@Christoph Jenkins posted a poetry business challenge on IG to write a poem for those who are grieving during the holidays to help encourage 🌹 Here is my post and poem https://www.instagram.com/p/DSs6H3vCcPr/?igsh=MW04dG1hbDQ3bGJ1Zw==

Y'all I'm so excited AND if you are in Houston please reach out to me. I applied back in September. I saw the deadline with just a few days to fill out the application but I applied for 2 different pots from the Houston Arts Alliance. I've heard back on one of my applications already for a smaller event with the focus on Colorism. Y'all I used to say I never win these things, BUT I didn't go in with that mentality THIS time. I went in thinking about the possibilities of what I could do if I didn't have to do everything out of my own pocket and I had fun dreaming up the event. I'm really excited and I KNOW bigger grants and sponsorships are coming. Let me encourage you - fill out the application. Dream the big dream and start actively taking steps towards its execution.

On this Christmas Eve, I just want to take a moment to wish each of you a peaceful, joyful, and meaningful Holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, spending time with family, resting, reflecting, or simply enjoying a slower moment — know that you are appreciated here. This season reminds us to pause, to be present, and to give gratitude for the journey we’re on and the community we’re building together. Thank you for showing up, sharing your words, supporting one another, and continuing to grow as poets, creatives, and business owners. May your holidays be filled with inspiration, warmth, love, and moments that refill your creative well. ✨ Enjoy today. Be present. And we’ll continue building together. ❤️ Happy Holidays to you and yours.

PBN Family! This is an important moment, and I want you to hear this clearly and with excitement! What we’re building with Poetry Business Network (PBN) and Poetry Business Institute (PBI) is entering a new phase of elevation, alignment, and execution. Up until now, we’ve focused heavily on education, mindset, and transformation... and that work has been necessary. Many of you have already experienced growth, clarity, and confidence you didn’t have before. But here’s the truth: 👉 Education without access has a ceiling. 👉 Transformation without opportunity can stall. So we’re expanding the mission. 🔁 WHAT’S SHIFTING (IN A BIG WAY) Moving forward, PBN and PBI together will not only help you become ready… we will help place you in rooms, opportunities, and relationships that matter. That means: - Not just learning how to build a poetry business - But having access to real-world opportunities - Not just talking about growth - But being connected to resources, collaborators, and decision-makers - Not just preparing for what’s next - But being activated inside a living ecosystem 🧠 THE CLEAR DISTINCTION (VERY IMPORTANT) Poetry Business Institute (PBI) PBI is the training ground. This is where you: - Learn the systems - Build the structure - Develop the mindset - Gain the skills to operate professionally PBI is about education, mastery, and transformation. Poetry Business Network (PBN) PBN is the operating system. This is where: - Opportunities flow - Contests and campaigns live - Media and visibility happen - Collaborations are curated - Organizations and partners engage - Relationships are built intentionally PBN is about application, access, and alignment. 🌍 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU This evolution means you’re no longer in a community that just says: “One day, you’ll be ready.” You’re in a network that says: “Let’s build you, then position you.” You’ll begin to see: - Sponsored poetry contests tied to real causes - Opportunities posted and curated intentionally - Media programs that feature real work being done - Clear pathways from learning → doing → earning - A structure that protects your time, talent, and energy

Everyone can complete at least 2 of these tasks! Which one have you completed and which one will you complete this week?