Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnetria Eltionea.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started writing poetry as a young girl. Quotes and poems always inspired me and I was constantly intrigued by reading other people’s story. Expressing myself through poetry came easier than actually talking. So when I realized that there were others like me I wanted to write more and more.
I feel like everyone has a story to tell and your story can motivate someone to not give up, to write their own or to be encouraged. Writing can be therapeutic and when I speak, I am able to share my session and motivate someone else. One day my mom told me to publish my work. She always taught me to follow my dreams and to keep pushing no matter what. As a single parent I didn’t know where to start but I started researching how to self publish and in 1998 I published my first book. Now I have five poetry books published. As a teenager, I lashed out at everyone around me. I was very hard headed, joined a gang, dropped out of school, got pregnant at 17, went to jail and I gave up. I had to learn to love myself and I found life in poetry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The struggle has definitely been real. I’ve been told everything from “black people do not read” to “keep your day job.” Yet, I keep on! I realized that I am pushing something positive and encouraging people to speak their truth; good and bad. And that doesn’t always generate thousands of likes and followers because sometimes people navigate towards negativity. As long as I reach one person in the crowd, one person at a show, I am happy to motivate or be that nudge that someone may need to write their own story.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a spoken word poet. I write real-life poetry/stories. I am proud to see my thoughts in writing and to have five books published and open to the world around me.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plans are to expand. I am currently working on poetic art. After going through depression, I realized how important it is to be constantly motivated. I write quotes and encouraging words everywhere. (Mirrors, vision boards, post it)
Poetic art will provide just that, Through art combined with poetry. I am working on art for the office or home. I also plan to add coffee mugs, tee shirts, note pads, mouse pads and greeting cards in the future. I financially pace myself since I am a small business without the funds that large businesses have.
Pricing:
- She You Me $7.99
- Positive Thinking $7.99
- The Melanin in Me $12.99
- A hint of Inspiration, Spoken Word & Soul Food Poetry $17.99
- Smoking spoken word $17.99
Contact Info:
- Website: Donnetriaeltionea.com
- Phone: 817-899-2723
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/donnetria_the-poet
- Facebook: Facebook.com/donnetria
- Twitter: Twitter.com/donnetria
Image Credit:
Joseph Jennings Photography, Hair stylist: Ms. Donnica Reed, Make up Artist: Kristie Faye, Designer: Just Beautiful clothing
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
