KATRINA T. SMITH, A Voice That Just Had To Be Heard

For those that don't already know, there's a new poet in town and she goes by the name Katrina Smith. From her powerful spoken word to her unforgettable artwork, Ms. Smith is an artist you don't want to miss. With her art, she has the uncanny ability to touch hearts, make you think, and motivate you to change your life for the better. Please see Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Ms. Katrina Smith below:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

It Just Had To Be Heard uses the healing power of the arts to touch and inspire the lives of men, women, and children. This unique power combines the art of poetry with artwork, music, and performing arts. Our mission is to provide exclusive spoken art with fine quality at an affordable price. We seek to build a network of elite artists. It Just Had To Be Heard seeks to enlighten, strengthen, and challenge our world to receive a spiritual relationship with God. We strive to build a deep reverence of all nationalities. It Just Had To Be Heard embraces unity and promotes empowerment and true knowledge of self. 

Our work is displayed by open performances, vending, hosting home-shows, writing poetry books, producing spoken word CD’s and t-shirts, creating customized poems, motivational speaking, and teaching others through the art of poetry.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

I am a highly gifted poet. I have been writing poetry for 19 years now. What was once my release became my ministry? I am an educator at heart. I received my bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and psychology. In 2010, I received my master’s degree in education administration to become a principal. I am a motivational speaker, author, playwright, and performing arts specialist.

No, this is not the first time that I have owned and operated my own business. I also have a girls and boys program called Raising Young Ladies and Men. With this program I am contracted out to various organizations that seek to empower their youth, especially at-risk youth.

It Just Had To Be Heard has been officially open since 2007.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business?

My passion for helping, healing, inspiring, and challenging others motivated me to start It Just Had To Be Heard. This business felt more like a calling than just a choice. At first, my audience desired my poems after performing so I wanted to give them the opportunity to have my poems.  However being creative, as I am, I wanted to add a picture to speak visually what the poem was saying literally and thus I created spoken art.

AGS: Where did the name come from?

Being a spoken word artist with a powerful voice and message that transforms and embraces our world’s reality, I clearly knew that no matter what poem I have or deliver It Just Had To Be Heard. I wanted a name that illustrated the raw, unadulterated truth of God. I wanted a name that didn’t sugarcoat, but rather always kept it real. These messages need to be heard throughout the world.  I tell you I have a word and It Just Had To Be Heard.

AGS: In your own words, what makes your spoken word unique?

My spoken word uses everyday language so that understanding is clear for all and is targeted for all. My spoken word is down to earth, it is real. My spoken word combines stories and real life issues with a message intended to heal, to build, and to instill a word that transforms the old into the new. If you are searching, seeking, questioning, and yearning to discover and acquire more then I’m sure It Just Had To Be Heard is what you have been waiting for.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

When launching my business I faced the challenge of creating an online spoken art gallery the meets my creative yet secure ideas and vision. Actually, I am still in the process of launching my online store. I also faced the challenge of discovering and searching for talented artists. I am always seeking artists to submit their work, please feel free to email me at itjusthadtobeheard@yahoo.com or contact me at (609) 610-0703. I am always seeking an agent, creative manager, and customers looking for a fresh talent such as myself that has not been seen in years.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

My greatest advertisement and promotion of my business is by word of mouth from previous and new clients. Vending and performing at various locations and numerous events and shows greatly enhance my advertisement and promotion as well. I also advertise and promote my business when giving the opportunity in newspapers, radio talk shows, and now online thanks to Trentonian.Com. 

AGS:Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

I have not truly embraced the power of internet marketing actually; Trentonian.Com is the first internet marketing experience for my business. I want to reach a larger market and I believe the Internet can help It Just Had To Be Heard reach higher levels. I am very interested in learning more about internet marketing.

AGS: Being that you’re an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

I have several key quotes that I use.

• 1.      Nothing is going to happen to me that the Lord and I can’t handle.
• 2.      Each day, compel yourself to do something you would rather not do.
• 3.      The greatest achievement in life is to stand up again after failing.
• 4.      Your heart will always make itself known through your words.
• 5.      Failure is the mother of success.
• 6.      Everybody loves progress but nobody likes change.
• 7.      Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.
• 8.      I have to stay focused and keep my eyes on the prize.

AGS: Is there any one piece of advice you would give to anyone thinking of opening their own business?

• Never Give Up
• Keep moving ahead
• Never give up no matter what others said
• Never give up for your dreams are bound to come true
• Never give up loving you
• Never give up

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Yes

AGS: Thank you very much for your time. 

A copy of Katrina's book It Just Had To Be Heard: Seeking The Spiritual Blueprint For Your Life can be found at http://www.Xlibris.com

Her CD We Are At War can be found at http://cdbaby.com

You can purchase Katrina's art directly by contacting her via email at itjusthadtobeheard@yahoo.com or you can simply call her at (609) 610-0703. She also does performances. Her performance fee starts at $100.

*AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy*