Meet Vee Allen | Fitness instructor, Gymnastics coach, & Poet

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

Hi Vee, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think of risk as being a necessary evil. It can be as frightening, as it is rewarding! Even if things don’t quite turn out as I’d predicted or hoped, I still gained some experience and knowledge. Sometimes, just the feeling of knowing you tired, can be empowering. With that, I’m able to be more confident and less afraid of going for the next goal I’m out to accomplish!

Because risk, unlike impulse, is a planned and measurable thing, I feel I’ve done well in analyzing and solidifying decisions for myself. I’m not a flip flopper lol. So once my mind is made and I’m ready to execute accordingly, it’s all system go! This is an important skill to have, especially as a woman. Not only is being able to think for ones self important in business, it’s a critical survival skill.

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.
So while I teach different styles of dance classes to adults, and gymnastics to children, to afford a living. I feel most alive when writing and performing spoken word poetry! While I stepped on my first stage a little over a decade ago, the last couple of years has truly grew me as an artist and allowed me to hone in on my craft. As a creative, as humans really, we are our own worst critics. So the journey to where I feel I am now, hasn’t been easy. But the journey to self never is.

It is often stated that there is “nothing new” under the sun. So there is no subject matter that hasn’t been written or talked about via poetry. However, one of the most important things I’ve learned, or come to appreciate rather, is no one has said it like me. I will always set myself apart in offering my experience, my perspective, and my voice to any subject I choose. On that same note, you progress far better when you learn not to compare yourself to others. No mater if the market is “saturated” or not, if you can bring something unique to the topic, then that all you need. My existence is in fact unique, so I carry that mindset into everything I do.

I am a mother, an instructor, writer, a poet, spoken word artist and performer, a really good host (events & open mics), an advocate, and voice worth being heard.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I was born and raised here in Philadelphia, and currently reside just outside the city. So it really wouldn’t be a well rounded trip without a really good cheesesteak. Yes, I said it! But it’s an undeniable fact lol. I’d have to make a stop at Max’s (Broad & Erie) or Larry’s (54th & City Ave). Then we could walk it off along Kelly drive. The trails can be busy on the weekends, but it really is scenic and calming along the water. Speaking of water, Penns Landing is always buzzing with activities. RiverRink Summerfest or Winterfest, offers rides, games, and a roller rink or ice skating rink respectively (seasonal). We could hit an open mic of course. There’s tons of yummy places to dine. Overall, the city has a wealth of culture, beauty, and fun to safely engage in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my s/o to the close circle of friends/framily (because friend doesn’t do them justice) that have poured into me in some way. I have sisters who were not born by blood, but through bonds, that have brought me back from the emotional brink of giving up. A growing poetry community through whom I gain a wealth of inspiration and motivation to push myself creatively. My fiancé NIck, who’s love poetically kisses me upon the forehead each day. And anyone who’s ever experienced my art and felt something!

Website: Smart.Bio/LadySyren

Instagram: @LadySyren

Image Credits
4ever Focused Photography Ph.Dartagnan Photography