Meet Cynthia Giles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Giles.

Cynthia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a writer, public speaker, spoken word artist, community leader, and creative arts advocate. Although I wear many “hats” in Atlanta, the core passion of my life is storytelling. I’ve had a passion for writing ever since I was 12 years old. When I was 19 years old, I got involved with local open mic nights near my university. I loved writing stories in my notebook, but I never thought anyone would be interested in what I had to say. When I first started writing in my journal, I wrote about my relationships and my fascination with nature. I wrote about my personal struggles with depression and trauma. One day, I turned my personal stories into poetry.

The thought of sharing my work with other students my age intimidated me, but I decided to give it a try! After I shared my work at local coffee shops, I noticed the powerful response I was receiving from everyone listening.

Several college years went by and despite chronic pain, depression, and sexual assault, I kept writing poetry. I never gave up. I opened my heart up to personal healing through poetry. After four years of performing spoken word poetry as a hobby, doors began to open beyond my wildest imagination.

The doors that opened transformed my hobby into a profession. I performed poetry for the Mayor of Lawrenceville and the Mayor of Suwanee. I was the Master of Ceremonies at Carnegie Hall in New York City and a guest on radio stations like the Joy FM, Grace 105.1 FM, Love 860 Inspirational Talk Radio, 91.5 FM, and more! I opened up for an Emmy Award Winning Journalist with a poem to empower cancer survivors, and I interviewed a 9-Time Grammy Award Winning Artist about arts and entertainment. I considered writing my hobby, but God had much bigger plans for me!

After being in the professional world as a creative artist for six years, the stories of “starving artists” moved me. I had a choice to make. I could complain about the lack of support local artists have or I could stand up and do something about it. I decided to be the change I wished to see for creative artists. I decided to launch a nonprofit for creative artists to advocate for them. With a team of volunteers, Creative Activation gives resources and community support to creative artists. I’ve met extraordinary creative artists in Gwinnett County and beyond! A teenager came from 4 hours away to attend! It’s beautiful to see! A supportive community is a wonderful gift that every artist needs to succeed in their craft. Furthermore, artists need practical and spiritual support to sustain their callings. Today, I am passionate about being a voice of inspiration. From storyteller to the poet to community leader, it’s been quite a whirlwind of a journey!

Has it been a smooth road?
If the road is smooth, the dream isn’t big enough. True grit to go after what we’re called to do will always come with obstacles. The good news is: obstacles train us for opportunities. It has definitely been far from easy. I’ve had to overcome self-doubt. When relationships end and people become untrustworthy, it hits me hard. I expect a stranger to leave me hanging, but when it’s someone I put my trust in, I am forced to reevaluate my inner circle. Not only have I struggled to trust new people, but I also struggle to trust myself. I wonder if I have the right discernment. The truth is, it takes a team to be successful in any task we put our hands to. Relationships and a healthy community is the key to success. Therefore, it’s a challenge to welcome the right people into my life again.

I’ve also had various chronic health challenges for over nine years. I am entrepreneurial, and I love to work hard. I have the passion but not the freedom to work at the same pace as other entrepreneurs who are physically well. I am forced to spend a lot of my time recovering from illness when I could be writing a script or working on the details of an event. I have learned how to manage chronic pain while serving others simultaneously. I choose gratitude every day.

We shouldn’t let obstacles prevent us from making a difference. Whether someone owns a business or they want to raise healthy, successful children, we can make a difference right where we’re at. We all have a vocation that will inspire others when we refuse to give up.

I used to think my struggles disqualified me from purpose. I fight against that lie today. Why? I am who I am with the voice I carry because of the challenges I’ve walked through. My struggles are my launching pad. The resistance created my resilience and I’m ready to soar.

We’d love to hear more about Cynthia’s Inspirations and Creative Activation.
Through Cynthia’s Inspirations, I am booked as a public speaker and spoken word artist. Once an event organizer or leader shares about their organization, I choose a poem or presentation that fits the vision of the business. I customize the poetry for a special occasion. If a client is interested in something specific, I do specialize in three topics: stepping into your purpose, embracing creativity, and overcoming abuse. I have written poetry, workshops, and presentations on my specializations. I have also been invited to speak at public schools in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. I enjoy inspiring students in the school system through my personal story and the recitation of poems from famous writers that I admire.

I am also tons of fun as a charismatic host. I am often booked as the Master of Ceremonies to add energy and inspiration to any event. I know how to bring value to organizations throughout Atlanta and I leave guests with special memories they will never forget!

My nonprofit organization is called Creative Activation. We host community gatherings for creative artists monthly and we host events throughout the year. We welcome creatives of all art forms: dance, theater, writing, visual arts, acting, film, and more! We host creative gatherings to connect artists together for the purpose of growing professionally, artistically, and spiritually.

The community impact is rewarding to see. One guest was cast in a play in Atlanta after attending! Another guest received an internship with a filmmaker! I have seen artists who come to a gathering discouraged by their circumstances and leave the event with new hope in their eyes.

We are meeting the needs of diverse creatives from all walks of life. Creative Activation is a loving community for creative artists to form new friendships, awaken their creativity, and activate (use their art) for the glory of God and a greater purpose beyond themselves. We have the heart to see creatives get the support they need. As creatives receive resources, we believe they will use their resources to give back to their communities! As our communities grow stronger, we believe artists will be strengthened!

Creative Activation is special and unique because we are focused on serving artists of all art forms. We do more than host events; we establish relationships with artists and seek to bridge the gap between our communities and the artists we serve. You can learn more at:
1. cynthiasinspirations.com
2. creativeactivation.org

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I see pro’s and con’s to having this business in Gwinnett County. I think the positive aspect of having a business that reaches both Gwinnett County and Atlanta is the connections that are forming between people who live in different areas. I think Gwinnett County is in the middle of innovation for creative artists. I think new structures are being put in place that will elevate artists to a new level in a few years.

A brand new performing arts center is being built in downtown Lawrenceville, and I am constantly meeting with leaders who are hosting creative gatherings in my area. I sense something innovative stirring in Gwinnett County in relation to creativity. I sense there being a greater desire to include the arts throughout Gwinnett.

In relation to Atlanta, I think Atlanta is definitely a good place to build a creative arts organization! Entertainment and media opportunities in Atlanta are constantly on the rise, and with Tyler Perry Studios established, I am beyond inspired!

I think Gwinnett County would benefit from introducing diverse art forms into the public school system. I think we could do a better job of spreading awareness on the variety of art forms offered through creatives who live here. Music and the visual arts are fabulous, but many creatives are hidden and need a platform to introduce their unique craft to the community. I think we could work at greater lengths to see creative gifts that are not “typical talents,” introduced to our communities.

I also think artists need to be valued for their work. The same way a person is willing to pay for a sandwich at Chick-fil-A or their favorite pair of shoes applies here. We pay for what we value. If we value something, there’s a price that should be associated with it. It takes time and energy for artists to create and produce the work they carry. Many artists work regular jobs and do their creative work on the side. Take the time to support local artists and businesses. Value what they have to offer. They’ve probably put their soul and heart into their work, and that is something worth paying for!

The future for creative artists in Atlanta and surrounding cities is bright and beautiful! I believe in every artist I meet and it’s a privilege to take my family and friends on this creative journey! I am thankful to God, my family, friends, church, and work for the opportunity to make a difference right where I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: cynthiasinspirations.com and creativeactivation.org
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Instagram: @cynthias_inspirations or @thecreativeactivation
• Facebook: @cynthia.inspirations or @thecreativeactivation

Image Credit:
Christy OConnor

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.