Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Prather.
Hi Adrienne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia but was mainly raised in Jonesboro, Georgia in Clayton County. I had a decent childhood thanks to the neighborhood that I lived in. I am a creative soul with a heart and compassion for people. As a child, I wanted to be a Teacher. My parents were so loving and caring and taught me to always depend on the Lord. I was shy and timid with hurdles to overcome. During my Middle School Years, I developed a passion for writing, wrote a few books, and graduated from College.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, life has not been a smooth road. I was born breech and had a speech impediment, and had to wear a leg brace to help straighten out my feet and legs. I had a really deep voice as a child. I was very self-conscious with the way that I looked and sounded. It took a while before I liked my appearance.
Academically, I was an underachiever. In High School, the thought of going to college seemed slim. How was that possible with my grades? I questioned my purpose on this earth. I had praying parents and a strong faith in God that helped me overcome my trials. I credit them for always being so supportive and encouraging me along the way. But these obstacles that I faced was setting me up for my greatest blessings. In middle school, I developed a love for creative writing. My middle school Teacher wanted us to write a Thanksgiving story to share with the class. I wrote a story about what life was like in the face of a homeless child. The story was picked to be read during a special assembly. After that, I wrote 2 Speeches for a Civic Oration Contest hosted by Modern Woodsmen of America. I placed 2nd both times. This really helped me gain my confidence in myself.
In High School, I was on the Track and Cross Country Team. I won 3 Coaches Awards and 2 Cross Country Runner Up Awards. I wrote my first poem, “Dream On Dreamer “The creative dream was calling my name. I began to realize that I was a creative being. Writing became my therapy and the way that I connected with others. I published my first Poetry Book entitled Reflections of Love, my very first book which I self-published. This led to many opportunities and to some important business connections. I was living a phase of my dream of being both a writer and author.
Furthermore, I attended and graduated with both an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree it took a while, but I made it through. Thereafter and few years later, I wanted to write a Children’s Book, I enrolled in Ashworth College and completed a Children’s Writing Program, and Graduated with Honors with 3.6 GPA for the first time in my life. For my final grade, I had to submit a manuscript and this led to the publication of my 3rd Book, “Grace Finds Peace” I also submitted my poems to other publications, including Rolling Out Magazine, Rejoice Atlanta, and Spoken Black Girl Magazine to name a few. Last Year, I entered a poetry Contest hosted by my current publishing company and won 1st place.
One of my biggest heartbreak was when I lost my mom in 2021 to Cancer. She suffered so much during that time and knowing I couldn’t help her no matter how hard I tried was so devastating. I’m still grieving her loss, it’s going on three years in February, and it still hurts to know that I will never see her again on this Earth. However, I thank God for her prayers and for the love that she gave to us. I had a wonderful mother who I will never forget. I will keep her memory alive until the day that I take my last breath. There is a piece of me that is forever gone. I do know that with the help and strength of the Lord, I will make it through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Educator but also a Writer, Author, and Crafts Woman. Being an Educator allowed me the opportunity to connect with children and play a vital role in not only Educating them but being a positive role model. I recently started making earrings in the past year. I didn’t realize that I was very creative in this area. I started by making Leather Earrings, then denim, and now yarn earrings. I also put denim on a few handbags and some shoes, and that turned out really well! I am looking forward to expanding my brand, writing more books, and doing speaking engagements. I guess the next move for me is to step out on faith and pursue my dreams!
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I loved playing outside and visiting with my friends. I started a social club in my neighborhood and invited some of my friends to join. We had refreshments discussed trips and ideas that we wanted to plan. It was a way for us to connect with each other. I loved playing a variety of games. I would put my stuffed animals and dolls in chairs and pretend that I was teaching. My childhood dream was to become a Teacher. As I got older, I developed a passion for writing, and this became the way I connected with my feelings and was able to communicate with words how I felt.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tmialuv
- Facebook: Adrienne Prather, Grace Finds Peace, Author Adrienne Prather, Encouragement Cafe
