Natasha Nicole
Welcome One Welcome All
I’m Natasha Nicole, a word stylist, author, motivational speaker, and an encourager to all.
Whether you’ve come here out of sheer curiosity or with intent, why not stay a while and do a little exploring.
To learn more about me jump down to the “This Is Me” section. If you’re in the mood for some light reading, you can check out my blog, “Thangs to Think On” or tune into my podcast, “Grown Folk Talk with Natasha Nicole”. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy your time here and come back again (and again, and again, and again).
This Is Me
So, what does a former teenage mom, domestic abuse survivor, and voluptuous queen have to say? A lot!
Where do I begin? Well, I guess I can start by telling you that I’m an extrovert. I’m loud, opinionated, talkative, sassy, bold (some may even say brazen), creative, daring, and flawed. Yes, I said flawed. It may seem strange that I would tell you such a thing during our first introduction. I mean, shouldn’t I be putting my best foot forward? Shouldn’t I say all the right things to make you want to stay on my website, and not click out of it? Well, I’m sorry, but not sorry to tell you I have no hidden agendas or false pretenses. THIS IS ME. I put my truth out there for all to see, hear, and read because I strongly believe my testimony and experiences can help others.
So, if you’re still here with me, keep scrolling. And if you want to learn even more and dive a little deeper into my life history, then click on the button below.
Smooches ?
The Evolution of Natasha Nicole
Everybody has a story, and while mine is still being written, here’s a snapshot of my evolution
1982-2022
1982
- Formed an unbreakable bond with my imagination and began writing and storytelling
- Discovered Dr. Seuss books and rhyme scheme
1983
- Discovered Shel Silverstein’s book, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”, and became an instant poetry fan
- Wrote my first poem
- Introduced to the world of performing arts
1986
- Got one of my poems published in school literary magazine (I thought I was big time at this point)
1990
- Without even trying I landed the role as “Mama” in Lorraine Hansberry’s, A Raisin in the Sun, and debuted in my first play, launching my acting and theater career
1991
- Became a mother to Quianna Shaniece
1994
- Became a mother again to Frankie Keon
2006
- Obtained my associate degree in Fashion Design
- Started a 9-year career as an elementary and middle school educator
2010
- Married Byron
- (Divorced 2022)
2015
- Started Artfelt Words, a customized poetry and inspirational word art business
2016
- Obtained my bachelor’s degree in English
2018
- Became a Gigi to Austin Bernard
2019
- Wrote and published my first poetry book, “Color the World with You” (WOOT WOOT)
2020
- Wrote and published an adult coloring book, “The Creator’s Purpose: A Collection of Creations”
- Launched my blog, Thoughts and Talks with Tasha on free WordPress site.
2021
- Obtained my master’s degree in Critical and Creative Thinking
2022
- Launched Grown Folk Talk with Natasha Nicole podcast
I Am…
A Believer
A believer in what? That’s the question I usually get asked when I make that statement. Quick answer: I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I also believe that God loves me more than I could ever comprehend and consistently shows me favor and grace far beyond what I deserve.
A Word Stylist
Just like “Conjunction Junction”, I put together clauses and phrases. I design words of art for personal, professional, and academic purposes.
A mother
It’s almost corny and definitely cliché to say your child is the most beautiful, most handsome, most talented, intelligent, humorous. etc. BUT…mine are. They are two of my best creations.
A Visionary
I’ve always been a dreamer, literally and metaphorically, and my imagination has been my ride and die since I was 5 years old; together, we’re shaking up this world.
A Gigi
Okay, so call me the cliché queen right now because I really do have the most adorable, sweetest, and smartest grandson on this friggin planet! I was established a Gigi (grandmother) in 2018 when my first grandson Austin was born.
A Change Agent
While some people are compliant with chaos, I am not. While some people are okay with being a bystander during unjust situations, I am not. And while some people are quiet, shy, and reserved…I just ain’t that girl. I arrest chaos, demand justice, and live loudly. I change atmospheres wherever I go.
Play my theme song
Cause every wonderfully made chick needs her own theme music
What Color are You?
So here’s the thing, none of us are made up of just one identity. Take me for example, I’m not just a woman, I’m a black woman, a Christ representative, a mother, a grandmother, etc.
