Welcome back to another installment of the Rooted Minds Blog’s Spotlight Feature, where we shine a light on creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs that are making strides to take their careers to the next level. In addition to that, it is a space where we can celebrate the success stories of members of our community, friends, and newly discovered creatives.
This feature is coming along with a new face to the brand. We discovered her poetry on Instagram and she previously submitted to our Spring Poetry Contest and she recently shared a poem about Social Media for our Summer Poetry Contest. We are excited for what she has in store and even more excited to bring this interview to you all.
Our spotlights are a place to introduce our supporters to new creatives and brands that are making tremendous strides to success in their fields. Our goal is to continue to find stories that we can celebrate and amazing people that we can connect with.
BIO: ARETHA RODNEY-MCDONALD: Aretha Rodney-McDonald is a singer, songwriter, and a spoken word poet. Born and raised in the beautiful island of Jamaica (Spanish Town, St Catherine), and migrated to the U.S at a young age and resided there since. Aretha Rodney-McDonald is a wife and a mother to two beautiful children. Her heart’s desire is to inspire and motivate people to trust God, love themselves, and go after their purpose while she goes after hers. Aretha’s songs and poems reflect God’s gift to her, so she takes great pleasure in performing and sharing them.
Entered into the Summer Poetry Contest 2021 for the Rooted Minds Blog
Transcript: When did our value started being determined
by how many people choose to follow you
when did our worth divert to a double tapping of ones
finger leaving thoughts to linger if enough people didn’t tap twice
then just maybe just maybe that photo wasn’t post worthy
when did our identity
and our reality become our enemy
see I don’t mean to offend but in this era we would
rather live a life of pretend just to stay up to date with the recent trend
again
when did our worth divert to one opinion behind a device screen
that results in us tampering with our genes
it seem we live a life based off others reaction
so SELF LOVE just fits a great caption
our satisfaction lies with the world wide web of lies
being deceived by what we see before our eyes
being displeased with our own lives because we still working 9 to 5
as if a 9 to 5
makes one less applicable to succeed and thrive
see so much have changed
and if not doing it like the world your considered a lame
at some point the ultimate goal became a blue check beside ones name
if you ask me social media is what you make it
and its filled with opportunities
people coming together building communites
but on the other end of it its filled with a lot of hypocrites a lot of judges and
jurors a lot of counterfeits
so be sure of who you are so you don’t get lost in it
INTERVIEW: ARETHA RODNEY
RM: Rooted Minds
AR: Aretha Rodney
RM: What has been your journey to being an artist OR owning your own business and what has been the most impactful lesson that you've learned?
AR: My journey has definitely has its ups and downs God blessed me with the gift of singing, writing and poetry and although I had those gifts I wasn’t In love with it I just did it because I could it took me almost losing my life to realize how valuable what God has given me was and because of that I treasure my artistry a lot more! The most impactful lesson I’ve learned is while you have life go after your purpose
RM: For those that may not know, how did you come up with the name or concept for your business or project?
AR: Aretha Rodney Artistry (Artistry is a wide variety and I never want to be boxed into one thing because I have a variety of gifts to offer
RM: Tell us about your inspiration behind an upcoming project and what do you hope the audience takes away from it?
AR: My inspiration behind my projects are life, love, purpose, and God I always want my audience to know the importance of putting God first love a lot not only people but make sure your loving on yourself and go after your purpose
RM: What have been some effective ways that you've marketed yourself in your space and industry?
AR: I honestly just share my heart through my pen whether it’s in a song or it’s through a poem share it on different platforms my marketing is really done through social media
RM: How have you grown as an entrepreneur or creative in the last 5 years and who's been influential in that process?
AR: I’ve grown a lot I’ve become one with who I am and my purpose and my family has been my biggest influence
RM: What are some short-term goals that you are working towards, that friends and supporters can help you with?
AR: Getting my work on bigger platforms
RM: What are one or two things that keep you grounded? How do you practice good self-care or how can you practice it better (if you've been lacking in that area)?
AR: God keeps me grounded honestly I try my best to keep him first and seek his peace so I don’t get lost in whatever I might be facing!! I’ve been practicing soul care for a while now it’s not only taking care of my outer but taking care of my inner and it’s a peaceful journey
RM: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement for upcoming creative entrepreneurs that you'd like to share?
AR: Be yourself Love what you do because no one can do it quite like you
RM: What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received in reference to your career and industry?
AR: Never forget who you are no matter the room your in (don’t let the room change you , You change the room)
Thanks for your supporting and checking out this feature. Aretha Rodney Artistry is an amazing artist out of Jamaica and she is paving the way for so many creators and entrepreneurs in the community. You can also check out her work, positive affirmations, and poetry here https://www.instagram.com/aretharodneyartistry/. Her personality pours through the screen and she definitely keeps her supporters entertained, be sure to follow and tell a friend to check out her work.
Check out our extended interview tomorrow, right here!
Videos by Aretha Rodney:
BEAUTIFUL POEM FOR MOTHERS
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY A POEM FILLED WITH APPRECIATION FOR THE HARDWORKING MOMS YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED
NEXT SEASON
May 18, 2021 Entering a new season might mean letting go of people
Spring 2021 Poetry Contestants | May 17th
Streamed live on May 17, 2021
We are live streaming all of the contestant submissions for this season's poetry contest sponsored by Bravo Pay and I Am Root Apparel
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More about Dom Root
I am from Inglewood, California, currently working in Phoenix, Arizona as a Sound Engineer (Live, Recording, and Mixing). I am a Music Producer and Creative Artist looking to build portfolio and for live performance opportunities. I graduated from Arizona State University studying Creative Writing and Philosophy. I later studied audio production technologies at Mesa Community College, before taking on more freelance work.
Dom
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