Meet Jessica Hicks | Visual Storyteller & Therapist

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

Hi Jessica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I am actually a therapist by trade; however artistry and creativity is an outlet for me is a way to express what I feel when I can’t say it . It is an avenue of self-expression when I have a difficult time verbalizing what, how and why I feel the way I do. I remember being in Kindergarten and my teacher asked the class one of the most common questions for a kid to ask….”What do you want to be when you grow up?” I remember saying with full confidence and excitement, “An artist”, Creativity and Artistry is and will always be a way for me to express and heal the inner child within me that struggles to give words to thoughts. When it’s necessary to give words to thoughts, I use my voice by the stroke of my pen. So many stories have to be told through the eyes of love and if I’m an available and willing vessel to do that…so be it.

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 call myself a visual storyteller. I tell stories using photos I have taken in and around my community.

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?
First, we would spend some time in my community, hang out and get loved on by my incredible family, Go horseback and ATV riding, go to a football game, pick some veggies in my mama’s (@mamatammye) garden and have some wine and s’mores in my family’s backyard by the fire pit. Then take an hour trip up to Atlanta and get a PUNANY WRAP from Tasilli’s Raw Reality in the West End, vibe to music and ride through the city with the sunroof down and then end up at Kat’s Cafe on Piedmont Avenue for spoken word and live music. Meet with all of my sisters in Freedom Park, have dinner and get loved on by all of them whom are ALL accomplished and amazing healers, doulas (@themotherhoodhealer), activists, artists (@Ashleehaze), creatives, writers (@iamkierralashae) and advocates in their own right. The Next day, journey to IWI Fresh Farm Oasis on the Southside for a Spa Day, visit my fav. tattoo artist in the city (@RogerAnthonyart)(the owner of Studio After 5) and get matching tattoos. Sunday morning, the last stop would be to Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen for a whole brunch vibe 🙂

It’ll be a whole vibe. Certified.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
*Cracks fingers* MY FAMILY (the ones who have ascended and those still here), SISTERHOOD and COMMUNITY. For real. I don’t know how I would do it if it wasn’t for them. I come from a family of visionaries, dreamers and prayer warriors who go IN on my behalf. Seriously. It is their love, light and direction that carries, keeps, and guides me. I am surrounded by a dope sister and community bond that ain’t even blood. Most of them aren’t anyway. Everyday I wake up in gratitude thankful for them who model healthy relationships, healthy community partnerships and constantly push me to be my unapologetic, genuine, non-diluted self. I make sure I tell them all the time. Every chance I get. I’m forever indebted to them, grateful for them.

Also, Howard University. HU. The Mecca.

Ok, Im done. I think….haha

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.a.hicks.3