Meet Travé Nicole: Author, Recording Artist, & Teacher

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

Hi Travé, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I count it as a calling. We all came into this world deaf and blind to right and wrong. Everything we received, food, water, or milk as an infant, nurture and care, they were all perceived as right because it was what we needed. We are open to everything as we learn and grow. When we meet the wrong things, we want to cover our ears and our eyes. We can’t go back in the womb. We’re left to face it. I have my experiences and the things that I’ve seen and heard. Many of those things hurt and I feel were wrong, but they were right for me. I had these feelings and I wrote them to let go of them and it was art. The whole process of writing it and singing it, or speaking it created a new me. It is possible to have a job that you love and doesn’t stress you out! I have one that heals me and the benefits can be monetary, but more than anything, I’m blessed by blessing others, especially when I see them being helped, healed, and uplifted. I think about it this way: Revelation 12:11 says that we overcome by the word of our testimony. I’m creating opportunities for others to overcome, as I have or am on the journey to doing it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an author of 6 books. I’ve always loved to write, since I was a kid. I’ve always loved “words” and singing. I’ve never imagined myself becoming an author. Every kid dreams of being famous one day when they see their favorite singer on stage, right? I never truly saw myself being an author or a recording artist, because I didn’t want to share my words. I didn’t want to share my experiences. I initially worried that others wouldn’t like it or accept it, and because I had it happen to me the very first time I presented it (a poem I had written) to someone as a child. That child has haunted me a couple of times starting out with this professionally and not just habitually. It wasn’t easy at all, especially jumping out there to enter into an event at the Houston Improv, and in front of hundreds of people whom I didn’t know. I had to just do it, and when I did it felt great! I felt like I was in the right place. Not necessarily on the stage, but in my heart and in my mind. I overcame by taking a chance on myself and trusting that He gave me the gift, so He’s got me. I’m carrying precious cargo! This art is different because every word, written, sang, or spoken, is strategically done so for each and every person reading or listening. I want the words to meet you right where you are and leap off the page or out of the composition and touch you. My art is real. It’s tangible. As you see it or hear it, you can feel it. It’ll put that smile on your face. It’ll make you want to forgive that person, love that person. At the same time, it will awaken you. This is what my art, my brand, is all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take her to a restaurant that I recently visited, called Local Table. I’ve only been there once, and loved the quaint space and good and healthy food! I absolutely love the Breakfast Klub, Turkey Leg Hut, and Houston This Is It, which is actually owned by a high school classmate! Their food is thee best soulfood in town! One of my favorite places to go is Ba Mien, and I always get the same thing. I love their Chicken/Shrimp Curry. It is the best. There are tons of lovely places to hang out in my city. I love visiting the Gerald Hines Waterwall Park. I also enjoy the scenery at the Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. We’d visit The Woodlands because it is very peaceful, and everything that you need is at your fingertips, food, shopping, and parks to relax at. One of my favorite past times was riding horses, so we’d have to do that. They are such peaceful animals, and though you may be sore afterwards, it’s a fun time. Last but not least, if it’s basketball season, we’re definitely checking out the Rockets at the Toyota Center!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! There are a quite a few people who have surrounded me with nothing but love, support, and honesty — that pushed me to be where I am now. They know exactly who they are and I love them right back! I have to give thanks to God for the vision and for blessing me with every opportunity and for keeping me, pulling on me. I am thankful that I was connected with such amazing people. Sometimes friends are few in number when we are doing something different or stepping out, but I’m thankful for those that have always been there, especially my husband. He is so much more than that. He sees me cry on the bad days and he sees the stories behind every poem and every song. He actually creates the music for my pieces, so we’ve actually grown a little through this together. He has been right there, in the trenches with me. His support, love, and encouragement mean so much to me. I dedicate this shoutout to him.

Website: travenicole.life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trave.nicole
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trave-hunter-720494197/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TraveNicole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travenicole
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2nupk1W9cuFV8a1q5uDzg