Today we’d like to introduce you to Janell Roberts.
Janell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started writing when I was nine. It started off with short fictional stories. Then it became books and then it grew into my first publication, “to all the people I loved before loving me.”
For me at least, writing has been my way of swimming when I oftentimes felt like I was sinking. It’s helped me find balance in this thing called “life.” Growing up in a single-parent household had many highs and many lows. My way of turning the “struggle” into my “art” was by being an active student in school, playing sports, keeping my head low, and making great grades. Being the best person I could be was something I could give myself. I didn’t allow the circumstances of life to make me a victim.
Writing helped me not only become the first college graduate from a private institution, but it also helped me receive a full scholarship, where I was able to start the first student of color at publication at a PWI (a predominately white institution) called the Black print. It has helped me find my people, the overcomers, the successors, and the beginners. Writing has also helped me pursue other successes, such as my new business launching this September called “Eventful Dallas,” an event rental company with items such as lush faux flower walls, bohemian tints, and picnic tables. My goal is to give people a different experience, one that unifies.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! Life is hard, but its what you make it. Depression is something more common than not and I too have been conquered by it. But it’s my willingness to persevere. It’s my faith in God and my belief in life. If anything, the struggle has only pushed me to work harder. When you’re a person who has nothing to fall back on, it puts a fire underneath you where all you can do is move forward.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
When it comes to writing, I write to find my people. It is the raw and not so pretty awakening needed to help young readers discover and unlock their own unique voices. With relatable and tangible advice, “to all the people I loved before loving me” is a journey of overcoming depression, learning forgiveness, and becoming your own sense of self-love. I specialize in helping people confront themselves by helping them love the parts of them they fear the most. I think that’s what sets me apart from other writers; My ability to talk to the reader as if I’ve experienced their own pain.
When it comes to my new business venture, “Eventful Dallas” – it is my own unique way of helping people create memories. What sets my business apart from everyone else’s is that I handle all of the stress, making the process easier for the customers. You are welcome to rent a Bohemian tent, beautiful flower walls, and trendy picnic tables for small gatherings, photoshoots, weddings, quinceanera or other events. Not only that, we also specialize in customizable pieces, such as color schemes and decor that is better suited for the customer.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memories (I can’t name one because theirs too many) consists of the times I spent with my two sisters (when we weren’t arguing over clothes, haha). We spent a lot of time having concerts, playing pranks, laughing, getting bitten up by mosquitoes and just running wild on my grandaddy’s farm. Back when life was easier and bills weren’t included.
Pricing:
- To all the people I loved before loving me” is $10.88 on Amazon
- Flower Wall rental” is $500 for a full day
Contact Info:
- Website: Eventfuldallas.com
- Email: info@eventfuldallas.com
- Instagram: eventful_dallas | @Janelljpoetry | janell_roberts
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/all-people-loved-before-loving/dp/B089D28VCV/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=to+all+the+people+i+loved+before+loving+me&qid=1598281170&sprefix=to+all+the+people+i+loved+befor&sr=8-1
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