learning and growing, and enjoying the process along the way.
Pricing:
- When Magic’s Not Enough – Amazon.com $9.99 (free shipping with Prime)
- Standard 30-minute feature: varies based on budget
Contact Info:
- Email: kierra.lashaej@gmail.com
- Instagram: iamkierralashae
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