We had the good fortune of connecting with Asia “Audrā” Hodnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asia “Audrā”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue a creative career because it restored power I chose to lose control of, attempting to fulfill society’s norms of “being successful.” Being a creative allows me to change the narratives of my vulnerabilities and truths, into a concept that can be purely passed on as encouragement, love, and beauty.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What’s wake, bake, and shaking, Voyage ATL Family!

My name is Asia Audrā,
I hail all the way
From the SouthSide
Of Atlanta, GA
WHERE WE ALWAYS GOT
SOMETHING TO SAY!

I am a multi-faceted performing artist. I am a poet, spoken word artist, and musical artist as well. What sets me apart from others is the intention behind my art. I use my gifts and talents as a coping mechanism for holistic stability. I incorporate my testimony in mental and spiritual health through the power of my words.

My journey began in high school. I was always considered a profound writer, but I didn’t see the potential enough to cater to it. Over time, I allowed not just my art, but my overall light, to dim. The arts were not supported in grade school. Marching band played a key role in my life then, both as a extra-curricular activity and a potential career path. Unfortunately, funding was cut for the entire fine arts department. I was encouraged to go to college to pursue a degree that would “guarantee success.” I didn’t see myself doing anything other than being a music teacher, so I chose to follow my back up plan and join the military.

I served almost nine years in the U.S. Air Force, as a Security Forces member. I will always be grateful for the camaraderie, discipline, and maturity I gained while serving. However, I experienced very dark situations, that I would not wish on my worst enemy. I served active duty first at a high-priority level base. It was a very time-consuming mission, that left very little room for personal time. It became so intense, that suicide began to peek its ugly head. Every couple of weeks, we lost someone. It could have been a completely stranger in another career field, but majority of the time, it was one of our own. We were not encouraged to take care of ourselves. In fact, one could be shamed to an extent for not being able to sustain the mission. We couldn’t leave outside of a 6 hour radius, so a lot of us were not able to see family and go home like we wanted to. Overall, this was a very toxic environment, that almost consumed me as well. When I finally came home, I kept that same mentality of “embracing the suck,” as opposed to seeking help. I didn’t know how to ask, let alone feeling that same “shame” of not being able to function like my civilian peers.

I chose to end my contract September 13, 2020. I was harboring so much anger and pain, but did not know how to release it outside of the toxic coping mechanisms I grew accustom to. I was literally a ticking time bomb. Not even a month later, I received unfortunate news that took me over: I lost a wingman from my first unit to suicide. This broke what little sanity I had left. I was internally drowning in a whirlpool of damage, and I inadvertently wanted my life to end. My behavior over those next few months changed drastically. I didn’t know it at the time, but I became manic due to induced psychosis. This forced my mother to place me in a psych unit in Birmingham, Alabama for a month. This was the most gruesome experience I have ever had to encounter. I was told by my support system, and the medical officials in the facility that I would never be the same. They were right.

What many do not know is this: despite everything I experienced that led me into that hospital, God was with me. In the mist of mania and psychosis, my spirit showed true strength. I heard Him tell me that He was not through with me yet, and showed me signs of that. I would still be in the hospital today, but God. I was supposed to be on medications to this day, but God. My mother was supposed to be my caretaker still, but God. I agree that I am not the same, I am stronger.

Overcoming these challenges were the farthest thing from easy. The biggest obstacle I faced as I started my mental health recovery was not only acknowledging that there was a problem, but having to be vulnerable with myself. I had to face all of my traumas that led to my temporary demise, dated back to my childhood. Through it all, I learned two valuable lessons. The first is that I did not have to face it alone. I had so many people in my corner that showed support in various ways, even down to just a brief conversation and encouraging word. Big or small, these impacts are what kept me going when I felt like I couldn’t take it any more.

The other lesson is that I am stronger that I think I am. When I came out of the hospital, I went through the notes in my phone. I remembered writing a lot, but I didn’t remember what I would say. I cried as I went through the first few notes. I spoke beautifully about my pain, and the resilience I yearned in order to overcome it. One of the most sincere pieces I found in my notes was a blueprint to my brand: The Hazy Haven.

