Meet Camille Denine | Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Denine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camille, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve written poetry since I was a junior in high school, but it wasn’t until I was 24 that I performed my first spoken piece. Up until then it had just been like a hobby, a way to express my feelings .

It wasn’t until I lost my full-time corporate job in 2019.

I wasn’t really sure what was next for me. At the time I was living on my own with my 3 year old daughter & I was scared that things were about to crumble around me.

I ended up finding a part time serving job at Atlanta Comedy Theatre, a popular comedy club in Norcross.

I had already started to like push myself to go to open mics and practice- but I decided to take this what felt like an in between period in my life and full on pursue my artistry. & it was scary but exciting at the same time . & I believe that taking that risk was key it showed me some of what I am capable of, it showed me that I have something impactful to give but most importantly it was a faith walk that introduced me further to my gifts and talents and brought me closer to God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Camille Denine and I am an Atlanta based Poet. Poetry has been a home that has allowed me to make sense of my thoughts and emotions since I was 16. It was a safe haven. I believe what sets me apart in an age full of artists who glorify money, s*x and worldly things- is my authenticity. I’m honest in my work. I’m honest in my self reflection, perception, my understanding & where I am in life. & I am open about my walk with Christ and all He has done on the inside of me and how that is translating to my now. I’m open about my struggles, my fears and my insecurities. It’s the total opposite of what is popular.

My journey began about 6 years ago. I had just begun getting my practice in, going to open mics, and doing local shows around the city. It was after losing my corporate job and landing a job at a popular comedy club, that I connected with the house comedienne Kiana Dancie and she booked me for my first industry event, her women’s empowerment event titled Baggage Claim: ATL. I was able to make connections that eventually led to my first on camera interview with BigBowlsPause, which was so much fun! It led to connecting with other well known comedians such as Ryan Davis. I opened up 4 shows for him doing poetry during his sold out weekend in Atlanta in October of 2022. I’ve performed everywhere from book signings to poetry competitions, to church events. I’ve been featured on V-103 The People’s Station during the Quiet Storm segment, Poetic Moments. I’ve had a viral poem on social media reach over 800k views and released my first Poetry EP in December of 2023 titles Chapter 29: The EP. Following that with the help of Mickey Lee, MINGLE I put on my first EP Release Experience that featured dramatized poetry performances, dance & rap performances and so much more, it was nearly sold out! Shortly after I became the host of MINGLE’s Potions & Poets Open Mic experience in Buckhead ATL . Most recently I featured in a special performance on the Dear Future Wifey Podcast hosted by Laterras R. Whitfield for the podcast’s 5 year anniversary. It was one of my favorite opportunities so far.

I am currently working on my second EP and coming up I have the Unchurched ATL a women’s empowerment brunch that I am partnering on with my church, where my Pastor Tracey Meyers will speak. There will be poetry by yours truly, comedy & a bonding experience with women who desire to get back into church.

There have been so many ups and downs on this journey that have come with lessons that I could never trade. It hasn’t been easy by far especially as a single mother who works full time – but God truly has blessed me with my support system …. They are phenomenal .

I wanted to give up so many times, I would’ve never gotten this far without God & with Him only will I make it to the big picture.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I’d always invite anyone to come to church with me on Sunday at LifeChangers ATL FWCC in Tucker, GA. Service is at 11:30am

I don’t do a lot of night life, but I do like to relax so I’d recommend JeJu Spa in Duluth. It’s such a fun experience if you’ve never done it before, they have saunas and several different massages and services to choose from.

I love seafood and so I would recommend Louisiana Shack in Lawrenceville for your seafood fix.
If we want to get cute and go out I’d recommend Giani & Mac’s in Marietta Square or Cafe Intermezzo in Avalon shopping center in Alpharetta.

I’d tell anyone to follow @mingleexperience because Mickey Lee is always having something fire going on in the city for the grown ups!

I would shout out Justin Patton @iamjustinpatron and Jamellow @Jamellow for poetry events in the city and all over Atlanta .

Atlanta truly has a colorful poetry and creative scene there’s always something going on

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who support me in the his pursuit.

I’d have to recognize
Lotto, OOOG Brand aka my dad.
Meredith Gossett, Poet she was the first and best that poet I knew in high school and she was also one of my best friends. She inspired me to start writing poetry
My mom and my best friends Danesha McMillan, Fitness Influencer for keeping my daughter at a moments notice so that I can go and do performances on school nights and weekends.
My friends for coming to every event local or not that I am apart of.
MarvXXL , YFP for supporting me in my journey to combine music and poetry. He pushed me and helped me to discover a new lane for my poetry that I was otherwise nervous to pursue. He produced my first project Chapter 29: The EP.
My best friend Destiny Jones, Matic Cosmetics for endless business/marketing advice and strategy, emotional support and encouragement
My best friend Shatryce for literally anything I need.
Comedienne Kiana Dancie for opening up industry opportunities for me
My Bishop Dwayne Meyers and Pastor Tracey Meyers, LifeChangersATL FWCC my church family for supporting me and my daughter always .

My friends new and old along with my family have been HUGE in helping me with my daughter in every way so that I can pursue this dream.

Instagram: @camille.denine

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/millzspeaks

Other: Camille Denine on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and all streaming platforms

Image Credits
Versatyle Thompson, Listen To Your Art Studios (THE EP PICTURE)