Meet Ava Lorde: Creative Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Ava, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
I’ve read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho 3 times, and it is one of the most beautiful written works of art. Each time I’ve read the book, I’ve been at a crossroad of some sort. I’ve been on the edge of making important, life-changing decisions. The book is full of thought-provoking storytelling and powerful quotes, but my absolute favorite is this: “At a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.” Those words have kept me, both, accountable and hopeful. Accountable, because I accept the fact that I am responsible for my life and my decisions matter. Hopeful, because I understand and believe that no matter how challenging or grim a particular season or direction is, a new and better path is always possible.

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’ve always loved reading, writing, and creating, and these things have always come quite easily. However, I’m also naturally introverted, so I haven’t always been good at sharing what I create. Honestly, I’m still working towards getting better. Intellectual property theft has been one of the most paralyzing aspects of being a writer and creative artist, and I’m learning to push through that. What I’m most proud of, is the innate comfortability that I possess, with my craft. Words formulate, with ease, ideas are plentiful, and creativity is always flowing. It feels good to know that I am respecting my gift enough to find ways to honor it, outside of my own comfort zone. It feels good to have created something, Self Ascend, that brings together my appreciation for people, and the human experience, and my love for words.

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?
I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed art districts and open areas where I can freely and easily venture from one point of interest to another. Five Points and Atlantic Station are two areas, within the city, that always bring me joy. If we’re lucky, we can catch some live music, in Five Points, and enjoy drinks and conversation that’s full of laughter and surprises. And, I can usually count on Atlantic Station to have an exhibit that’ll entertain just as much as it educates. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Losing my Mother, to cancer, was undoubtedly the most devastating experience of my life. However, being loved and guided by her has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving. I owe everything to my Mother, Johnnie Mae Harris, and I am forever proud to be Johnnie Mae’s daughter. My Mother told me, all my life, that I had a gift. She was so impressed with my writing and articulation skills, and the way I related to people, with my words. When she was dying, I promised her not to waste my gift. I used the laptop that she gave me to start my business and to begin writing my book. Her belief in me has encouraged me to believe more in myself, and her commitment to making decisions that were best for me pushes me to continue being a woman that she can be proud of.

Website: www.selfascend.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/selfascend

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfascend/