We’re looking forward to introducing you to LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens. Check out our conversation below.
LeJuane “El’Ja”, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Depression. Even myself goes through this. On the outside, we put on our face to impress the people that are around us. But, when we are alone, we start to let intrusive thoughts invade our space. They tell us that we’re not good enough or no one will ever like you. These things can become more than just words, they can become heavy on our spirit.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure. I am an award-winning spoken word artist, author, U.S. Army veteran, and the founder of Poetry-N-Motion, LLC—a creative arts brand dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities through poetry, storytelling, and cultural events. With a career spanning over a decade, I have performed on stages nationwide, blending raw authenticity with a deep connection to his audience. My company not only produces engaging performances but also curates events like workshops, open mics, and festivals that bridge the gap between art and community. Known for my ability to fuse the worlds of poetry, pop culture, and social awareness, I am currently working on Fayetteville Fan Fest, a large-scale celebration of fandoms and creativity. My work stands out for its commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and building spaces where voices—especially those often unheard—can shine.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Leaving home and joining the military. It was a decision I made on my own with no one to guide me or direct me as to what I should be doing. Once I was able to do that, I knew going forward that the possibilities were endless.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The most defining wound in my life came this year. I found out in the most painful way that I was close to dying because there was a colon blockage in my body. Once I got the surgery to remove it, I found out weeks later that I had stage three colon cancer. Luckily, the cancer is all gone, but it is a lasting scar mentally on me because every time In eat and get full, I look at my stomach and begin to get worry. This is because when the blockage was happening without me knowing, I thought I was just getting older and the body was changing. Not realizing that there was 12 pounds of backed up waste within my digestive system. So yea, it be a real mental battle sometimes.
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. Is the public version of you the real you?
Definitely, I thank my wife for helping me become a more honest transparent person and because of that, I wear me every day and don’t put on any faces when I meet people. What you see is what you get. And because of her, she has made me my best self.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was honest, giving, personable, nice, about the community, and that I always lived by the model Purpose Over Popularity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.poetrynmotionllc.com
- Instagram: www.instagra,.com/eljapoetry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/eljapoetry
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eljapoetry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eljapoetry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/musiq07
