Meet Kimiko White Pw. | Author, Editor & Brand Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimiko White Pw. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimiko White, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Before I started working in the industry as an executive assistant for Community Literature Initiative and booking agent for World Stage Press — I was new author with a very prominent presence in the open mic scene. I was showing up to events CLI hosted and other local mics throughout Los Angeles County.

Now, I work hands-on with an array of poetry events all the time so within this transition, my hobbies became a part of my job. Although I still had joy producing, hosting shows and most times performing in said events, it did throw off my sense of leisure time. Therefore, I had to take a hiatus from the open mic scene outside of work for a few months. I gave myself time to rest and explore other forms of creative expression.

This seemingly small gesture of “resting” allowed me to maintain this balance in my life that I have right now. It’s essential, [as an artist] to give yourself space from the art and relieve yourself from the pressure to create all the time.

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 art is expansive, bold, and unapologetic. I’m set apart from others because my art is my life’s work. I know that The Most High has allowed me to achieve so much and it is in His plan for me to be great.

Working as a creative has been easy for me. While there may be times when I don’t feel as productive in my craft, I take it as a sign that it’s time to rest. If there are any challenges I have I overcome them by praying.

I am not my art, I am not my brand, I am a vessel to produce. My art goes beyond me, after I create it, I release it and it reaches whoever it needs to.

I want the work to know that believing in and trusting yourself goes a long way. Imposter syndrome is an ugly monster and can make you believe that you are not worthy of your big accomplishments, milestones, or celebrations.

Celebrate yourself in different phases of your journey. Celebrate rest. Celebrate challenges. Celebrate your journey for what it is and live in it fully.

My brand started as an anonymous Instagram so I could feel more comfortable introducing my work to the public, now I am a published author, I co-run a hat company (@lbhatcompany), and I’m more confident than ever before.

Life is great when you relinquish fears of people judging you.

We are all afraid of something. Your dreams are worth pursuing.

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?
Oh! I can’t give you guys all my secrets.

I will say if you’re visiting Long Beach, you should put sushi bar called 39 Degrees in your itinerary.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First acknowledging that I’m only as successful as I am because The Most High allowed me the opportunity to be in this position and to use my gifts in abundance.

I have a great support system behind me but my mom has always given me support in all capacities. She encourages me to aim higher than the goals I’ve set for myself. Speaking of, we’ve launched our brand called Long Beach Hat Company (@lbhatcomapny on Instagram).

My writing organization on Tuskegee University’s campus, Skegee Speaks. OG’s — The Doc, George Anthony, Khaalidah, X.Leroy / Mr. Controversy, Zahra, and Razz. A selected few Black, educated, eloquent literary pioneers who are changing and reshaping literary experiences and efforts in the American South.

Instagram: @pw.writing, @lbhatcompany, @kiimikowhite