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

Hi Travis, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The most essential factor behind my success is my unwavering determination to never give up. In every situation, no matter how difficult, I have aimed to rise to the challenge and master myself. I have developed a deep sense of resilience and have learned to see setbacks and failures as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Whether it was the grief of losing my mother to cancer, seasons of depression, or when I lived in my car for 5 months, I have always found a way to use that pain or trauma as fuel for redemption.

This warrior spirit has allowed me to persevere through the toughest of times and to keep pushing forward towards my goals. I have never given up, no matter how difficult the situation, and I have always striven to master myself, my emotions, and my thoughts.

It’s very important to be adaptable and be like water as Bruce Lee once said. The ability to pivot and adjust my approach has been crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape of life.

I view life as a big game at times. You play to win. It’s like a movie as well. You have to star in your role. I draw on the archetype of the phoenix to fuel my success. No matter how many times I may fall, I will rise yet again transforming myself through whatever flames come my way.

My success has an element of optimism as well. I have a keen ability to find the silver if not gold lining to everything that has ever occurred in my life. Any adversity you face in life, refines you and brings out your purest abilities. I never gave up on myself even when I had countless opportunities to do so. I contemplated suicide at certain points of my life, but I AM HERE TO LIVE AND TALK ABOUT IT. LOVE YOURSELF FIRST BECAUSE THEN YOU TEACH OTHERS HOW TO LOVE YOU. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU AND CHERISHES THE LIFE YOU LIVE.

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.

My first poetry book is now published! 34 NIGHTS! A true reflection of my essence. It’s been a beautiful journey to this point. I’m very proud of myself for this purposeful accomplishment. This book is dedicated to my mother. I will take time this year to perform at open mics in the city and promote my new book. Very excited for my new podcast titled Renaissance For The Soul! My brother and I are looking to usher in a culture of love where we spread goodness, share our wisdom on life, highlight the people in our community who inspire us, and connect our network to the right resources. I model, act and I’m a plant based chef as well! I’m looking to expand my purpose and cultivate events/experiences that tailor to my unique skills.

My career has been centered on my ability to follow my intuition and stand on the principles/values that I cherish the most. I’ve found that opportunities will fall into my lap when I’m at peace and find that “flow”. “Flow” is a state of mastery for me where when I am disciplined in my energy, I see miracles happen in my life. I always find the right people at the right time. It hasn’t always been the easiest path for me, but I’ve learned that a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.

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?
So here’s my itinerary: Monday we would go to Life Bistro, my favorite plant based restaurant in Atlanta. We would also check out Wadada, my favorite smoothie spot in the West End afterwards. Then later that night, we would go to Poetry on Peter @ 8pm. They have a bi-weekly open mic. Tuesday, we would hit the Little Five Points area. They have a mural of Outkast (my favorite musical act) close by and a bunch of cool thrift stores. They also have a crystal store and some cool restaurants. After that, we would head north to The Roswell Mill Waterfall! Great way to unwind! We would then head southwest to the bamboo forest near Cumberland/Palisades Trail. Another great opportunity to be in nature. Wednesday morning we would hit Stone Mountain for a rising hike! Once you get to the top, it’s a serene feeling. Then later that night, we would go to Peters St. Station. They host a jam session that starts @ 9pm. It’s great if you like live music or want to just chill, and meet dope people in the arts community. On Thursday, Black Dot Cultural Center hosts an open mic @ 7pm so we would head there for some vibes, but they are also open during the week if you need a nice spot to get coffee, tea, network, and purchase books. The owner is really cool! Very knowledgeable as well!! Friday or Saturday we would head to the OTE Arena. OTE is a professional basketball league for 16–20-year-olds that are aiming to go to the NBA. It’s pretty dope to witness young kids striving for their dreams. Sunday, we would head to Krishna Life, a temple that does a weekly spiritual and philosophical discussion from 12-2pm followed by a vegetarian meal. There’s also another temple, ISKCON, that hosts a similar program on Sunday 4-6pm followed by another vegetarian meal. The experience at the temples is simply divine and otherworldly at times. I think this would give a visitor a great range of culture and diversity for a weekly stay.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s actually a couple of people that contributed to my success. I really dedicate my shoutout to everyone I ever met in life. They all played a role in my development. I also benefited greatly from the teachings and wisdom my mother blessed me with before she passed away. I learned so much from her, in such a brief time. My family as a whole but especially Grannie, Joi, my aunties, Pudd and my father. Grannie is like a golden reservoir of encouragement. My sister provides comedic relief when I need it! My aunties always hold me down! Pudd is great role model for me to master patience and stillness. My father helps me appreciate consistency and discipline. When I was in college, I relished the opportunity to be around my brothers Dr. Deon Brown, Frazier Gilliam, Jabari Byrd, and Tony Jackson. I wouldn’t be where I was today without those kings. I really appreciate Miss Diamond and Aquarius Maximus. They were both godsend at the time when I was studying metaphysics. I’m very grateful for my OGs Raymond and Geronald. Big shoutout to Olden Young, Lacy Watson, Tommy Amal, and Hamidi! Shoutout to Kim, Liyah, Eli, Meg, Dari, Tiff, Nova, Von, and Coco too!  Shoutout to Mohit, Tre, Joe(Quee), 40, Stef, Curt, Sterling, Caleb, and 2KE as well! If I missed anyone, charge it to my head and not my heart! LOVE.

Website: linktr.ee/YGTRAV

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yg__trav/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yg__trav

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.clarke.94214?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvllEAd1cljabYQzM01cTNw

Image Credits
@kanarielens @shots.exchanged

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