@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==

Over the past few years, one thing has become undeniable: The commitment, consistency, and growth of the poets inside this community have pushed us to think bigger! Therefore, we are claiming 2026 as "The Year of the POET!" As more poets around the world take action... to start the work, do the assignments, ask deeper questions, finish track 1, and build real momentum, it has become clear that what we’re building requires more capacity and space to provide more resources and opportunities for you, the poet. To continue serving poets globally, not just by educating and equipping you, but also by providing resources, opportunities, visibility, and platforms, we’re evolving how this ecosystem is structured. This evolution is because of YOU! To keep delivering at a high level and to grow what’s possible for poets everywhere, we’re expanding into a clear educational institute AND a media network. That is why the Poetry Business Institute (PBI) is being intentionally developed into more than a curriculum—it is becoming an experience... an experience where poets are not passively consuming lessons, but are being actively and interactively trained to: - think like business owners - communicate their value clearly - design services and offerings - collaborate with other poets - build sustainable systems - and operate independently and collectively PBI is where poets will be equipped to not only create—but to build, maintain, and sustain thriving Poetry Businesses in the real world. 🔹 WHY THIS MATTERS NOW We are entering a moment where poetry is no longer on the sidelines. More organizations, institutions, brands, schools, movements, and communities are turning to poetry for: - communication - storytelling - healing - education - advocacy - engagement If poets are not trained, structured, confident, and ready to respond to those opportunities with clarity and professionalism, the moment will pass them by. PBI exists to make sure that doesn’t happen.

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

Just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas... 💚♥️💚♥️🎄🎄🎄🎅🎅🤶🤶☃️☃️☃️