Hi! I’m Zena. I’m a Poet and
Founder, of Poets Built It.
Poets Built It Online Community is a Celebration Offering to Poets and Spoken Word Artists worldwide. It is an opportunity to be together in one place, be inspired, and look out on the world with the ‘clearest poetic lens’ possible. It is a a space for joy in the craft of writing, reading and performing poetry and spoken word.
Taking It Seriously 🧐
‘Poetizing’ is a serious business. It taxes your mind, your wallet your emotional and physical energy. I created Poets Built It to unpack the complex emotions I had around being a ‘Poetpreneur’.
1993, I had my first paid poetry gig with Apples and Snakes poetry organisation and now I am the lead artist, creative, strategic and programming director of Poets Built It Online Community. Thank you Apples and Snakes!🙏🏾
To get to this place, I had to deep dive into the craft of writing, immerse in a way I never thought could happen.
When earning a living became difficult I had to stay encouraged to experiment with my practice as a poet and have honest sometimes very difficult conversations around the business of poetry.
My facilitation practices across all ages groups internationally has taught informed me of the many varied and multifaceted needs of poets and spoken word artists - from hobbyist writers to seasoned academics.
What was evident and important was tracking the arc of the journey in to longevity and sustainability… AND creating community moments where audience and room full of participants, student and pupils were empowered by the poetic word.
Poets Built It was born a long time ago.
And it is with immense gratitude, say to Apples and Snake poetry organisation, thank you for your continued support since December 2022 in bringing Poets Built It to manifestation.
here is so much to look forward to with Poetry and the spoken word scene going through a huge shift in 2025.
I invite whoever has the vision for thriving, dynamic, inclusive and outstanding community of literary genius to join Poets Built It Online Community.
~ Zena ~
