Meet Lea Hortman: Entrepreneur & Spoken Word Artist

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

Hi Lea, what role has risk played in your life or career?
One of my favorite quotes is “If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more”-Erica Jong. Such a true piece of wisdom for creatives. I believe taking risks is the. the first piece of the blueprint. that you don’t see when it comes to following your dreams. Taking risks is leaving room for mistakes, failures, and starting over. In such a microwavable society I believe it’s easy to forget that risk must be involved as you count up the cost for what it is that you are looking to obtain. Risk has been a huge part of my life, being a generational curse breaker, the first of many things. Not knowing what is going to be on the other side of my FAITH, but knowing that the risk will produce something I will need to keep growing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love poetry! Poetry is my ART! What sets me apart from others is my radical faith and ability to be transparent about the highs and lows of my life! Showing individuals that you don’t have to compromise who you are to live a life of freedom and believe! I started writing at six years old, and published my first book at 26! During my in between years I found myself using poetry as a tool of freedom, power, healing and transformation. Sharing my story with girls and women, making it our story.

Today I have had the opportunity to connect with thousands of people over the years “called” to serve people through words. Continously to learn to build my personal brand, some days are better than others. I think the easiest part is writing and the challenge comes when it is time to say what you need to release. Poetry saved my life in 2016 and I will forever remember the breakthrough’s I recieved after having outlets and places to share them to connect with people and possible those words doing the same for someone else.

Overcoming daily challenges include community, healthy spaces, personal development and having my relationship with God sharpened everyday. The many lessons I have learned include resilience and perseverance “never give up”. Our destiny often depends on us taking risk and pressing towards the mark.

I want people to know that poetry is not an science it is an art, and it’s free for everyone. I am currently building an online boutique for creatives around the world “The Poets Closet” that will continue the call to serve people through 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?
If my best friend or anyone came to visit me! To show them the best time ever I would take them near the water! Being on the lake or by a body of water is always refreshing or relaxing! I am actually new to North Carolina so this is totally some adventures we would be doing together. Looking for dope bike trails, amazing food, and places with bomb sangrias! I have to get outside more! I love nature & adventure, great food and a nice refreshing beverage! Any local dope concerts and poetry spots would definitely be on the list! I’ve never been to New Orleans, and thats on my dream list when I go outside this year!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am beyond grateful to have a mother that supports me in ways that I cannot even imagine. It is her faith in God and love for her children that truly amazes me. My mother has a powerful testimony and continues to support me through her own personal growth. I can remember days when I struggled with depression, days I couldn’t eat or move my mother’s strength, and continuous prayers carried me. I believe I have been truly blessed to have her in my corner and I do my best to honor and celebrate her while she is here on earth with me. Many of the seeds she planted in me when I was younger are a major part of the manifestation of the life I currently live today. Shout out to my mother, my OG, manager, best friend prayer warrior, and covering. I love you beyond words, even though I am a poet!

Website: www.leavpoetry.com

Instagram: @leavpoetry @thepoetsclosetco

Linkedin: Lea Hortman

Twitter: @leavpoetry @thepoetsclosetco

Facebook: Lea V. Poetry

Other: Poets Closet New Fundraiser https://gofund.me/29f2321e