Today we’d like to introduce you to Poetree.
Poetree, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started this journey in first grade. My best friend Kasey taught me alphabetical order in Mrs. Black’s class. I was determined to get it early and we worked at it because I was fascinated with arranging my words. I’ll never forget that. I have been writing poetry since before I could write my full name which is Shalandra Collins by the way. I grew up in a small town called Atlanta, TX. Yes, I love the country air, and the soft rain.
Writing has always been my release. When the words come to me I record my voice or I use one of the 20 something notebooks I carry around in my backpack. I never go anywhere without pen, paper and books. I’m old school. I also write my songs and poetry as I would a research paper in college. I love studying and listening to Philosophers to expand my mental. I remember crying to my mom one day. I was so discouraged because although I have a Psychology degree and work in the mental health field, I still have had those other aspirations that always took the back seat. She told me that I should let the world hear what I have to say because poetry is in me; it’s who I am. That’s how I came up with the name Poetree. To remember also, who I am and to stay grounded. To stay rooted in all things that make me who I am. My mother helped me to see that everything I’ve been seeking is within me. So where I am today is sitting under a rose bush in my hearts garden compiling all of my writings together. I’m in an organizing and purging space. I can collaborate my writings with what I do for a living. Which is advocating for mental health awareness and substance abuse. This is where I am.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve had plenty of roadblocks as many of us do. I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth or mentorship. The struggles I have faced are always lessons for me. What is this trying to teach me? Where do I need to grow as I embrace this journey? Sometimes we can become our own struggles. I refuse to be that. Survival mode will teach you to figure it out. I have joined a supportive group of Women I am thankful for and we help one another to expand on our creativity. The bumpy road is smoothing out. Once you align yourself and get in tune you begin to gravitate to the people who reflect you.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Poetree story. Tell us more about the business.
I have worked in crisis with individuals of mental, and intellectual disabilities while I was working on my Psychology degree. I even volunteered at halfway homes and assisted women fleeing from domestic violence situations. I still Advocate for the betterment in these areas and incorporate being an advocate for substance abuse as well. I have this superwoman complex. I am working towards becoming a best selling author, music artist, well known actress, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. All things are already in motion. Anything is possible. Every form of art that is created through me is to bring awareness and help raise the positive vibrations on this Earth. I am here to spread love. It brings me joy to merge my intellect with my art. This art, my art, is therapy for me and I hope it can be for you as well.
My first single ADDICTION, released May 4, 2019 is a spoken word piece I wrote as a message to this domestic violence culture and opioid epidemic. I researched different articles, and listened to Big Pharma documentaries. I have also listened and conducted interviews to bring out every character I portrayed in this song. Just like method acting I do the same for my writing. Method writing? Lol. I plan to turn this into a short film to display the vision I had as I wrote this piece. Also, my vocals are recordings from my phone. I wanted to keep the original emotions, that rawness. You can find it on YouTube and SoundCloud. I have provided the links.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry is already changing. Hollywoods youngest Director Marsai Martin is 14 years old! This is great inspiration for young people to strive for their dreams. Being a black girl at that! My eight-year-old nephew Keiston Shemar, desires to become a Director himself. I put him in camp last summer to learn director, producer, and he took commercial classes and wrote a script! I will pay it forward to him. He is my reason why. Him and his sister Keira. She is brilliant too at the age of 13. She going to be a lawyer. She’s also my natural hair stylist. I can appreciate the change happening in the industry because it hasn’t been so diverse before. Change comes with us changing ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Email: ppoetree@gmail.com
- Instagram: Poetree____
- SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/
poetreerefractions/addiction- poetree-prod-homage - YouTube https://youtu.be/fGy-JXYWZCM
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