We recently connected with Toi Powell and have shared our conversation below.
Toi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose felt like navigating a dark room, hands outstretched, searching for something I couldn’t name but deeply felt. There was always a fire within me—a knowing that I was meant to create something meaningful—but I couldn’t see how the scattered pieces of my life fit together. I tried everything: performing arts, design, storytelling. At the time, it felt disjointed, like grasping at straws, unsure if any of it would ever make sense. But now, looking back, I see how every success, every failure, and every detour prepared me for something far greater than I could have imagined.
My 15+ year career in project management taught me invaluable lessons—not just about leading teams or meeting deadlines, but about people. I’ve walked alongside those who work tirelessly yet feel unseen, pouring their hearts into something and wondering if it’s enough. I’ve struggled too—balancing self-doubt, burnout, and the yearning for something more fulfilling. Those experiences taught me to lead with empathy, to meet people where they are, and to help them see their potential even when they can’t.
Still, the pull of my creative spirit never left me. That calling became undeniable when I wrote “Blood of a Queen.” It wasn’t just a book—it was a revelation. I poured everything into it: writing the story, designing the cover, and planning every detail of the launch using the skills I’d refined over years. The cover—a Black woman crowned with the NYC skyline—wasn’t just art; it was a declaration of representation and empowerment. I created a soundtrack to bring the story to life, incorporated 3D-augmented designs, and even produced a documentary to capture the journey.
At BookCon in NYC, a woman saw the cover and cried, telling me she had never seen herself represented like that before. It was in her tears that I realized my stories were not just entertainment—they were healing. That moment shattered any doubts I had about my purpose. I understood then that my calling wasn’t just to tell stories; it was to make others feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Now, with my next project, “A Tale of Impossible Possibilities,” I am stepping fully into my purpose. I’ve spent years world-building, studying cultures, and recently started training in mixed martial arts to bring depth and authenticity to my characters. The spiritual discipline and resilience it demands have become as integral to my craft as the words I write. I’ve taken courses in AI design to elevate my visuals and invested in every aspect of my storytelling. This project is more than a book—it’s a movement, a call to awaken the magic within.
I want my stories to remind readers that the power they seek has always been theirs. The enemy isn’t each other; it’s a system that thrives on division, fear, and self-doubt. My work is about inspiring people to reclaim their power, awaken their potential, and see love as the ultimate force for change.
I found my purpose when I realized that every part of my life—my career, my creativity, and my struggles—was leading me to this. My stories are blueprints for hope, resilience, and love. They are tools to heal, to inspire, and to guide others to the truth: that love conquers all. I want my readers to see that they’ve had the power all along—that their magic lies in their blood, their culture, their stories, and their resilience. Every story I write, every world I build, is a library of wisdom for the next generation.
I want to train up Spirit Warriors—healers, creators, and visionaries—who will carry this message forward: Love is the light that heals what is broken, transforms what feels impossible, and awakens the extraordinary within us all.
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’m Toi Powell, the visionary creator behind the Blood of a Queen trilogy, available on Amazon and major book platforms. My creative journey started way back in grade school, where I jumped into every art class I could, all the way through high school. A defining moment for me came when I won the Congressional Art Award—a moment I’ll never forget. My painting was displayed in the Hall of Congress, and I had the honor of receiving the award from my congressman in New Jersey. That experience lit a fire in me and set the stage for the artist I’ve become today.
From there, I earned a degree in Visual Communications, learning to bridge traditional art with modern digital design—skills that now shape everything I create. But my artistry didn’t stop there. Music has been woven into my life from the very beginning. I first fell in love with rhythm, harmony, and storytelling in my grandparents’ Pentecostal church in Jamaica, NY. Those Sunday mornings taught me the power of song and the joy of sharing my voice—something that continues to inspire every story I tell and every project I pursue.
Music is still a huge part of my creative expression. In 2023, my husband and I celebrated our love by creating and releasing an album, “Love, Forever and Always,” as a digital wedding favor for our guests and the world. Singing, rapping, and simply having fun, we turned that project into a joyful celebration of love. It was freeing, soulful, and something we’ll treasure forever. You can stream it now on all major platforms!
In addition to my creative work, I’m honored to be a Brand Ambassador for Donna’s Recipe Hair Care, created by Emmy Award-Winning and New York Times Best-Selling Author Tabitha Brown. Supporting a brand built on love, authenticity, and self-care feels like such a natural fit for me as a creator and storyteller.
On the professional side, I bring over 15 years of experience as a Project Management Leader in Digital Advertising. Managing creative projects is what I do for a living, but it’s also what I bring to my art—guiding ideas from concept to completion, making sure every detail shines. I also consult with other artists who need help getting their projects off the ground. There’s something so rewarding about helping others bring their creative visions to life.
Right now, I’m pouring my heart into my latest project, A Tale of Impossibilities. This book, for readers of all ages, follows the journey of a dreamer who dares to dream the impossible. It’s a story of self-discovery, creativity, and hope—one I believe will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a spark of imagination in their soul. This book is the genesis of my legacy project, which will fully unfold in 2025. I can’t wait to take readers to unseen worlds, introduce them to unheard tribes, and share stories that stretch the imagination in ways they’ve never experienced.
