Meet Imani Sumter

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

Hi Imani, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been a dreamer, a girl with an imagination larger than life. I fell in love with storytelling first, getting lost in the pages of a book and the notes of a song. I loved it so much, I decided I wanted others to feel the same euphoria I felt whenever I picked up a book or heard a song that gave me goosebumps, so I started to write. I began to tell stories in my books and songs that had meaning. Then this evolved into me writing scripts and creative concepts for short films and music videos. Nothing officially, just another passion that grew from the roots of my other passions.

As the years went on and I finally was ready to publish my first novel, I was introduced to graphic design. I quickly learned that graphic design and storytelling go hand-in-hand. The graphic elements and images told a story before words were even introduced, and I loved it. I was not only able to grow my professional career as a Creative Director and Brand Guru from that, but also my career as an author!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is the fact I’m not afraid to step outside of the box. Society tells you that you need to find one thing you love and stick to it, but what happens when you love multiple things equally? I’ve been able to not only release novels and children’s books, but also music, have been acting as a creative director through my business, but also am still working full-time and doing what I love in the corporate space. It’s possible. You don’t have to give up any part of yourself just because the world tells you to. Be you. Carve your own lane, and build your own table.

I’m most proud of my ability to push through adversity and still do what I love. I’m proud I’m able to leave a legacy for my kids and family. I’m excited for all of the exciting things that are coming in the future and am ready for what they’ll bring.

A lesson I’ve learned along the way is to take a moment to breathe. You don’t have to go hard all the time and keep pushing with no breaks. It’s important to put yourself and your mental health first. I’ve had to take a few breaks over the years despite the fear of falling into the background. I know if it’s meant to be, it’ll be and it’s in God’s hands. So, take that break, take that trip you’ve been wanting to take, ask for that space you need to get back right.

My brand is all about helping others tell their story, whether it’s through the pages of a book or through their businesses’ brand identity. I pay attention to who you are, what you represent, and what you want to tell the world, and then we make magic together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beltline is always a great place for people to go when visiting Atlanta. There’s food, scenery, and plenty of people to connect with.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my family. Through it all, they’ve remained my constants and my support system. They’re always the first in line to purchase a book or listen to a song, and are who I have to thank for introducing me to my passions in the first place. The love and innocence from my babies also inspires and fuels me.

I do want to credit my push to finishing my novel to the inspiration I received from Makoto Shinkai, an amazing Japanese writer. The way you can tell he puts his all into his stories and the feelings I get from each one is otherworldly. I hope to meet him one day so I can tell him this in person.

Website: https://www.manitheauthor.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanisumter/

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

Image Credits
(Red Suit: Speaking at Spelman’s Spelpreneur Program Workshop Session)