Welcome back to another installment of the Rooted Minds Blog’s Spotlight Feature, where we shine a light on creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs that are making strides to take their careers to the next level. In addition to that it is a space where we can celebrate the success stories of members of our community, friends, and newly discovered creatives.
This feature is coming along with a new face to the brand. We discovered her poetry on Instagram and are excited for what she has in store. Our hope is that the Pierced Poet joins this Summer’s Poetry Contest — Social Media — www.iamrootco.com/poetrycontest
Our spotlights are a place to introduce our supporters to new creatives and brands that are making tremendous strides to success in their fields. Our goal is to continue to find stories that we can celebrate and amazing people that we can connect with.
BIO: Tai is creatively known as the Pierced Poet and she is originally from Fayetteville, GA. Currently, she is working as a promotional marketing specialist, bartender, and creative in Tuscaloosa, AL. With a broadcast Journalism degree from Auburn, the Pierced Poet has AU Global Leadership and International Student Ambassador experience. Currently, she is working on her first book and working through the University of Alabama's MBA Program. In addition to that you can catch her working the camera and sharing some amazing visuals on her photography page.
[Auburn University Broadcast Journalism Graduate
Originally from Fayetteville, GA
Currently reside in Tuscaloosa, AL
Promotional Marketing Specialist for TEAM Enterprises
Bartender
AU Global Leadership
International Student Ambassador
Currently in University of Alabama’s MBA program]
INTERVIEW: Tai Pruitt (Pierced Poet)
RM: Rooted Minds
PP: Pierced 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?
PP: I’ve always been an artist, but I just didn’t recognize it in myself for some time. I fell in love with words, literature, and writing very young. I loved to read and when I began writing more I found a solitude in that space. That’s where my journey began. A goofy girl who would got in trouble for secretly reading her book during class, who loved Literature and English, played sports, was in the band, a couple of orgs, and did speech competitions. As I continued to learn and develop my writing skills I would also journal or just write in my personal time at home as a way to release my thoughts. Whether it came out a poem, a short story, a fictional tale, and just a journal entry I always just allowed myself to flow. That flow has been nurtured and nourished for most of my life and when I began sharing my poetry to social media in 2018, I had taken a swing at fear head on and since then things have steadily started to shape themselves for me and my art. I have this passion of words and the way you can deliver them to truly move people to feel in any way you want them to. I think it’s beautiful that we can create safe spaces for people in whatever they’re going through to feel understood and heard or inspired, sexy… anything is possible! I think the biggest lesson this journey has taught me is to never stop believing in myself and the power of my craft. I’ve learned to allow myself to truly love what I do and that energy will always showcase itself and attract all the people that may have needed to hear those words that day. I’ve learned to take myself seriously regardless of what external voices have to say, but also to stay open to new opportunities to learn something I didn’t know before that can guide me forward. This entire experience of calling myself the Pierced Poet has been nothing less of amazing and rewarding so far, and I can see my future ahead of me now. I’m just grateful.
RM: For those that may not know, how did you come up with the name or concept for your business or project?
PP: This is a funny story. So, I have a friend who has already told me to give him his credit whenever the opportunity arises. So, my good friend Tevin made a joke one day that pertained to a poetry video I had posted that day. I hope this is not too much information, but you could see a certain pair of piercings that I have showing through my shirt and he said he was going to start calling me the “Pierced Poet” and in that moment, I laughed but then realized how much I actually loved that name. So I told him I was using it and from that day forward, I have been the Pierced Poet. Not the most inspiring story, but definitely comical.
RM: Tell us about your inspiration behind an upcoming project and what do you hope the audience takes away from it?
PP: I am working on my first book. I have not come up with my name yet, but I’m building the content of the book currently and this project is my baby. I am putting a lot of soul and love into this book. I want you guys to be able to gain the maximum amount of mind stimulation, understanding, uplifting, inspiration, and just genuine energy and love. This book will be an interactive self love/spiritual inspiration guide. It incorporates a couple of things I’ve been using in my own life to practice positive mental health and overall health/well-being. I believe this book will help a lot of people or just give them some amazing poetry at the least. I’m am beyond excited to share it with the world once it’s finished.
RM: What have been some effective ways that you've marketed yourself in your space and industry?
PP: Firstly, my name. It’s very catchy and easy to remember. I have used that name to brand myself and created a structure around that. I was not sure how to brand myself as a poet and my biggest advice I can give to any upcoming artist trying to figure out marketing on social media is to not be afraid to just play around with content ideas and concepts and just try them. Social media is a game of consistency and creativity vs the algorithm. You have to start finding your audience. Who are the people you’re trying to reach? Really take time to research things of that nature so you have a better understanding of the crowd you’re trying to market to. I began finding poetry hashtags and pages, interacting with them and their followers and building those connections and then at the same time, finding ways to create new and exciting content outside of just reading poetry to my followers. Incorporating different things that bring a little more depth and interaction to create a true relationship with my audience.
RM: How have you grown as an entrepreneur or creative in the last 5 years and who's been influential in that process?
PP: I definitely have grown, though slowly and steadily. This road has been rewarding but also rocky. I have definitely grown as a writer, as a creator, as a speaker, and all around as a human being. Pursuing art will humble you in many ways and you have to be prepared for those times, along with the highlights as well. Chikka has been SUCH an inspiration. Just watching her journey being from Alabama where I also live, it really reminded me that real artistry is still appreciated in the industry and reaffirmed to me that my gift will be heard so as I put in the hard work and retain my faith. Masego, Erykah Badu, my high school Literature teacher, my family, my friends, everyone and everything around me has played apart of my inspiration in my work and this craft. I take inspiration from wherever it may come and so I truly have so many people to thank for that.
RM: What are some short-term goals that you are working towards, that friends and supporters can help you with?
PP: Firstly, this book and the publishing process. Also, I am working at a poetry EP as well and just getting in contact with someone who may know a good studio to record at, any fellow artists that may feature, and great videographers for visuals. And lastly, just help with growing my platform and continuing to get my name out there or send constructive criticism and ideas or things you’d like to see.
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)?
PP: Meditation has become such a sacred practice for me, only so recently. I do suffer from anxiety and depression very frequently and meditation has allowed me to train my mind in so many ways. It grounds me and keeps me present, and that’s only two of many benefits meditation has given me. I always remember to listen to my body and mind, because your body will always tell you what it needs if you are mindful to listen and feel it. I am working at getting better at my consistency when it comes to my self care regimen (working out, skin care, stretching daily, meditation, reading, etc) and that is the main area I can improve but once the habit is instilled it will stay.
RM: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement for upcoming creative entrepreneurs that you'd like to share?
PP: Believe in your work. Give your best to everything you do every single day, but also remember it is okay to take time to rest as well. You must show up for yourself daily if you want to grow and learn more about what you can do. I know it’s cliche to say, but your opportunities are limitless as long as you believe they are. Failure is only a lesson not the end. Keep your faith strong and everything will fall as it is meant to.
RM: What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received in reference to your career and industry?
PP: “Trust yourself.” I was told this by the host of my very first poetry performance event. I was so nervous I used my phone as a reference during my performance just in case I stumbled and ended up reading off of it a majority of the performance. Though I still gave a great delivery, I knew I didn’t need my phone but I allowed fear to conquer me in that moment and when I handed the host the microphone back that’s the exact words she said to me… “You knew you didn’t need that phone. Next time put it away, and trust yourself. You’ve already got it.” I will never forget her and those words.
Thanks for your support and checking out this feature. Pierced Poet, is an amazing young artist out of the south and she has been finding ways to build her brand while making waves in the community. You can also check out her photography, positive affirmations, and cool dance videos on social media. Her personality pours through the screen and she definitely keeps her supporters entertained.
Videos by Tai:
Gratefulness - Pierced Poet SPOKEN WORD POEM
Jun 13, 2021
Video Description: This is a spoken-word piece I wrote on gratefulness ❤️ I hope you enjoy! You can find more of my work on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tai_pruitt?utm_...
Giveon The Beach Acoustic Poetry Cover | Pierced Poet
My name is Tai and I go by the name Pierced Poet! I am a spoken word artist out of Alabama and I do a lot of spiritual, expressive, conscious, and creative poetry/spoken word pieces! This is my first piece I’ve posted on YouTube but I mainly post my poetry content on Instagram My IG : https://instagram.com/tai_pruitt?igsh... I hope you all enjoy! LIKE COMMENT AND SHARE ❤️
LINKS to the Pierced Poet
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Peep our last feature with K-U-T Productions
More about Dom Root
I am from Inglewood, California, currently working in Phoenix, Arizona as a Sound Engineer (Live, Recording, and Mixing). I am a Music Producer and Creative Artist looking to build 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
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