Today we’d like to introduce you to Amara Carey.
Amara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a young girl, I would write poetry and save them in a notebook. It was my personal diary that no one knew about. One day my middle school teacher asked for me to stay after class to discuss the poem I had written about God for an assignment. She was highly impressed and said it brought her close to tears that I could write so beautifully, especially at a young age.
It made me happy to know that I can spark emotions through writing. I didn’t truly realize my talent was a gift. Writing poetry has always been therapeutic for me. Whether I am writing about relationships, God, experiences, or personal growth, I feel beyond free. Expressing myself through a beautiful language helps me to cope with things. It is also a form of healing as well. Not all poetry is dark, but it sure does bring light to dark situations.
Certain phases of life made me more creative and challenged my writing as I got deeper into my personal life. This vulnerability takes a bit of getting used to. However, my poetry is bigger than me. Through my voice, I can potentially help others who have similar stories. Amara’s Voice originated by going to open mics and seeing how my words continue to resonate with people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The process of creating Amara’s Voice has its challenging moments. I just released my first self-published poetry book. It is a three-part series called, “She Has A Voice” and Part 1 has fully launched. I also created an audiobook as well. This trilogy takes you on a journey as it tells a story.
I wanted my readers and listeners to be in the moment and in order to accomplish this I had to get creative. It is important that the vision matches the outcome. There is lots of questioning, planning, editing, and determining what the final product will be. The amount of hours that went into this first book has been substantial. However, I try to look at it as a form of art.
Poetry is art and should be presented as such. I try to remind myself that this is what I love to do and not what I have to do. When looking at it from this perspective, the process is much more enjoyable. I had the pleasure of writing this series and had been overwhelmed with the positive feedback thus far.
It was challenging to put together my poetry release party, but the turnout was amazing. I had a lot of support and had a book signing as well. It was well worth it and will be a moment I will never forget.
Amara’s Voice – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Amara’s Voice is audio, visual, and written poetry. I also make personalized poems, and it is now a service I offer on my website. I initially started posting on social media of poems I created. I would perform on camera or create audios for people to listen to.
What I am most proud of is that Amara’s Voice is raw. I am still new at performing to the public, so my delivery is different than other poets who are more experienced in poetry readings.
I love how I can recite my poems in the tone and style I am most comfortable in and still get a positive reaction. Lovers of poetry often have such a nice vibe with great energy, and I am grateful to have people accepting my artistry.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as doing what truly makes you happy and not stopping for anyone.
Dreams can seem unattainable at times, but if you keep walking in your purpose and taking the necessary steps to get there, it can happen. It may not be easy, but if it was, then there would be no story to tell. The journey is the best part, and I am trusting the process.
I believe I have come so far and this was all from a vision that I wanted to make a reality. The doors that have opened for me has been such a blessing. In addition, I am happy to announce I will be hosting open mics for poets and writers.
This gives people an opportunity to allow their voice to be heard, network, and enjoy the space created for such amazing talent. I will be hosting these events at Hendo Studios in San Diego once a month on Saturdays. I hope my testimony inspires people to never give up on their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: amarasvoice.com
- Email: amaracarey@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @amaracarey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmarasVoice-411760925852638/
Image Credit:
Joshua Ikpejack, Matthew Lange, Brandan Zachery
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