Meet LaSyndria Gnagbe, M.Ed | Adam’s Eve Poetry

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaSyndria Gnagbe, M.Ed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaSyndria, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson being an artist/author/poet has taught me is to be myself. I am the only me there is and no one can do me better. I had to take the time to fall in love with me, the way I look, talk, walk, dress, write, vibe, engage, smile, frown, laugh, cry, sleep, and just be. I descend from a family of entrepreneurs and trend-setters who will tell you that showing up is half the battle. Showing up for others, for what’s right and good and meaningful, even when it doesn’t look like what others expect. I learned to show up for myself even when I didn’t like me, staring at my imperfections in the mirror like “Hey you, what’s up!”

Knowing that I am my biggest critic has driven me into greater depths of self-reflection and towards dynamic heights of possibilities because if I’m only worried about my own exceptionalities, nothing else is a deterrent. It’s really all about mindset. If I flip the switch from not wanting to be a disappointment to just striving to make every moment count, then the only disappointment will be the lack of effort. I have learned that the world will build you up higher than it can afford to hold you only to tear you down for fear of you falling on top of it. I just want to be a good person. Poetry is about giving. It’s a ministry of love, perspective, healing and connectivity. You have to start by being yourself wholly and unapologetically.
 

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.
I am a Spoken Word Artist. The word that I’m given is a ministry. My poetry is a ministry. It is soul food. I cannot tell you how many times, readers and enthusiasts share how they have experienced forgiveness, a new outlook on love, friendship, relationship, joy, or peace from embracing my poetry. Yet, I take no credit for that. I truly believe that this is a God thing. Life is a journey and so is poetry. Even as a little girl I would write. I don’t think my parents realized what they were doing when they put pencils in my hand, telling me to write when I couldn’t find the words, forcing me to articulate my thoughts correctly because, “I don’t know” was an insufficient expression for a child who was considered gifted. My parents taught me to seek the Word, the right words to convey my sentiments in any situation. Was it easy? No.

Where I am today as an artist and in my career as a nurse and educator has taken a mental fortitude that only faith knew I’d be able to possess. No one wakes up knowing what will happen when their feet on the floor, but they know what will happen if they don’t. I overcome obstacles the same way. With consistency, confidence, and determination. I might cry through. I might fight through. I might not be able to pick up my pen to get a thought out, but when I am clear of thought and ready write…. talk to text can’t keep up, lol. I’m sure many writers can relate.

Along the way, I suppose the beauty is in making mistakes and looking back at how you gave yourself grace and being grateful that you lived long enough to correct your mistakes and grow. Just don’t make the same mistakes twice.

I am Adam’s Eve. I am imperfect, just like you, sharing my story with the world, in the hopes that you would be inspired to challenge yourself to go above and beyond, challenging yourself to try, see past your inhibitions and leave your mark on the world. My book 30 Reasons to LIVE: Love, Inspire, Vivity, Evolve is just that… a reflective journey of life experiences that teach you that it’s okay to live, take on life with an open heart and mind, and still come out on top, despite the odds.

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 would order chicken and waffles at the Breakfast Club, or do brunch at the Honey Hole Bistro, then head over to CLASS Bookstore to see what great reads they are advertising for the month. If you’re a member of a D9 sorority or Fraternity LineSisters on Southmore has a pretty solid collection and they are my Sorors! #AOML . Pur Noir Urban Wineries has a wine of the month and does tastings in house. I’m a northside girl, so I love going to Quotes and ChiTown Wings (Komedy Lounge). Great music and great food, but I don’t mind driving all the way down 288 to Pearland to the Puddery for my sweets fix.

I prefer to cook at home unless hubby is in the mood for African Cuisine, so my list may be a little short. Other than that you’ll probably find me embracing my inner Latina at any of your local taco trucks. Houston has a banging food truck scene. Shout out to Smokin’ Jerry’s BBQ!

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?
I want to shout out my entire family first of all!! My husband Koffi is the most supportive person. He has heard just about everything I’ve written. I think I talk in my sleep, lol. Nyra, my mini-me, my muse. She is the reason I keep pushing to be a better mom and artist. My family is my core foundation! High expectations and competitiveness are the norm, so I’m no stranger to grit and flare! I also want to thank my Sol-Poetry family for the love and support over the years. Thank you for embracing my poetry and the collaboration, while fostering diversity. We have driven so many firsts while navigating the complex demands of the Houston Poetry Scene. The journey thus far has been nothing short of spectacular. We have so much more to achieve and the sky is the limit! I also want to shout out my new loves in the art world doing a great work in the community – Be Impactful and GoBU! Much love…

Website: www.iamadamseve.com

Instagram: @adamsevepoetry

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lasyndriagnagbe-adamsevepoetry

Twitter: @adamsevepoetry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaSyndriaGnagbe

Youtube: @adamsevepoetry8392

Other: 30 Reasons to LIVE: Love, Inspire, Vivify, Evolve By: LaSyndria “Adam’s Eve” Gnagbe, M.Ed. https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-L-I-V-Inspire-Vivify-Evolve/dp/B09TMYWCNK

Image Credits
Irise Filmz