In this conversation, I sit down with Rashan Brown—spoken word poet, founder of Poetry Me Please, and someone who's masterfully building his creative vision alongside a full-time career. What started with heartbreak in high school and a fascination with battle rap has evolved into a platform that's bringing spoken word poetry to stages like Brooklyn's Kings Theater. Rashan's journey is the perfect example of what's possible when you commit to your authentic path without sacrificing financial stability.

We dig into the real challenges of entrepreneurship—the events that profit, the ones that don't, and why he views every "loss" as an investment in Poetry Me Please's future. He shares how having a nine-to-five has actually given him the freedom to take creative risks without the pressure of needing every event to generate revenue. We also explore the deeper "why" behind Poetry Me Please—how it's become a vehicle for healing, community building, and creating spaces where artists can express themselves authentically. Rashan opens up about the internal work required to sustain this vision, the importance of conviction over certainty, and those early breadcrumb moments (like performing Maya Angelou at Virginia Tech with Nikki Giovanni) that pointed toward his future.

This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt torn between creative passion and practical reality. Rashan proves you don't have to choose—you can build both, one intentional step at a time.

Takeaways

• The founding of Poetry Me Please was driven by a desire to create a platform for poets.
• Conviction and belief in oneself are crucial for success.
• Passion should guide one's pursuits, even alongside a traditional career.
• Performing poetry provides a unique thrill and emotional release.
• Humility is essential to maintain perspective in success.
• Receiving compliments is important for both the giver and receiver.
• Artistic expression can tell multiple stories through creative techniques.
• The importance of community support in pursuing creative endeavors.
• Balancing a career and passion allows for more creative freedom without financial pressure.
• Financial ups and downs are part of the entrepreneurial journey in the arts.
• Investing in one's passion is crucial for long-term success.
• Lessons learned from failures are valuable for future growth.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive people is essential for success.