We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ressy Hathaway. Check out our conversation below.
Ressy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
There is nothing that brings me more pride than the work I’ve done to create a foundation where I truly love, value and honor myself. My poetry journey began as a result of me beginning to address my mental health issues, but it wasn’t until this year that I started doing the real labor.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I go by Ressy and while I am mostly known as a spoken word artist, I believe myself to be a storyteller who spans multiple mediums. While I adore poetry and what it’s done for my life, I fell in love with writing when I started blogging. In 2025 I added another notch under my belt with my battle rap debut, so I see myself as a Renaissance writer.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
When I entered my junior year of high school we got a new choir instructor and it did not take long for us to build a positive rapport. I’d had some great educators in my schooling, but she was the first to see beyond the student and nurture the soul.
Ms. Williams- now Mrs. Wicham- was the first to make me feel like I had a gift that deserved to be acknowledged, and she worked tirelessly to develop the skills that have carried me far beyond high school.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to lose with grace and patience. I’ve often felt behind my peers, and still do many days, which has contributed to a wealth of mental health issues. Not only that, it taught me to be able to clap for others even if I was longing for my turn to see the sun.
The struggles that I’ve faced have made me more down-to-earth, authentic and in tune with myself in ways that scare those who wade in shallow waters. Many of my most tumultuous moments have been spent in solitude, so I’ve had plenty of time to reflect without external influences interfering with my internal growth.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
While I spend plenty of time writing, editing, erasing and rewriting, the essence of my poems center around raw authenticity. I’m a firm believer in everyone having the agency to show up as themselves- as long as it causes no direct harm.
I’ve spent too much of my life shrinking myself in order to hide from criticism. Even worse, it wasn’t until two years ago that I felt comfortable in my own body. Having experienced fear of being seen for nearly 30 years, I work hard to encourage others into chasing their innermost desires.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I don’t feel the need to perform offstage. Whether in selective solitude or surrounded by my anchors, there is no better feeling than being able to show up as my unpolished, imperfect self.
There is nothing more calming than knowing that my insecurities do not matter in the moment and that it is okay to loosen my jaw. Anxiety and depression have robbed me of so much time that I value every break I get from their grips.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @RessyHathaway
- Twitter: @RessyHathaway
- Facebook: Ressy Hathaway
- Youtube: @RessyHathaway
