Welcome back to another installment of the Rooted Minds Spotlight Feature, where we shine a light on creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs that are making strides to take their careers to the next level.
This a space where we can celebrate the success stories of members of our community, friends, and newly discovered creatives. Be sure to check out their art, business, and content.
This feature includes an artist from Houston, Texas who we found on social media, during prep for our Poetry Contest. From the clips and content online, her storytelling ability and stage presence really adds to her performances. Her poems are passionate, relatable, and engaging.
Davy the Poet has been putting in the work to build a career in performance and on the page. She has hosted and performed across stages in Texas and she recently posted content from performances for the Write About Now platform. She has aspirations of bringing her storytelling ability to music by writing for music artists and stepping into new creative spaces.
BIO: Davy the Poet is from Houston, Texas, and has been writing for over 13 years. Davy has placed in the Top 3 of slam competitions as well as a frequent participant in the Houston improv performance scene. Davy plans to expand her experience behind the scenes with event hosting and songwriting. She has her merch line rolling and she is prepping to publish a book very soon.
INTERVIEW: Davy The Poet
RM: Rooted Minds
Davy: Davy the Poet
RM: What has been your journey to being an artist OR owning your own business and what has been the most impactful lesson that you've learned?
Davy: I would say the most impactful lesson that I’ve learned is to stay unique, determined, be you & true to yourself. Being an artist/poet, you will witness many talented individuals, however you have to stay mentally strong enough to know that no one could be, write like , sound like, deliver like, and perform like YOU. Use the stage/platform as your safe place. Keep going and be willing to accept constructive criticism from those who too want the best for you.
RM: For those that may not know, how did you come up with the name or concept for your business or project?
Davy: Nothing special. I’m THE Davy The Poet, if you didn’t know it, Ill be sure to make you remember it
RM: Tell us about your inspiration behind an upcoming project and what do you hope the audience takes away from it?
Davy: My (till now) secret, is that I’ll be publishing my very first book within the next two months. I’m targeting many people in the most diverse way u possibly can. The book, “Parked” is inspired because majority of my pieces are written in my car while parked. I intend on reeling hurt people, those who love exotic written imagery, love/relationships, and OFCOURSE targeting my lgbtq audience
RM: What have been some effective ways that you've marketed yourself in your space and industry?
Davy: I used to think that going out to perform everywhere was the only strategy I should go by. However, now, I go out different places, introduce myself along with my personality to reel in those who originally were not fans of poetry. It really works for me. Social media however, has been my stepping stone to this pretty for myself. To add, even recently I converted my poems to songs.
RM: How have you grown as an entrepreneur or creative in the last 5 years and who's been influential in that process?
Davy: I originally, only wrote poetry in my phone with no one knowing, no one ever heard it. Till 2 years ago, I began dating an amazing poet who pushed & encouraged me to write more and made sure that I’d publicly post it. Since then, I’ve gained 100000x the confidence I originally had. I’m now confident enough to perform for thousands of people and never question my talent. Though I’ve been writing for over 13 years, the past two years I’ve learned that closed mouths don’t get fed and I now open doors for myself instead of waiting on a opportunity. To add, I’ve hosted poetry events, been on radio shows, performed for Houston Improv and much more in just the past year
RM: What are some short-term goals that you are working towards, that friends and supporters can help you with?
Davy: I want to reel in music artists and write music for them. I believe music is poetry and vice versa. Also, I need my booked “Parked” publish ASAP.
RM: What are one or two things that keep you grounded? How do you practice good self-care or how can you practice it better (if you've been lacking in that area)?
Davy: Honestly.. if I have no one else, I have poetry. She is my shield , my wife , my bestfriend… I depend on her because the catches each tear and listens to me. If I were to fail her, I have nothing. That mentality definitely keeps me going with my head above water. For self care, I write weekly. outside of writing, I also take myself out on dates every week. Why? Because whhhy would I wait on anyone else lol
RM: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement for upcoming creative entrepreneurs that you'd like to share?
Davy: Be careful and stay cautious if communicating big dreams and goals with closed minded people. Believe in you. Prove it to yourself… you owe it to yourself.
RM: What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received in reference to your career and industry?
Davy: CHARGE YOUR WORTH, NOT WHAT YOU THINK THEY’D PAY.
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Thanks for your support and for checking out this feature. You can check out her work, positive affirmations, and poetry here www.instagram.com/davythepoet
One vital take away from this part of Davy’s story, is a reminder to put ourselves first and continue to find ways to embrace who we are. As we find ways to do what we love, let’s do it in ways that work for us. When it comes to your dream/vision keep going and be open to change.
Davy was great to work with throughout this time and we are glad to be able to feature her in our blog. We originally connected through Davy’s mom while we were searching hashtags online for Poets in various cities. Thankfully we landed on a video of Davy that her mom posted and now we have a new artist to keep up with that’s 1,200 miles away. All that to say, don’t be afraid to take a chance, send a DM or sign-up for an open-mic, just do it.
Be sure to follow Davy and support her growth as an artist. We are exited for what the future holds as we await the release of her book and the new releases of her merch. We are rooting for her and creatives like her using their skill and entrepreneurial mindsets to build their careers.
It’s not easy for emerging creatives so when you see a video, remember to like, share, or leave a comment. Thanks for reading!
LINKS to the Davy the Poet
YouTube
Instagram www.instagram.com/davythepoet
LINK FOR BOOK STAY TUNED
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Peep our last feature with London James
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More about Dom Root
I am from Inglewood, California, and currently working in Phoenix, Arizona as a Sound Engineer (Live, Recording, and Mixing). I am a Music Producer and Creative Artist looking to build a portfolio and for live performance opportunities. I graduated from Arizona State University studying Creative Writing and Philosophy. I later studied audio production technologies at Mesa Community College, before taking on more freelance work.
Dom