Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Alamrew.
Debbie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally of Ethiopian descent, I was born in London and raised between England and Nigeria. I was painfully shy as a child and always had my nose in a book. There was something supremely magical about escaping into different worlds through words. At the age of nine, I first started writing poems. I would write all the time about anything and everything. It was how I released my deepest thoughts and feelings without actually having to say anything to anyone.
My parents growing concern about my shyness led them to enroll me in the famous Sylvia Young Theater School where notable alumni include Amy Winehouse, Emma Bunton, Leona Lewis and many more. That was where I built much of the confidence that I walk in today.
Growing up in an African household I always knew there were three possible career paths; doctor, lawyer or engineer. My parents appreciated my writing gift but it was always considered a hobby. I graduated from the University of Maine School of Law and pursued a career in law, but I never stopped writing.
My love of writing eventually led me onto stages performing spoken word. That was when my true passion was ignited. There is no feeling in the world like sharing your words with a crowd and then hearing that they were inspired, moved or empowered. Here in Los Angeles, I love to perform at UnplugdLA, Da Poetry Lounge, and Tha Juice Joint just to a name a few!
I took a huge leap of Faith and made the decision to pursue my writing full time. I believe that each of us has a purpose, which is the reason we were placed on this Earth. It is up to us to discover that purpose and to walk in it.
I recently released my debut poetry book, “A Purpose Pursued Passionately is Powerful,” and it is the #1 new release on Amazon! I am currently working on a screenplay for a short film which I plan to have completed next year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the words of the late Nipsey Hussle, “the game is gonna test you, never fold. Stay ten toes down. It’s not on you, it’s in you and what’s in you, they cannot take away.”
Life is filled with trials and tribulations and not one of us is immune to that, but the triumph is in how we handle them. So yes, I have faced many struggles on my path. I think the greatest one was having someone I loved and respected a great deal try to dim my light. I learned an imperative lesson about the importance of who you keep around you and how to protect your gift.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a writer, poet, and spoken word performer. Everything I write has a purpose behind it. I am most grateful for my ability to connect with people from all walks of life through my words of love, pain, and Faith.
As a proud Ethiopian, it is especially important to me to use my writing to highlight my culture and history. The title of my book, ዓላማ, is in Amharic (one of the Ethiopian languages), and it means ‘purpose.’ My purpose is what drives every decision I make.
Pricing:
- My poetry book – A Purpose Pursued Passionately is Powerful – $14.50
https://www.amazon.com/%E1%8B%93%E1%88%8B%E1%88%9B-Purpose-Pursued-Passionately-Powerful/dp/1095564595/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=debbie+alamrew&qid=1561586719&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Contact Info:
- Website: www.debbiethewriter.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiethewriter/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiethewriter1/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/debbiealamrew
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