To make this project shine, I’ve been leveling up my skills by diving into AI design courses taught by industry leaders and taking creative writing programs led by New York Times Best-Selling Authors. I’m excited to bring all these tools together for a dynamic launch next spring, creating a truly immersive experience full of stunning visuals and powerful storytelling.
On a personal level, I’ve been pushing my boundaries like never before. In April 2024, I started training in mixed martial arts, and it has been life-changing. I train 2-3 times a week, earning my Orange Belt and now working toward my Green Belt. The bruises, the pain, and the challenges have been tough, but they’ve taught me resilience and pushed me to write from a place of raw, honest authenticity. My stories now explore combat, philosophy, mythology, fantasy, and spirituality in ways that feel more alive than ever.
This past year has been about stepping into my purpose fully—leaning into my creativity, trusting my voice, and embracing everything I’m passionate about. My soul’s purpose is clear: to awaken the spirit warrior within us all through creativity and spiritual connectedness.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on crafting art that inspires, heals, and brings hope. Whether it’s through my books, my music, or the stories I tell, I want to push creative boundaries and leave something meaningful behind.
You can follow my journey—my storytelling, AI design work, and creative projects—on @nexuscreativelab on X and Instagram, or visit ToiPowell.com. My work is a celebration of creativity, love, and imagination, and I’m so excited to continue sharing it with the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities and skills in my journey have been creativity, discipline, and adaptability.
Creativity: My ability to approach storytelling and art from a unique, multidimensional perspective has been the cornerstone of my success. From winning a Congressional Art Award in grade school to blending visual art, music, and technology into my work, creativity has allowed me to build immersive and engaging experiences. My advice for those early in their journey is to nurture your creativity relentlessly—experiment with new mediums, take risks, and don’t be afraid to step outside conventional boundaries. Creativity thrives when you allow yourself to explore and stay curious.
Discipline: Managing creative projects—both personally and professionally—requires strong discipline. My 15+ years as a Project Management Leader in Digital Advertising taught me the importance of seeing projects through from concept to completion. Whether it’s writing a book, producing an album, or launching a new project like A Tale of Impossibilities, staying organized and committed to each step of the process has been critical. For those starting out, I recommend building strong habits: set clear goals, establish deadlines, and hold yourself accountable. Treat your art or projects with the same dedication you would a professional role.
Adaptability: The world of art, technology, and storytelling is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt has kept my work innovative and fresh. From integrating AI design and 3D technology into my creative projects to exploring new hobbies like mixed martial arts, I continually challenge myself to learn and grow. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to invest in learning—whether it’s enrolling in courses, collaborating with others, or embracing new tools and skills. Adaptability allows you to evolve, stay relevant, and push the boundaries of your craft.
Advice for Others:
Start by identifying your strengths and areas of passion. Be intentional about developing your skills through practice, learning, and mentorship. Surround yourself with inspiring people—those who challenge and encourage you. Most importantly, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Stay patient, consistent, and open to growth.
When you combine creativity, discipline, and adaptability, you create a foundation for success that can withstand challenges and propel you forward. Trust in your vision, embrace the process, and never stop learning.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has been my ability to fully embrace my creative path with intention, consistency, and fearless determination. I made a conscious choice to show up for my art—to share it boldly, pursue it intentionally, and honor the creative fire within me.
This journey required me to push past my own boundaries, both mentally and physically. Training in mixed martial arts became a profound metaphor for life and creativity. The pain, the bruises, and the injuries were not setbacks but stepping stones—reminders that growth often emerges from struggle. Those moments of discomfort became a wellspring of inspiration, pushing me to write and create from a place of raw authenticity. I learned to transform those challenging experiences into storytelling that resonates on a deeper, emotional, and spiritual level.
Through this process, my confidence blossomed. I began to trust my voice, believe in my creative vision, and let go of the fear holding me back. I became hyper-focused on my path, surrendering to the vast and boundless space of my creativity. There, surrounded by every passion I hold dear—art, music, writing, philosophy, and spirituality—I unearthed a deeper purpose: to awaken the spirit warrior within us all through creativity and spiritual connectedness.
This past year has taught me that true growth lies in leaning into discomfort, trusting the process, and courageously embracing the unknown. It is in those moments of free-fall—where fear and doubt dare to hold us back—that we find our greatest breakthroughs. By embracing my passions fully and showing up for myself with unwavering faith, I have experienced the transformative power of art to heal, inspire, and connect us all on a profound level.
The beauty of this journey is that it isn’t just mine—it’s available to anyone willing to step into their own vast creative space. Art, in all its forms, holds the key to awakening our spirits, unlocking our purpose, and bringing light to the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toipowell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toipowell
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheToiHouse
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiPowell
- Other: https://linktr.ee/toipowell
https://www.instagram.com/nexuscreativelab
https://x.com/nexuscreativelab
Image Credits
Toi Powell – Image Credits
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