Conversations with Victora Calhoun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victora Calhoun.

Hi Victora, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with a love for writing and a need for self-expression. I was on a personal healing journey. I was fighting PPD & other personal life issues. Poetry became a way for me to process life experiences, find my voice, and connect with others. Over time, I realized that sharing my work was helping others heal too. That realization inspired me to create my own safe space called Hood Healing Poetry, My platform is dedicated to truth-telling, community, and healing through spoken word. What began as a personal outlet has grown into a movement that brings people together through open mics, creative events, and spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic. Today, I continue to use poetry & community as a tool for empowerment, connection, and transformation. My mission statement is “healing the hood one poem at a time.”

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many creatives, I’ve faced challenges with balancing personal responsibilities, finding resources, building an audience, and overcoming self-doubt. There were times when I questioned whether my work was making a difference or whether I should keep going.

One of the biggest challenges has been building a platform that is rooted in healing while navigating my own growth and life experiences. Creating safe spaces for others requires a lot of dedication, consistency, and emotional investment. But every challenge has reinforced my purpose. Seeing people connect, heal, and find their voice through Hood Healing Poetry reminds me why I started and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a poet, spoken word artist, educator, and community organizer. As the founder of Hood Healing Poetry, I specialize in creating spaces where storytelling, vulnerability, and creativity become tools for healing and empowerment. Through poetry events, open mics, workshops, and community initiatives, my work focuses on helping people find their voice and share their truth in an authentic and supportive environment.

I am known for building community through art and creating platforms where people feel seen, heard, and valued. What I’m most proud of is the impact Hood Healing Poetry has had on individuals who may have never shared their stories publicly before. Watching people gain confidence, experience healing, and connect with others through poetry is incredibly rewarding.

What sets me apart is that Hood Healing Poetry is more than a performance platform. It is a safe space for my people. My approach centers on creating genuine connections and fostering a sense of belonging. While poetry is the medium, the true goal is transformation, community, and collective healing. Every event, project, and performance is intentionally designed to inspire people to embrace their stories and recognize the power in their voices.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice for finding a mentor and building a strong network is to focus on genuine relationships rather than transactions. Seek out people whose work, values, and character you admire, and don’t be afraid to engage with them consistently and authentically. Attend events, support other creatives, ask thoughtful questions, and be willing to learn.

What has worked well for me is showing up, building community, and creating opportunities for connection. Many of the most valuable relationships I’ve developed came from supporting others, collaborating on projects, and being present in spaces where people shared similar passions and goals. Networking doesn’t always happen in formal settings. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a shared experience, or simply showing up and being yourself.

Pricing:

• Early Bird Tickets $15
• General Admission Tickets $20
• 2 for 1 Tickets $30 (limited time)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/hoodhealingpoetry
• Instagram: @hoodhealingpoetry
• Youtube: @hoodhealingpoetry