The Hazy Haven is based off of a active duty mission entitled Safe Haven. When a convoy with one of our resources ran into a situation (ex. mechanical malfunction, member(s) incapacitated, convoy under attack), we would open the thick doors of our resource security facility for them to come in. Once they were safely inside, they could take all the time they needed until they were able and capable to go back to their mission. That is essentially what my brand is. It is a platform and safe space, away from the attacks and darkness of the world, for us to reach our recovery goals through creative expressions and art. I am currently in school for communications and media studies, so that I can incorporate everything I have experienced to help and prevent at least one person from going down that same path.

I am so grateful for life. I am so grateful for all of my good, bad, and ugly. I am so grateful for the talents and gifts that I have. I am so grateful for another chance. I am so grateful for the lives I have touched so far, and vice versa. I am so excited for where I will go next. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Voyage ATL!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the things I love most about Atlanta is how diverse we are. No matter who you are or where you are from, we definitely have something to offer! I would take my best friend the common hotspots in downtown Atlanta. This includes the Georgia Aquarium, the zoo, the CNN center/ Techwood campus, and the Coca-Cola factory, and our sporting events. Then, we would visit surrounding “cities” and local spots. This includes Little Five Points, Edgewood, Krog Street, Ponce City Market/ Skyline Park, Six Flags over Georgia, and everything in between.

Then, I would take my friend to specific places, based on their interests and hobbies. This could range from visiting local breweries to visiting the High Museum of Arts. We can even go for outside activities, such as yoga or sip and paint events in Piedmont Park, or hiking Stone Mountain. We could even go outside of the Atlanta perimeter, and take a day trip to North Georgia to visit Dahlonega and Blue Ridge Mountain.

I would dedicate another day to showing my friend the history of Atlanta. This would include visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, touring Martin Luther King’s original home and church, going to the Underground, walking Auburn Avenue, and even visiting the Trap Museum to learn of our music history! I would show them around my hometown in Clayton County, as well. I would show them the Gone with the Wind museum in Jonesboro. In fact, I would dedicate time before they came to find some of the placards around the city that speak of history that occurred on those grounds before it evolved.

As far as food, there are a plethora of experiences to enjoy! There are restaurants along the Beltline in Old 4th Ward. There are food halls and ghost kitchens on almost every corner. There are Atlanta-based historic restaurants, such as J.R. Crickets, Majestic Diner, the Varsity (which is closing soon, unfortunately), and Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Some of my favorites include Auntie Laurie’s Kitchen, Mama’s, Fellini’s, KPOP BBQ, Mango’s, and Hattie Marie’s.

Finally, I would take them out of their comfort zone, and show them the hidden gems I’ve encountered since being here. There are so many pop-up events and activities to do! We have underground poetry events, showcases, and open mics, and performances at places like Brooklyn Tea, The Circle, Apache, Bonfire ATL, Clermont Lounge, HerbnColor, and The Love Below Speakeasy. We have scenes outside of urban life as well. There are events that cater to our amazing anime fans, EDM and house music events, and everything in between! I would take them to my go-to spot, My Sister’s Room. This is my safe space with fellow people of the LGBTQIA+ community, and we adore our allies like they are our own!

Overall, there are so many activities, events, restaurants, and spaces I haven’t mentioned or encountered yet. I can not wait to explore all the more! I promise I can show anyone a great time here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is so hard to shout out just one person! I have had so many people, be it acquaintance or stranger, pour love and encouragement into who I am today. With that being said, I experienced a severe mental health crisis in January of 2021. If it weren’t for my immediate support system showing up in various ways, I would literally not be here today. They are as followed: My mother, of course! She is my rock. My best friend Akilah Prescott and her mother. My childhood best friends Taylor Collins, Tashee Tott, Jordan Gibson, Kylah Hadley (and her grandmother, Jerri Hadley), Rashad Jackson, Khadijah Jones, Kevonte Poole, Jordan Gibson (and his partner Sheryll). I would also like to recognize my father, Larry Hodnett, and his mother, Irish Hodnett. I wish I could put into written words how she showed up for me, and I will forever love and miss her. Lastly, I would like to thank Alicia “Dope Energy” Edwards for recommending me for such an amazing opportunity!

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Sxp1HCECWG88CQLWWPxLQ

Image Credits
Image credits to the following photographers: Tre The Other Worldly: @tre.theotherwordly (Instagram) Chuck Rare: @chuckrare (Instagram)/ chuckrare.com

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