Meet Estee Marie | Multi-Disciplinary Artist & Educator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Estee Marie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Estee, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
By the end of my career, I want to have created works of inspiration. I would hope that I’ve helped people transition from a place of low self-esteem to a space of self-love and self-worth through creative expression. I hope that includes being a bestselling author and obtaining a spoken-word Grammy.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I spent much of my childhood not expressing my true self, holding things in. When I discovered creative writing and poetry, it allowed me to share pieces of myself in a new way. I share work from my personal experiences. I believe we all have a story to tell and a mark to leave on this earth – some will do it other ways – my path is the path of creative expression and vulnerability through my art. It has not been an easy journey because battling with low self esteem and perfectionishm will cause you to continuously talk yourself out of the very things you want to do. It’s been a uphill battle, but I would much rather be able to say that I tried than to always wonder what if I actually took a chance on me.
When I was younger I used to draw bugs bunny and marvin the martian pictures for my friends at school for candy money. I always dreamed of being an artist, and settled for teaching at at the middle school level to live out my dreams through my students. I was definitely moving in a state of fear, but my brand is all about self love and creative expression so I had to release fear and accept that I too was worthy of living the life of my dreams and doing what I love on a daily basis. I watched my mother go back to school in her late 50’s and complete the degree she started before she got pregnant with me. It was important to her to finish what she started. That stuck with me. I couldn’t keep living the life where I made excuses why I couldn’t be a full time artist and I just had to go ahead and start doing the things that I feared. I’m learning everyday it’s not as scary as my mind made it seem. My best advice for anyone with a goal or a dream is do it affraid. Just take the first step and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You will get to where you want to be eventually.
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 such a home body, but if I had a friend visiting I’d for sure take a trip to Cane’s because that toast is so good! We would have to go to Da Poetry Lounge on a Tuesday evening. I’d see what other open mics were happening. Poetik LA is a newer open mic to me, so I’d have to check that out. I’d have to set up an intimate paint party for us to vibe out. I would love to check out 1010 wineries in Inglewood because wine tasting is a must! I am very consistent in my workout routine these days so we would be going to the workouts with Kore Nutrition and Fitness over in Inglewood as well as pay a visit to Mingles Tea Bar. What’s a visit to SoCal without hitting the beach? I love to eat so Stuffed LA would get a visit for sure as well.
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?
My parents play such a major part in my push for my career. I watched my dad go after his dreams and start businesses growing up. My mind really shifted last August when my mother passed away. Losing her is one of the hardest things I’ve had to live through but I am grateful for the example she gave me. She went back to school in her late 50′ and got the nursing degree that she stopped after having kids. I’m so proud of her, but what she taught me with that is to finish what you start for one. Another takeaway that pushes me daily is the fact that life is too precious and too short to not be living the life we dream about, so I didn’t want to not make the effort to at least try for my hearts desires and see what happens.
There are so many people who inspire me that I’ve come across in my life. I look at the things they accomplish and I’m grateful to be able to call them a friend. Brittany Dke of Creator Lyfe is also an integral part of my transition out of the traditional classroom. The many ideas I’ve been able to bounce off her and the multiple conversations that are full of a wealth of knowledge are invaluable! Camari Carter of Mama’s Kitchen Press and Ashley Byrd of ANS photography helped me get the vision of my poetry collection “These Dry Bones” into a tangible book that tells my story so beautifully.
My best friend Brandgier Bradley and his continued encouragement and prayers for me keep me going when those moments of self doubt try to settle in my mind. There’s so many people and y’all know who you are, thank you for being in my life.
Website: edotexpression.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ed0tmarie
Twitter: twitter.com/ed0tmarie
Youtube: youtube.com/user/ed0tmarie
Image Credits
Ashley Byrd – ANS Photography
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
