Meet Desirae Hosley | Community Organizer and Enthusiast

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

Hi Desirae, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is a motivator for myself. I have lived most of my life either people pleasing or looking for validation from those around me that I assumed would be giving me the right advice in my life. Instead I would feel myself being placed in the same cycle of failure or being in someone else’s shadow. After my life had a change that would turn my path into me not fearing what could be next; I began taking all kinds of risk because I believed I had nothing to lose. I stick by the saying that “NO’s” don’t hurt and I that has been the fuel that I needed to accomplish the goals that I have been able to accomplish thus far. I take risks as challenges that I need in my life and if I don’t “challenge” myself I will would either be burnt out or not feel fulfilled in my life. I continue to push through and accept what being a risk-taker has to offer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a spoken word artist/poet began in my college years around 2004-05 and the stage has felt like a safe space for years. That is where I found my voice and began to grow/mature as an adult. I learned so many life lessons in the performing world that I was able to take those lessons in my everyday life. The stage is where I felt seen and present to the world but I knew that I would have to be willing to grow beyond the stage. I love helping people begin to grow and expand their writing skills so evolving into a teaching artist started with teenagers and grew into me working with adults as well. I learned that your career is what you make of it! No one owes you anything and behind every “no” there is a “yes” waiting for you. So rebuilding my career as a teaching artist to artist to stage performer has motivated me in ways that are continuing to fuel my passion for the arts. I’m always looking for new artistic skills but never putting a pause to the poetry movement. Poetry has accepted me in ways that have been important to my growth for community building. I want people to know that Social Therapy is the healer within yourself and I am just the messenger!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cincinnati, Ohio does have some creative spots to venture but because I am so laid back; I love going to eat at Teak because of their Sushi! And since we are downtown we should visit Contemporary Arts Center (never know what exhibit is showcasing)! Plus I may be holding a workshop there as well! We could then travel over to 21c Museum Hotel to have drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my village! There are so many people that play such a major role in my life and know that they are apart of my village! So shall call them the village!

Instagram: @iamthesilentpoet ; @socialtherapy20

Linkedin: Desirae Hosley

Twitter: @SilentPoet26

Facebook: Desirae Hosley

Youtube: Social Therapy