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

Hi Jamicka, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?

The most difficult decision I had to make was saying no. I was a people pleaser and didn’t know how important it was to set boundaries and stick with those boundaries. I got so caught up in pleasing people and giving them what they wanted that I stopped making time for me and started to become off balance and couldn’t create.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I work in the healthcare field at a pediatric office by day and by night I am a motivational Queen, poet, and self published author from a small town, New Ellenton, South Carolina. I’ve released two poetry books, Inside Of Her and Behind Closed Doors, both available on Amazon.

Why do I write?

I write so people can know they’re not alone. I write for people who are afraid to speak up and out. I write to help other people. I write so people can escape for a little while. I write for entertainment. I write for my own escape! And sometimes I feel like it’s the only way my voice and the voice of others is heard!

I started out writing as a hobby and it was just a way for me to say how I felt without actually saying it to anybody. Because I was hadn’t found my voice and was afraid to speak up. It became an escape for me. It became a way for my voice to be heard and to to help other people.

I decided to publish my first book Behind Closed Doors and put everything out to the public and that wasn’t easy for me. I had to learn to have hard conversations and accept that everyone wasn’t going to like what I had to say. And that some people wouldn’t believe me. But I knew that people could relate to it and I just knew that I wasn’t alone. I learned that it was ok to say no and some things I didn’t have to explain or talk about. During the entire process I was taught about self.

I published my second book Inside Of Her during a pandemic and that is the one that I am most proud of. I went out of my comfort zone to interview different women of different stages in life so that the readers could have an insight on women. I talked about topics from relationships, to parenthood, self love, trauma, and racism.

I’m excited that to be on this journey of my life. I am far from done, I want to dibble and dabble into a little bit more because I have so much to offer to the world.

I want everyone to know it’s never too late. The time is now! Do what you want and believe. You never know who you can help and how you, your story, and what you have to offer can help someone else. Be your own cheerleader and learn to celebrate you and all your accomplishments no matter how big or small.

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?

During the week – Downtown Aiken or Augusta , shopping at Augusta Mall and boutiques

Nightlife and weekends – Topgolf, Mastermind Escape Games. Axe Throwing, Downtown Augusta

Brunch/Lunch – The Brunch House, Smoothie Groove, Frog and Hen, Bonefish, Pineapple Tavern

Dessert – Holy Shakes, Bollweevil Cafe, Smoothie Groove

Dinner – Broad Street Bullies, Whiskey Bar, Chop House

Aiken and Augusta has a variety of amazing places you could eat, drink, and have fun. This isn’t even a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Naomi Washington, I went to her with a small idea that I just wanted to publish my poetry. She taught me more than just the process of writing and publishing, she also taught me valuable life lessons along the way. Every women deserves credit as well, because let’s just face it, women are dope and our lives are beyond fascinating and they all end up telling a story!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamickalakeya/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakeya.hankinson

Other: Clubhouse :: Jamicka Lakeya Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Jamicka-Lakeya/

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