Meet Misheála (Mishy) Russell | Writer, Poet, Model, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Misheála (Mishy) Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Misheála (Mishy), can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
As I continue in my writing and creating as a whole within my business Mishy Writes, I am learning that there are two important things to remember: the first is to keep God first within my business vision and plans. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21) It is too easy to think of ideas, and just run with them without first consulting the Lord on whether they are wise ideas to even pursue. I believe that in the last few years of my creative journey, I chased ideas recklessly, leaving me with wasted time when I could have just prayed on the ideas or opportunities presented to me, and spent my time working on the ones God designed for me that would glorify HIM and not myself.

The second thing I’m learning is that authenticity and vulnerability are crucial. I find that I am more successful when I’m being myself and not trying to imitate what’s trending in the world. After a while, the interests of this world shift and focus on surface-level matters anyway; so when I am being myself, and focusing on the mission that God has put me on, I find that I am my most authentic self. And that is what I want to reflect within my brand.

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.
The words I use to describe my writing, whether it be blogs or poetry, are these: spiritual, motivating, encouraging, inspiring. I am mostly proud of my first self-published poetry book entitled “Blue,” which consists of poetry dating back to 2016 when I first began labeling myself as a poet. While my writing style has changed throughout the years, I’m grateful to have “Blue” as a testament to my evolution and growth. I am only where I am today professionally because God has ordered my steps, and even when I’ve taken missteps or gone down a path I shouldn’t, He has still been faithful to bring me back to where I need to be. It definitely hasn’t been easy because I’m an imperfect human, and I’ve made mistakes along the way, such as focusing more on others’ visions, helping them seek out their missions when I should have been honing in on my own calling. And while I’ve been vulnerable in my writing and within my brand as a whole, I’ve had to learn to give myself space to be private about certain things so that others do not take advantage. But I am grateful for these lessons I’ve learned, and that God is still keeping me through as I work through them.

I want the world to know that my brand and my story aren’t perfect. I’ve had so many people say to me how they’re inspired by how much I’m doing, and how well I’m doing it, and I want them to know that, while it may look perfect on the outside, there have been so many bumps and bruises along the way. Sometimes I fumble my way through things, and it’s by God’s grace when things look pristine! So, if you should credit any beauty within my brand, it goes to God, not me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve recently been going on brunch adventures more often, so I’d want my best friend and I to take on some brunch places in Chattanooga throughout the week, a few of them being Adelle’s Creperie, Aretha Frankenstein’s, State of Confusion, and Stir! I’d also want us to head to the Northshore area downtown to walk the Walking Bridge and hang out at Coolidge Park. Now that it’s getting warmer, I’m all for spending time in the outdoors! So, while I’m not much of a hiker, I’d love to hang around the Blue Hole areas and swim as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout the people who are currently in my life supporting me. Everyone goes through phases of friendships and supporters – those who support only for a season when you’re a “hot topic.” But I have several people who have stuck with me during the ups and downs of my creative journey. My family consisting of my two sets of parents: Mom and Pa, Dad and Honey. My sisters Kae’sha and Annabelle. My grandparents who still have copies of the first books I ever wrote. Cousins who pray for me and check on me. I thank each and every one of them because they’re the ones who’ve stuck around the longest, and who have seen me walk through all sorts of different phases in my life. Then there are my friends who are family to me: Bria Fields, Caylin Walsingham, Juanita Montgomery, Kimmie J Soul, Lydia Dillard. Recently these ladies have supported me through times and things in which I needed a listening ear and helping hand. Thank you, queens! Last and definitely not least, my love, Cadarius Harrison, has been a major supporter and encourager of mine since the Lord brought us together. I thank God for him and his perspective and inspiration that has helped me move forward and gain confidence in the Lord through every step in my journey. Thank you, my love!

Website: www.mishywrites.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mishywrites

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishea-la-russell-773267111

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mishy_writes

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mishywrites

Other: Purchase my poetry book “Blue” now!: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Misheala-Mishy-Russell/dp/B08ZWFTFSQ/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1JUXSJ8TS8KCL&keywords=misty+blue+poetry&qid=1652901368&sprefix=mishy+blue+poetry%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-11