Check Out Isaiah Ellsberry’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaiah Ellsberry

Hi Isaiah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming a spoken word artist/poet began long before I touched a stage. My initial spark of interest started around 8-10 years old. I don’t remember my first poem exactly, but I remember having a desire at a young age to express my emotions in a way only writing allowed me too. My early writings were simple topics about secrets or girls that I had a crush on. My father raised me as a single parent and served in the army throughout my entire upbringing, needless to say, he raised me as a soldier. Therefore, my household was never a temple for characteristics like creativity or emotions. I believe this ignited my desire to express myself through writing. My first academic interaction with poetry was in my 8th-grade English class. The teacher instructed us to write a “monster” poem. She explained that the poem should reflect something that we are fearful of or holds us back. I chose to write about how growing up without a mother made me feel as though I had a monster of resentment inside of me. After I finished reciting my poem majority of the entire class was in tears including my teacher. This moment was authentic but also surreal. My teacher approached me acknowledging how talented I was, but also instructed me never to stop writing. Over the years, I would perform in numerous states, and across countless platforms developing my writing style to be a vehicle of self-expression for childhood trauma, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness.

Alright, 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?
The road has not been smooth but has been very deserving. A quote of my own is, “Anything easy, isn’t worth keeping; anything worth keeping, isn’t easy”. The year 2018 had to be the toughest year for me mentally, financially, and emotionally. Throughout the year, I battled with homelessness, starvation, financial hardships, and grieving the loss of a loved one. I spent the first 6 months of that year in Alabama, a place I knew too well, Whereas the last 6 months of that year I spent in North Carolina a new area with countless opportunities. I am a firm believer in Christ; therefore, I believe while 2018 was a year of great monetary loss, it was also a year, when I gained more than I ever could imagine in spirit. Honestly, I’m unsure if I would’ve had the courage to pursue artistry with such passion without losing so much in return. This was also a period where I created some of my most memorable poems that still resonate with me to this day. I believe that hardships have a way of forcing us to tap into our true nature. In short, it wasn’t until I had nothing to rely on but God that he showed me my true purpose in life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a spoken word artist/poet, writer/editor, program facilitator and event curator. My most well-known title truly depends on the social group you ask, but many know me as a poet. My content specializes, but is not limited to childhood trauma, social and political injustice, emotional vulnerability, mental health awareness and spiritual growth and maturity. I am most proud of my ability to persevere regardless of the given circumstance or situation. Resilience is such an undervalued characteristic. I believe what sets me apart from others is my spirit of generosity. I’ve always been the type of person to look for an opportunity to pour into others. Regardless of the amount that I possess or lack thereof, simply because the source of my giving originates from God.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The most effortless and authentic way to attract people that are aligned with you is to simply stay focused. Personally, the mentors that I’ve encountered along my journey were naturally drawn to me. They were able to identify my needs and desires by watching me maneuverer through purpose. Furthermore, in order to
receive a teacher you must first be teachable. I’ve always been willing to learn from anyone regardless of their circumstance or situation. Learning requires true humility. The core of my humility is rooted in keeping God first, prioritizing myself and manifesting the right people to be aligned within my path of artistry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poeticzae?igsh=ejQyMmM5a21jdGRk&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Zg66kDrEpNHUj6ya/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr8eXJSdSyVLNFspxfWt9_g