Karena Atkinson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Karena, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day starts with me and God. The first thing I do is play my Worship Music and begin my morning routine. I love to journal and get those thoughts out on paper or just express how I feel, or how I want to feel that day. And if there are any difficult thoughts or emotions, I leave them right there so that I don’t carry them into my day. I also read a chapter in Proverbs each morning. Proverbs has 31 Chapters, so one a day, every month. It speaks about the importance of Wisdom and Knowledge and how to live your life with pure intentions–that’s a daily reminder I strive to live by. I may also read a chapter in whatever book I’m currently reading. I do daily declarations and affirmations to set the tone for my day. I truly believe that what you think and say can manifest into your reality. I have a Daily Declarations book, and Affirmations book for black women a friend gifted me and some Affirmations I read that are posted on my bedroom wall and bathroom mirror. I try to remain surrounded by positivity daily. I end the first 90 minutes of my day with Prayer, Meditation, Stretching, Getting Dressed to show up as my best and preparing breakfast to eat or to-go.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Brand is Rena Speaks, which began as my stage name as a Poet. With Motivational Speaking, Activism and Youth Mentorship, it grew into a Brand. This has paved the way for me to be an all around speaker; from Podcast, to voiceovers and Radio. Also as a writer, I am able to use my voice in that way as well. From that, I launched K For The Culture Productions where I strive to uplift Black Creatives and the Culture by telling our stories through Media, Marketing and Management. I love curating creative concepts and projects whether by videography or photography. I have released a few self-produced short films and curated podcasts. The Director aspect allows me to have a vision and provide insight on how things can come to reality. My Activism and time in the Community has allowed me to be solidified as a Community Engagement Specialist. Through this, I have been able to build a platform in Politics, helping women and people of color understand Politics or to have knowledge of how to run for local office. My experience in Media and building my Brand over time has allowed me to begin Consulting others on how to be their most true and authentic selves on Social Media, and in knowing how to navigate the power of Networking and building one’s influence. At my core, I am a Performing Arts enthusiast. My degree is in Music Business, which has allowed me to act as an A&R, seeking out new talent for a Marketing Label that helps to build Artists’ reach and visibility.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe what breaks the bonds between people is exactly the thing that can restore it, and that’s communication. If we sought to understand and not just to be understood, or to simply listen more than respond, we would have healthier dynamics within society. Being able to express ourselves and how we feel and being safe spaces for people to do so builds trust and longevity in the bonds we build. Without this trust and safety, narratives that aren’t true get build, assumption becomes truth and love turns to hatred. If we also understood that we are more alike than different, we would be more accepting of others. Bonds are important. No one in this life are meant to be alone, so we must heal in order to be able to receive. We must also learn how to restore and reconcile. In a world where Cancel Culture is promoted, we find it easy to dismiss and dispose of people as if we too are not imperfect. The Bible speaks of Redemption, and that is what we all should extend one to another, not omitting accountability. If we all were held to our mistakes, then no one at all would be who they are today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that my success is nothing if I am not strong enough mentally or emotionally to even pursue at my true potential. Patience and Peace is far more important than Productivity. You can accomplish a million goals on your list, but you only win when you are at peace within. Without peace, you will soon hide behind your success and use each milestone as self gratification to compensate for that which you lack within yourself
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?
Yes. Though I am a very private person, I am also very transparent. I may not be as forthcoming, but I intertwine my deepest truths into my art. I try to be my most true and authentic self at all times. What you see is truly what you get. I love who I am and the only way I could endure being in the Public Eye this much for so long, is by being myself through and through. I never have to change or decide who I want to be over and over. I simply exist freely in the way I choose in every moment without a second thought, and I love that for me.
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 Resilient, unstoppable, the most creative Revolutionary and Philosopher. That I spoke my mind and heart, and inspired others to do the same. I hope they tell of the funny jokes I made, or the poetry they heard me speak. When I’m gone, I want people to tell that I was fearless and free and most of all, that I showed God’s love to all
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_renaspeaks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karena-atkinson-speaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karena.atkinson2
Image Credits
Noble 1 Photography by Kenneth Noble
