Today we’d like to introduce you to Camari Carter Hawkins.
Camari, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began writing poetry in high school and fell in love with the written expression. Throughout college and after, I dived into spoken word and began performing at open mics. In 2014, I became a fellow in the Community Literature Initiative’s poetry publishing course. In 2016, I released my first poetry book called Death by Comb by a press in Leimert Park called World Stage Press. Shortly after, I began volunteering for the press. It was then that I gained a newfound love and appreciation for the work it takes to produce a book. In January 2019, I released a guided journal called Write Back to You. Since then, I have held several guided workshops and retreats (in-person and virtual).
In January 2021, I launched my own publishing house called Mama’s Kitchen Press which aims to publish stories that are personal, heartfelt, and intimate. The first time I ever thought about starting a press was when I attended the Association for Writers and Writers Programs Conference in 2019 in Portland, Oregon. I walked around the book fair and noticed there were over a hundred presses in attendance. I could count on one hand how many were Black and/or Brown-owned. That was a problem for me. At that moment, I thought that there needed to be more representation for us. The name of the press did not come until my grandmother’s birthday later than year. I was sitting in her kitchen with her and my mother. After talking for hours, I thought about how precious the kitchen is for many families. That is where the idea for Mama’s Kitchen Press was birthed. We have helped writers self-publish their books. We are excited to announce that we have moved to independent publishing. Our first author from our cannon is Alexander James.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. With anything you want, you have to have hunger, drive, desire, and commitment to see a thing through. Entrepreneurship can be lonely only because you have to invest time into your business and craft. Investing time often means saying no to outings, not taking long calls, and more. Finding helpful mentorship is challenging. I have had to do a lot of research and studying to get to where I am now. I am still learning. During the lonely times is when your faith and confidence have to arise. Without faith, confidence, mentorship, striving towards any career path or life path can be extremely challenging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an author, poet, and Book Doula. Many in my community know me as Book Doula because of the many years I have served helping others produce their books. I am more widely known as a writer, poet, and workshop/retreat facilitator. I am most proud of how I have and continuously finding ways to blend art and entrepreneurship. I have a strong passion for both and I refuse to separate the two. What sets me apart from others is my work ethic and hunger. If I don’t know anything, I will figure it out. That behavior often comes from not having much help or mentorship growing up. I’ve had to figure it out. Since I strongly desire to have my writings reach the masses while creating generational wealth with business, I will work hard and smart to achieve it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
L.A. is home. Born and raised. Growing up here in the 90s was magical. I love how cultural it is here. There is a palpable sense of “freedom” here that is only felt when you try to live in another state and then come back. I know the ins and outs of this city. Many are afraid this city will chew you and spit you out. I’ve been chewed up but never spit out. I love how this city made me a strong person, but I am still warm inside. What I like least about this city is the lack of space there is for homes, apartments, and rooms. Small spaces make it hard for me to create. Before, I didn’t mind small spaces, but after the pandemic lockdowns, I realized just how important it is to have space to stretch, breathe, move, create. Of course, rent is high, traffic sucks – we know these things. But I take it with stride because it’s California. Where else has beautiful weather, great cultural food, beaches, desert, and mountains?
Contact Info:
- Email: info@mamaskitchenpress.com
- Website: www.camarihawkins.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/camaricreative
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/camarihawkins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9z-_VCUHj-oGEnm67wIlvw/featured
- Other: www.mamaskitchenpress.com
Image Credits:
@achangeofartt
