Meet Samarra Anjai Monroe | Songwriter + Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samarra Anjai Monroe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samarra Anjai, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, I feel like I didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. I’ve been creative since I was a child and nothing I tried to do outside of my artistic endeavors made me feel satisfied. I’m an artist through and through — I write music, I am a creative director, a graphic designer… All I really want to do is create the things I see in my mind, so an artistic career really has always been my only option. But once I was tired of being “practical” or “traditional,” my creative career kinda found me.

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.
In my life, creatively and beyond, nothing is wasted. I make use of every person I’ve ever known, anything anybody has said to me, anything I’ve dreamed or seen with my own eyes – it all influences my art. Everything I create is an extension of the life I’ve been given.

I’m still making strides towards where I wish to be professionally, and I feel like with the more things I accomplish, the goal post will continue to move. It’s not easy pursuing your creative passions at all, no matter how talented you are. But right now, I’m most proud about how comfortable I’ve gotten declaring myself as an artist because it wasn’t always like that. I’ve been writing songs since 13 but just recently felt home in calling myself a songwriter, I’m 25 now.

I’ve learned that we’re all constantly evolving and adapting to change, so not being married to any outcome & welcoming all circumstances makes the journey a little more pleasurable. I don’t believe in coincidence and I think that’s reflected in everything I do.

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?
I’m a Pandemic 2020 ATL transplant, so I haven’t seen nearly all there is to see in the city. I really hope this isn’t a cliche answer lol but I love Ponce City Market. From the Roof to the Beltline, it’s so many things you can do! I’d take them to get a quesadilla from Bar Vegan (cause they’re the freaking bomb), and we’d walk along the Beltline with our King of Pops popsicle!

My best friend dragged me to The Boiler on Piedmont Rd… and I’ve been addicted ever since. Being from Maryland, I appreciate some good seafood and that place definitely has it so I’ll be taking anybody who visits me there!

There’s also a really cool eclectic venue/shop on Edgewood called Created Noble. The owner is mad cool and the little place has some magic to it. I’m not vegan by any means but he sells this bomb vegan ice cream I’d get my friends to try.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this ShoutOut to my mama, Kelly. It’s always been just me and her, the dynamic duo, the team of all teams. She’s been nurturing my talents and supporting me since before I knew what I was doing and aside from God, I owe my all to her.

Website: sadgrlstudios.com

Instagram: @samarraanjai

Twitter: @samarraanjai

Image Credits
Austin Parks Ariti Dorsey Ari Lashell