Meet Kiana Jackson | Spoken Word Artist & Author

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

Hi Kiana, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I would say the single most important decision I made was accepting the pros and cons to becoming a spoken word artist and just an influencer in general. It took me the longest to be okay with putting myself out there into the public to be in negative spaces. I had to first build my spiritual protection in order to not be taken back when negativity came. Because everyone has a perspective and it may not align with yours. I feel as though people get caught up in the glamor of fame without seeing the darkness of it and to be honest for me it was the opposite. I had to force myself to look at the good I could do, to the people I could uplift and become a role model for black and brown girls that wanted to become a spoken word artist and author.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am Kiana Renee also known as Craziiki, a dynamic spoken word artist who captivates audiences with a unique blend of thought-provoking poetry and powerful stage presence. Specializing in themes of philosophy, emotions, and both personal and social intellect, Drawing inspiration from the great philosophers and the intricate tapestry of human emotions, I weave poetic narratives that challenge, inspire, and resonate deeply with listeners. With each performance, I invite audiences to embark on a journey of reflection and introspection, encouraging a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, publishing two poetry books “Mature Emotions” and “Mature Actions” in my “Mature” trilogy.
For me, the sensation of being “exposed” was linked to doubting my own qualifications and feeling out of place in certain settings also known as imposter syndrome. To combat this, I began by envisioning how someone with the necessary experience might act. By emulating those behaviors and embodying the traits I admired, I tapped into the confidence and abilities I had within me all along.
This approach allowed me to gradually realize that I truly belonged in those spaces. As I continued to practice these attributes, my initial fears of being a fraud diminished, and I embraced my rightful place in my professional environment. By acknowledging and harnessing my inner strengths, I was able to quiet the doubts and fully participate in my own success.
Through my poetry, I seek to unravel the mysteries of our inner worlds and the society we inhabit. I believe in the transformative power of words and strive to connect with audiences on a level that transcends the superficial, fostering a shared sense of understanding and enlightenment.

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.
If my friend was coming to Raleigh, I would first checkout Morgan Street Food Hall. They have a variety of of food options and a great overall place to hangout. I would then go to House of Art, that decorates according to the season which is unique. I can always count on DJ ProfessorX to keep the music lively and fun. House of Art is my go to spot if Studio Vibes aren’t throwing one of their popular events in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to Shoutout my friends, who have always seen my potential and forced me to step into the light they knew I was. I also want to shoutout my mom, who has been my number one supporter with anything I do. She has given so much grace and patience in this time where I’m figuring out which path is going to take me to where I want to be. Shoutout to my creative writer advisor, who helped me start and craft my journey in marketing myself. Last but not least shoutout to my Craziiki followers who take part in this journey with me. You are all very much appreciated!

Website: https://theekianarenee.net

Instagram: @craziiki

Other: https://a.co/d/bOBCvXC