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

Hi Alona, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
One of the most basic things in life that make me happy is synchronicities. I really enjoy witnessing the “flow” of life whether if its through nature or watching other people. Poetry makes me happy, and I think that’s what I’m describing with this “flow” thing. But written poetry makes me happy.I love when the Universe shows me that I am right. Any representation of ease and relaxation makes me happy. I also love dancing and good food. I’m big on engaging the senses which can be a downfall when you are naturally sensitive sometimes, but I love when I am able to quiet my mind enough to be present. On the contrary, I also really love thoughtfulness. That makes me kind of giddy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t think I would be good at anything else. I’ve been performing since I was a kid and was very blessed to have had a great deal of training in the performing arts. I recently graduated from undergrad with a degree in creative writing and that’s when I really started to discover who I am as an artist. I value imagination. I think it is something that is stolen from a lot of us as children, and as an artist I am constantly trying to challenge that part of myself that re-imagines,imagines, and “remembers”. I don’t think I could ever be a “brand” intentionally. My entire personality is based in processing my life and the human existence through being a creator. As a writer, and especially a Black femme writer; I think it is very healing to co-create another world with another life and another way to exist. I think that my work either does the kind of work that explores nuance and imagination or very literal harsh truths.I’m a very tasteful person though, and I cannot stand “trauma porn”, I think it is lazy art. I would say any challenges I’ve had just go back to me believing in my gifts and talents. I take that title artist seriously because as much as it is a “career” it is also the only reason I believe I exist, other than to experience life and love myself. You know, stay Black and die type shit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a dicey question! Not really, but gentrification has my brain spinning. I honestly have no idea. I’’m definitely a foodie and enjoy a good Thai spot always. I love museums of all kinds and also a big fan of amusement parks. I really like trying new food spots so probably mostly any food spots I haven’t been to and definitely a spa day. I hate that this was so hard for me to answer! Lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where I am from I have a dope and supportive writing community. Also Chi! S/o her for recommending me for this interview. She is truly a light that has been a blessing and joy in my life when I least expect it.

Website: https://www.patreon.com/EmpressMusing

Instagram: Sabretoothed_portillo

Twitter: Xxnino_brownxX

Facebook: Alona Williams

Image Credits
Malia Sauceda

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