Just as we’re made up of multiple identities, we have various colorful traits that reflect those identities as well. For fun, check out the colors below and see which one best describes you. You might be surprised…
Red
You are bold and daring, vivacious and confident. You’re fueled with passion like a burning fire that refuses to be extinguished. You seize opportunities and are not easily swayed or afraid of a challenge.
Blue
You are calm and peaceful. You can find the quiet in any storm and walk with such serenity everywhere you go. You’re trusting like a small child and can easily forgive others, for you choose to see the goodness in people despite how well they try to hide it.
Yellow
You are optimistic and full of hope. You possess a youthful heart and amazing energy. Regardless of how dark things appear to be, you believe that a brighter day is always around the corner.
Green
You are secure in the skin you’re in and possess a healthy concept of who you are even when others try to tell you differently. You recognize that God has already chosen you to be great, and therefore your validation lies in His hands and not in man’s.
Orange
You are a cheerleader for people of all kind and continuously encourage everyone to go for their gold. You are excited about life and enthusiastic about every outcome, no matter how big or small it may be.
Purple
You have great compassion for others even when compassion is not reciprocated to you. By nature, you are empathetic and can easily tune into other’s feelings.
Pink
You are extremely helpful and selfless. You are quick to put someone’s needs before your own. You receive great joy from watching other people’s dreams become reality and rarely complain when your own expectations are not met.
Thangs to Think On
Besides in my head and heart, this is the other place where my thoughts are stored. Feel free to venture through the Archives to find previous blog posts. I’m sure you’ll find something that sparks your interest…
“It takes more courage to be yourself, than to be just like everyone else.” - Natasha Nicole
Hey y’all! Listen in on my podcast Grown Folk Talk with Natasha Nicole. A conversational podcast that discusses life, in all its facets – the twists…the turns…the trials…and the triumphs. Occasionally, I’ll be joined by other grown folks for intriguing conversations, as we share our thoughts and life experiences to inform, encourage, and inspire you.
So, click the button and let’s go be grown.
“Don't be discouraged by what you can't do, be encouraged by what you've already done.” - Natasha Nicole
The Poet’s Corner
So, here’s where you get a sampling of a couple of my creative works and learn a little bit more about how my mind ticks.
D.A.S.H
I’m daring to aspire for something higher than the average life I’ve lived.
Something has changed within me
and I can no longer give
mediocrity a space to dwell.
You see,
at one point I used to be
unaware of my identity,
but now I boldly confess,
I am a child of the King.
Therefore, only the best is reserved for me.
I’m not saying this to be
haughty or pompous,
I just have confidence in who my father is.
No longer will I settle for scraps
when I have a seat at the table.
No longer will I beg for bread
when I know He’s able
to supply my every need, desire, or care.
I am an heir,
joined with Christ,
sharing in His glory as well as in His plights.
Playing it small doesn’t suit the call
on my life,
So,
no
longer will I dim my light.
I suggest covering your eyes
if you think I’m too bright.
I’m daring to aspire for something higher
than the world’s view of success.
For in the kingdom, the race isn’t given to the swift or the best,
but to those who endure to the end.
therefore, even with a slow stride,
you can still win.
And falling doesn’t disqualify you,
just get up and start again.
So, I’m dashing towards the finish line,
wearing blinders on my eyes
to hide
attractive distractions
that are counterfeits for the real prize.
I’m dashing past people’s perceptions of who I am.
I’ve cut those strings that used to make me dance.
I’m dashing past rejection and heartbreak that
kept me depressed.
I’m dashing past insecurities and doubts that
left me stressed.
I’m refusing
Confusion
and I won’t remain imprisoned by lies.
I’m dashing towards a new me
who is spiritually free
and living life alive.
Say My Name
As a little girl, I tried to find me in a sea
of the familiar, the known,
most common, and usual.
No need to look for “Shameeka”
on a key chain or framed
in a plastic name plate,
that wasn’t going to happen.
“How do you spell that? S-H-A…” Forget it.
It’s simpler to hire the one with the name
that’s easier to say
than one who really knows the game
and studied just the same, if not harder
to get a little recognition.
I figured out that no matter what,
There’ll still be doubts, questions about
my worth and intellect.
My skills are always subject
to a measurement taken with biased tape,
rendering metrics that perpetuate
the whitening of my resume.
