Savanna Hulbert shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Savanna, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Music. When I feel like I have nothing else, I know I have music. It makes me feel warm, heard, and seen. Music gives me a floating feeling, a sense of freedom I can’t find anywhere else. It’s also where I draw most of my inspiration. When I forget who Savanna Maree is, I turn to the songs that call me back to reality. A few that stand out are F Your Feelings* by Robert Glasper and Yebba, Don’t Touch My Hair by Solange, and You Send Me Swingin’ by Mint Condition. I remember the confidence they give me—the way I can see myself and my inner child dancing in the mirror. That’s what calls me back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Savanna Maree Hulbert, and at my core, I go by the name Indi.Blu. I am a storyteller. I write poetry and create art that explores love, identity, and resilience—themes that reflect both my personal journey and the experiences of others who often go unheard. Beyond writing, I’m passionate about merging creativity with purpose, whether that’s through books, live events, or digital spaces where people can feel seen and inspired.
What makes my work unique is its raw honesty and connection to real life. I’ve lived through challenges—from unexpected detours to rediscovering myself in moments of uncertainty—and I bring those truths to the page. My brand is about more than words; it’s about creating safe spaces for reflection, healing, and empowerment.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my poetry collections, engaging with readers through poetry tours, and working on projects that bridge literature with music and visual storytelling. At the heart of everything I do is this belief: art is not just for expression—it’s a lifeline, and it can change the way we see ourselves and each other.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe egos and self-entitlement destroy bonds and burn bridges—especially within the Black community, where sometimes we can become our own biggest critics and competitors. In the poetry scene, this reality can be disheartening. I’ve noticed how some people, after gaining recognition, become big-headed. They forget why they started, where they came from, and why they created these spaces in the first place—safe spaces for newcomers like me to feel welcomed and encouraged.
This isn’t just something I’ve seen in one city; it’s an ongoing issue I’ve observed in St. Louis, Dallas, and even in Memphis, where my older sister made her mark and became well-known through platforms that helped her grow. Watching her navigate those spaces showed me the potential of community, but also how fragile it can be when pride overshadows purpose.
It’s hard to simply show up and make genuine connections when others see you as competition rather than finding inspiration in what you bring to the table. When I first got on stage, I didn’t even claim the title of poet. I was the writer who stumbled into poetry, the one who showed up with her phone in hand, reading lines like her life depended on it. Sometimes, I’d joke and call myself “the poet who brings her phone to the party.” That was my way of saying: I’m here to learn, to grow, and to share—not to outshine.
What I’ve learned through this journey is that humility and authenticity matter more than accolades. I want to see us rebuild those bridges and hold space for one another, because at the end of the day, poetry isn’t about competition—it’s about connection.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
From relationships—both platonic and romantic—to losing my child, to facing periods of job scarcity, I’ve carried more wounds than I ever imagined. Some were old, lingering quietly, while others were new and sharp, cutting deeper than I could explain. Writing became my lifeline. My poems don’t just reflect my pain—they hold the echoes of my friends’ pain too, those who’ve endured heartbreak, loss, and trauma similar to mine. That shared experience can feel both comforting and crushing. It makes you angry, it makes you sad, and yet it reminds you that you’re not alone. Still, there are moments when you feel like an imposter—like you shouldn’t still be standing when life has taken so much from you.
Healing for me has been less about fixing everything and more about finding peace in the process. Spiritually, I’ve been rediscovering myself, leaning into practices that ground me and remind me of my worth. I’ve refused to give up on myself, even when I didn’t have all the answers. For me, that looks like keeping up with self-care: touching grass, sitting in the sun, literally soaking in life and breathing in gratitude for the fact that I’m still here. That small act gives me solace. It reminds me that my story isn’t over—that I still have life ahead of me, even if I don’t have it all figured out. I’m only 25, and I’ve learned that’s okay. Healing isn’t linear, but it’s mine.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I deeply admire Nina Simone—not for her fame or influence, but for her unwavering character. Nina was a woman who refused to compromise her truth, even when the cost was heavy. She used her music as a mirror to society, unapologetically addressing racism, identity, and injustice at a time when silence would have been easier and safer. Her courage to stand firm in her convictions, even when it isolated her or limited her opportunities, speaks to a strength of character that goes beyond talent.
What resonates with me most is her authenticity. Nina didn’t chase approval; she chased purpose. She embraced her imperfections and channeled her struggles into something transformative—not just for herself, but for generations to come. In a world where so many bend to fit expectations, her ability to remain rooted in who she was, flaws and all, is what makes her someone I deeply admire.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
Ugh, I’ve longed for this question! Here’s where I might sound a little weird: I would be a mix of an Originals tri-hybrid like Niklaus, with a little Velma energy thrown in. If immortality were real, I’d build something that outlasts time—a mansion-like community performance arts center that doubles as a safe haven.
This center wouldn’t just showcase art; it would be a lifeline for those who need it most. It would serve individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. We’d provide shelter, food, and pathways to employment, working alongside the community and local government to create lasting change. It would be a place where creativity meets compassion—where healing and art coexist.
And that’s not all. I’d also use my criminology background—both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees—to give back in another way: becoming a private investigator for families searching for lost loved ones, much like the show Found. There are so many families living in the torment of unanswered questions, and I’d dedicate part of my immortality to bringing them closure. For me, this isn’t just about living forever; it’s about making forever meaningful by building something that transforms lives for generations to come.
I know, your saying ” Make it make sense.” IT DOES TO ME HAHA!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/savannahulbert
- Instagram: indi.blus
Image Credits
Rill Spill, Jamie Miller, Karletta Kaye, MosWanted, Krystal M, Aaron Cherry, Stixx, Kevine.
