We’re looking forward to introducing you to CaTyra Polland. Check out our conversation below.
CaTyra, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Right now, I’m wandering. I am doing the things that I love but not as often as I’d like. I’m still tied to some things out of obligation/necessity such as working a full-time job that isn’t fulfilling. It’s a balancing act between doing what I love and tolerating things that I don’t enjoy. My moments of joy include launching community programs, working with authors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. Wandering can sometimes be uncomfortable but as I long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other I’ll get to my final destination, exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
CaTyra Polland, M.A. is a modern-day Renaissance woman, an award-winning entrepreneur, author, editor, poet, and international speaker. In 2017, she founded Love for Words, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certified editing and copywriting company. She transforms underdeveloped manuscripts, web copy, reports, presentations, and documents into polished works ready for publication. She elevates brands and resonates with their audience, ensuring an enhanced reader experience. As a thought leader in literacy advocacy, she shares her insights through speaking engagements such as the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) Annual Conference.
Recognizing a gap in exposure and appreciation for Black authors, CaTyra established National Black Authors Day, which is celebrated annually on May 4th, starting in 2023. She also founded the Literacy Love Scholarship for high school students in Rochester, NY, and previously hosted Writers Paradise, a forum for writers and authors. Additionally, she is the mastermind behind the inaugural 2025 Editors Calendar and the magazine Write, Wine & Quarantine.
CaTyra has received several awards and honors, including an Urban League of Rochester Legacy Honoree, an ATHENA International Finalist, a Rochester Business Journal Elevating Women Honoree, a Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, an ACES Richard S. Holden Fellow, and a National Point of Light Honoree.
Love for Words is a copywriting and editing agency that specializes in line and developmental editing for self-published authors, businesses, and organizations.
Mission: To write and edit content that is honest and authentic while providing tough love and guidance to each client we serve.
Vision: A community of writers, businesses, and creatives empowered by our craft, their narratives strengthened by our insight, and their messages resonating with credibility and influence.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Being a childfree woman. I’m expecting my first child. I’m nervous but excited for this new chapter.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I started using my pain as power when I started writing my first book of poetry. I wrote about personal experiences, which was therapeutic. I also started therapy as an adult, which was empowering. I became comfortable talking about my trauma and learning how to deal with my pain, overcome challenges, and reprogram my thinking and reactions. Poetry and therapy helped me identify my harmful behaviors and negative thoughts. With this awareness and can re-direct myself to make better decisions.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Being reliable/dependable
Organization
Clarity
Honesty
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace at home. I can relax, do as I please, and indulge in whatever my heart desires.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.love4words.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catyrapolland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveforwordsediting
Image Credits
Jackie Photography
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