Katherine DeChelle’s research has shown
that if I delete racial cues to my identity,
be more of them and less of me, then
I’ll have a better shot at landing an interview. So,
I’ll omit my membership at the
National Urban League, and I’ll keep
the black silent when listing any minority
organization, so as to avoid association with my race.
All this to get in the door
before
they can see my face.
The Breakup
For 37 years I’ve been in a dysfunctional marriage with you,
You’ve controlled and ruled
everything I do
All my actions, and thoughts
have been centered around what you
taught
me
I’ve been so blinded by love,
that every time I’ve tried to leave,
you would persuade me
to stay.
You’d say
you needed me, and desperate me
needed to be
needed…
Though this marriage was
never ordained
I’ve remained
being a discontent, yet devoting spouse
always struggling to sift out
truth from your lies.
But I can’t stay here anymore
this place, this space that
consumes joy.
I can no longer feel heavy burdens of anxiety
because you’ve convinced me,
no one else will ever love me like you do,
no one else will see me as a treasure,
so I’ll forever
have to be your trash.
I have to go, and I’m sorry,
But really I’m not,
Cause I’ve allowed you to take a lot
from me.
However, this time,
no sweet words will stop my procession,
I’m leaving with my dignity
and a lifetime of lessons.
And I’m not a vengeful person,
so perhaps it would be best
if I left
you unnamed,
and spared you the shame
of being labeled a phoney
only…
I really don’t care
about your feelings
at this present time,
other women need to know
about your charming disguise.
So,
Rejection Abandonment Jones
I am no longer yours!
I’m signing the papers,
dotting every I
and crossing every T,
the Judge will rule in my favor,
declaring me free.
Adios.
Arrivederci.
Sayonara.
Adieu.
It’s such a sweet joy to finally say
goodbye to you.
This poem was written shortly after George Floyd’s murder. With so many emotions floating around within me, I didn’t quite know what to say, so I picked up my pen and let my heart speak, this is what she said…
Customized Poetry
If you’re looking for a perfect gift for that friend or loved one, look no further than within your heart. With my assistance I will use your words (and my own) to craft a beautiful, one of a kind poem, customized to perfectly fit whoever you want to give it to. For an added touch of art and beauty, provide me with a few photos. Check out some examples below.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” - Joseph Campbell
My Creative Works
Looking for words of inspiration and encouragement to hang on your wall, or greeting cards with a poetic flair, then get to clicking and head over to the Artfelt Words shop.
01
The Creator’s Purpose is an adult coloring book containing a collection of inspiring poems and illustrations. Each poem is artistically written to capture the beauty and wonder of the world and everything in it.
02
Color the World with You
Color the World with You is a compilation of free-thought prose and poetry. Written with character, sass, and slight humor, this little book covers topics relevant to the human spirit, including love, heartbreak, and faith. Its words are purposely crafted to speak to people in whatever season they may be in life, and however far along they may be on their Christian journey.
Book Excerpt -“Wait for the Cake”
When I was a little girl, my grandmother always baked cakes. There didn’t have to be reason. Maybe the sun was out, and she felt the need to whip some batter in a mixing bowl and bless us all. Chocolate cakes, vanilla cakes, pound cakes…the list could gon on. And I’m not talking Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker, people. Ogreathea Daisy (my grandmama) used to make these babies from scratch. Now occasionally she would use a boxed cake mix if she didn’t feel like “really getting down and dirty”, but even when she did, she would put her own spin on it…
Book Excerpt -“Sticks and Stones”
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.
That’s a lie, an unintentional lie, but a lie still the same. Perhaps the writer of that nursery rhyme didn’t quite undestand the power of words. While the bruising and pain that sticks and stones cause will eventually heal and go away, the pain that words cause can last for a lifetime…
Etsy Shop
Visit my Etsy shop, Artfelt Words, to grab these word-art posters and greeting cards
Let’s Stay in Touch
Hey now!!! I’m always interested in reading people’s comments, questions, and thoughts about my posts or life in general. Since you like to talk, and I like to listen, let’s stay in touch. Please complete this simple contact form or if you prefer, shoot me an email.
Collaborations & Engagements
What?! You want me to speak at and/or perform spoken word at your next event? I am so flattered! Please tell me more about your event and I will get back to you soon.
Please allow 2-3 business days for a reply. I’m super excited for the opportunity to learn more about you and your project and possibly work together in the near future.