Meet Kierra Lashae | Writer, Author, and Poet

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

Hi Kierra, what makes you happy? Why?
Good, genuine, and loving people make me happy. People who actively try to make the world a better place. People who speak life into others. Giving back and volunteering in the community also makes me happy. It keeps me humble as well. Seeing others smile and win makes me happy. Hyping others up and reminding them of their dopeness. I love all that. I think about it like this: life is already hard for folks, why make it harder?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an author, writer, and poet/spoken word artist. I have two poetry books, my most recent being Home: the undoing published this past September. I’ve been performing poetry for about four years now and competed in a few slams. Open mics, art shows and coffee shops are my jam.

Writing is my art. I don’t take lightly the privilege and voice I have. When people read my books or follow me, I don’t want them to see me, I want them to see how God moves through me. I want them to feel loved and understood. My writing reflects my experiences growing up and the experiences of those around me. There are specific stories often overlooked of African American women that grow up in and make it out the hood and the psychological impact that has. Writing is my freedom to express myself and breathe life into those that share similar experiences.

I’m most proud of publishing my second book, Home: the undoing. The production of Home took about nine months. From revisiting poems written during dark times to editing draft after draft (over 25+ drafts) I underestimated how much it’d mean to me to see Home in its final form. It was a journey well worth it.

A few lessons I’ve learned as an artist:
1. Never stop or shy away from your dreams. God gifted you a talent for a reason.
2. Take your time. Anything that comes quickly will leave just as quickly. And nothing worth having comes easy. As Eric Thomas often says “If it was easy, everybody would do it.” But you ain’t everybody. You’re great and unique. So act like it. Don’t let social media fool you. Masterpieces take time.
3. Appreciate the people that see the value in you before the come up. It’s easy for people to flock once they see you’re popular, but the ones who rock from the beginning are gold.
4. Be you. Being your authentic self will attract the right people for you. Don’t let the fear of judgement or looking stupid make you become someone you’re not. Fear originally made me abandon my pen, but faith made me pick it back up. And I’m so glad I did.
5. Lastly, control your mind. Focus on the good. Focus on things that bear good fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 is a great word to meditate on for this.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love experiences, so weekends are adventures for me. I love a good pop-up art show, comedy show, open mic, or market. The MET, Underground Atlanta, and Castleberry Hill have some of the best art pop-ups.

For good coffee & tea vibes: Gilly Brew Bar, Urban Grind, Just Add Honey, Chattahoochee Coffee Company (Cumberland location specifically)

For good views: Drawbar, Ponce City Market Rooftop

For good brunch: Virgil’s in East Point if you like a vibe, Le Petit Marche (Decatur) and Atlanta Breakfast Club if you like a chill atmosphere.

For fun outdoors: The Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park

For delicious food: Wadada, Krog Street Market, Triton Yards, Everythang Nola Cafe. (Pro tip: Grab a snoball from Everythang Nola Cafe, and then head to Triton Yards for food. It’s about a mile down the road. You won’t regret it.)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout Alana (@thewordhealer), the amazing artist who created the cover of my second book and Good Books (@goodbooksatl) for selling signed copies of my book.

I also want to shoutout my family, friends, and supporters. Anyone who bought my books, reviewed them on Amazon, shared my words on social media, came to a show, paid me to feature, allowed me to sell my books at their shop, or even just sent encouraging words throughout the years, I love it all and I appreciate it deeply.

Instagram: Instagram.com/iamkierralashae

Other: Home: the undoing (signed copy) – https://www.goodbooksatl.com/shop/p/txzfbb7rtzpou5w444wf3b8pyjndrj Home: the undoing on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FC9Y7HP