Meet Sabreen Sudan-Jolley: Author-Poet-Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabreen Sudan-Jolley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabreen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When we think of risks, we often associate them with the more creative or unorthodox path in life. However, regardless of whether your path is most “safe” or not, it is all a risk. If you are working within a field that you are impassive about, you are risking happiness and the possibilities on the opposite side of your comfortability. If you take the road less traveled (following your heart) you are also taking a risk. While comfortability may seem more appealing and conducive to life, I believe it is important that we take the risks that are in alignment with our gifts. “Your gift is the thing you do the best, with the least amount of effort.” I believe whatever risk you take, it should always lead you to your gift. If it doesn’t, I truly don’t understand the purpose of life beyond that idea. Taking risks has lead me to many people and opportunities that have aided in learning how to position my gifts in a way that is beneficial to the world. It has been a scary and tiresome process, but had I not taken certain risks, I would’ve never known the thrill of living life fully. As I am making more practical decisions as an adult, I am only doing so to put me in position to take the risks that will propel me into greatness. It was at the most scary moments of my journey that I was closest to the sweetness of living.

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.
What sets me apart from others is my style of writing. I never wanted to sound like anyone. Most speakers and poets I know have the same mannerisms, which is not a problem, but I never wanted that to be me. I believe discovering your voice is one of the greatest milestones in your life. While I am still in the process of discovering how to marry my gifts to my purpose, I believe I am on the right track. I have been able to perform in various cities and internationally within the 2 years I have been fully invested in my craft. The people that I have met within those times are the most irreplaceable opportunities for me. I am most excited about launching my bookstore (D.O.P.E Mobile Bookstore) as well as releasing my debut novel and children’s book with a major publishing company. That has always been an aspiration of mine and I am coming into that process. I look forward to what the next 2-5 years will bring into my life. If it weren’t for the fact that I began to create my own opportunities, I would not be where I am today. We often wait for someone to validate who we are and what we can become, but it takes intestinal fortitude and the internal belief that you are wonderful without reservation that will take you places unimaginable. The funniest thing to me is that I am only at the surface level and I have been blessed beyond measure. I am learning daily to affirm myself and the things I want. Everything tangible starts in the imagination. My process is not easy, as trite as it may sound. However, my creative process, so far, was not super difficult at all. To some that may seem odd, but when it comes naturally, that usually is an indication that your are functioning within your lane. Of course, I have challenges as I grow creatively, but overall it comes naturally. The journey, however, has been very difficult. I have lost much but I gained confidence in knowing it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. This helps me get through my rough days. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to always prepare. Sometimes when things come so effortless, you do little preparation but this always works to ones disadvantage. As we deeply prepare, when harvest season comes, the toil is much lighter. I want the world to know that I am coming. I want them to know that my Bookstore as well as my artistic journey are designed to heal and inspire. I’m used to orating my story, but in short, I want the world to know that I hold true to my mission and I am excited about the footprints I will leave on their minds and spirits. I am not only a brand, but a movement and a vessel whose aim is true and always for the people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I believe the most exciting places to check out in Atlanta are Piedmont Park and The Fox Theater. Atlanta is relatively small, so people typically visit restaurants and night clubs for enjoyment. While that can be very exciting, I’ve found that Atlanta is most enjoyable when you know people. This has become a hub for networking, so the most enjoyable things are usually in nature or at events people host. It is a melding pot for all types of people and ideas, so regardless of where we go, I believe we would have an amazing time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would first like to dedicate my shout out to the amazingly wonderful Terry McMillan. She was the first author I read that I felt like I could relate to. It is because of her that I am a writer for the rest of my life. I often dread the process, but as I am reminded of how freeing it is to read such relatable writing, it gets me that much closer to becoming the writer I was born to be. I am forever grateful for her contribution to the literary world, and because of her I am learning to put aside my procrastination for the girl like me who is looking for someone to give her purpose. I would also like to extend a shout out to Taure Anwar. I came to Atlanta alone. Through networking and throwing myself out into the city, I was able to meet him. I don’t have an older brother, but he is the closest thing to it. Always looking out for me and making sure to put me in position to exceed. He is an amazing business owner and correspondent that is taking the artistic world by storm and I am forever grateful for his presence in my life.

Website: https://www.dopemobilebookstore.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabreenspeaks/
Other: https://sabreenspeaksstore.bigcartel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dope_mobilebookstore/

Image Credits
Photo by: Tre Hazelwood (@trehazelwood) and Mar Eugene (@shotbymar_)