Meet Lawrence Williams Jr

 

We recently connected with Lawrence Williams Jr and have shared our conversation below.

Lawrence , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome still creeps into my thoughts regularly. There was a time when the negative voice inside me was louder than my own. To break free from that mindset, I started documenting every experience and challenge I faced. Sharing my journey with others, whether through writing or performing, became a way to connect with those who might relate. Stepping onto the stage was a pivotal moment—it meant confronting my fears and realizing my full potential.

For me, imposter syndrome often stemmed from comparing myself to others and questioning why my talents weren’t being recognized. “Am I not good enough?” became a familiar refrain during moments of self-doubt about achieving my goals. It wasn’t until I focused solely on my own path and stopped worrying about others that I began to make progress. I reminded myself regularly that greatness takes time and persistence. The key was to keep writing, keep pushing forward, and trust in my own journey.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I find inspiration in various aspects of life, whether real or imagined, and translate them into words that resonate universally or offer a fresh perspective through someone else’s lens. My poetry stems from personal experiences of pain or joy, each piece crafted with heartfelt sincerity and often accompanied by tears. Performing these words before an audience feels like overcoming my own insecurities—a profoundly rewarding experience second only to the love of my wife and children.

Receiving feedback from listeners who connect with my poems, expressing that they ‘get me,’ is humbling and fuels my creativity to continually explore the highs and lows of our shared human experience. As ‘Law DA poet,’ I’m a regular person who discovered my voice in the neighborhoods of North City, St. Louis. I’m committed to leaving a mark on culture through my recorded sound, with an upcoming EP release on all streaming platforms.

Additionally, I co-curate an arts show paying homage to icons who’ve shaped the artistic landscape. Our recent ‘Channel Orange’ tribute to Frank Ocean drew over 100 attendees, and this year, we’re excited to celebrate Erykah Badu’s work on August 10th at STL Artworks from 5 PM to 9 PM. The event will feature interpretations of Badu’s catalog through song, art, and poetry—a testament to the power of interdisciplinary creativity.

Being part of vibrant events like this is a true blessing, allowing me to connect with appreciators of all art forms in a meaningful space.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been instrumental in reaching where I am today. Firstly, persistence has been crucial. Consistently attending open mics, performing in front of friends and family, and sharing my work on platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been nerve-wracking but immensely rewarding. Embracing failure as part of the learning process and continually refining my craft has been pivotal.

Secondly, public speaking has been a skill I’ve cultivated, leveraging it to access new opportunities and spaces. Initially daunting, sharing personal poems on stage has allowed me to grow comfortable with vulnerability and connect with audiences authentically.

Lastly, confidence has been essential. Despite external doubts or setbacks, maintaining a steadfast belief in my creative journey has been empowering. Embracing a touch of ‘delusional’ optimism—believing in my potential even in challenging moments—has fueled my creativity.

For those starting their journey in Spoken-word , my advice is simple: persist. Keep honing your skills, finding your unique voice through consistent practice. Celebrate others’ successes, knowing your own breakthroughs are on the horizon.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has been fostering confidence within myself. As a creative professional, each performance and event has contributed to my development, allowing me to accumulate diverse knowledge and contribute meaningfully to our artistic community.

Previously, I underestimated my own thoughts, lacking self-value and stifling my personality out of fear of criticism. Embracing authenticity has been transformative; as I’ve allowed myself to flourish, my audience has grown. I’ve learned that self-love is crucial—never compromising it for anything.

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