Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Clarke.
Hi Travis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Salaam! My name is Travis Clarke. I go by Trav. My mama gave me that nickname when I was just a kid. She’s the reason for everything I do. She passed away when I was 17 years old, my junior year of High School. I saw her battle cancer for five years. It had a profound impact on my life. I saw the fragility of life firsthand. I remember how resilient her spirit was. She never seemed to let it get her down. It was like she was a real deal SuperHero. She taught me a lot of lessons in such a short time. The biggest being in appreciating someone when they’re here and always embrace the warrior spirit.
Nowadays, I’m learning how to express myself better, heal and embrace freedom. Freedom for me is a journey of self-discovery. Every day I evolve. Every day I learn. I learn how to let go. I learn how to be present. I learn how to be a true alchemist of faith and abundance. I have dealt with depression since I was a teenager and at times struggled with finding my voice. There were times I felt like I should have spoken up especially since I view myself as a protector. I live to say there is always a light within the darkness. When you feel isolated, you’re actually being protected and divinely guided. I attended college for three years and then I started my spiritual journey. Since then, I’ve been finding myself gravitating to arts, expression and business. I been blessed with passion, creativity and an active imagination. I write poetry. I act. I model. I cook really great plant-based food. I love melanated women. I read and study as much as I can! I love when I can give without any expectations. I love being able to inspire people. I post on my social media motivational videos from time to time. My mama always preached, “Always strive for excellence, in whatever you do!” which is now my motto for life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My life has been filled with challenges honestly. At this point, I’m learning the real measure of my spirit, soul and how resilient I am. When I was in college, I lost my scholarship due my dad making too much money. To me it was a petty loophole. I had to pivot afterwars but it was a blessing in disguise. It started my spiritual journey. I started to question everything in my life. I had already started opening my eyes once my mama passed away but this further added fuel to my fire. It was hard not to have my mother in my life anymore especially when I was in college. My dad and I had a rocky relationship at the time so that impacted me as well. My confidence really took a hit. When I lost my scholarship, I slept on friends’ couches until I decided to move. Moving away from Virginia (where I’m originally from) was tough yet liberating. I needed that space to make some type of sense of life. I started to read and research a lot. It was a purification process for me. I realized I was still grieving from the passing of my mother. I eventually made my way to Atlanta. My first year in Atlanta was like being thrown into fire. Life was moving so fast for me at the time. It was tough adjusting to the different paces and finding the right people to surround myself with.
In September of 2020, I hit a really difficult time. I have at times dealt with depression and abandonment issues but at this time I was sleeping in my car. I lived in my car until January of 2021. It was one of the most turbulent times ever in my life but it brought me so much closer to the God within me. My spirit felt like it was crushed but I persisted on because I knew God had a greater plan for me. I knew that one day I had the potential to inspire others with my story. It was as if I had to go through that pain to see my greatest friend lies within. If I don’t love myself, nothing else matters. When I felt completely down and out, it was just God and I. I started to see who was really in my corner as 2021 progressed and how the meaning of family can transform as you grow. I’m grateful for these experiences because I know that when you feel held back or crushed, you’re actually in one of the most potent positions for transformation. Living in my car for five months helped me to confront deep-rooted trust issues, how I always felt like an OutKast and the strength that was dormant within. I’m here to live out my purpose and dreams. I know that these challenges will be a catalyst and an integral part in my LEGACY.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do poetry. I’m actually finishing my first poetry book. It’s titled “34 Nights.” When I first moved to Atlanta, I didn’t have a place to stay so I booked an Airbnb for 34 Nights. For those nights, I wrote and reflected on my life up until that point. To now be putting the finishing touches on it, is really exciting!
I’m working on my modeling portfolio and actively looking for acting roles. My plant-based food brand, “Foodie.Trav” allows me to be creative with my cuisine. I have a YouTube/Podcast series titled “If The Throne Could Talk.” It is in homage of my mother as it highlights the perspectives of melanated women in our world.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The lesson that has been the most meaningful along my journey is embracing death, and learning how to die. Learning how to transform. Knowing that one day I will leave this Earth has an immense influence on my consciousness. Being present. Appreciating the moment. When my mama transitioned, I learned the hard way that sometimes you only appreciate things, people once they’re gone. So again embracing death, and learning how to let go can be truly liberating. Letting go of things that no longer serve you. People. Situations. Trauma. Drama. Death is only a doorway. Evolution is always around the corner. It’s okay to grow. Life is always flowing. Change is the only constant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnB7ogN8c_v_tYhl_jRZOFg
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/yg__trav
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.clarke.94214
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/yg__trav
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvllEAd1cljabYQzM01cTNw
Image Credits:
@shots.exchanged @mr.davis____
