Meet LATONIA SMITH | POET, ARTHUR,HOST AND A&R REP, CREATER OF PODCAST, SPEAKER FOR THE CULTURE,

We had the good fortune of connecting with LATONIA SMITH and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LATONIA, how does your business help the community?
Through my poetry, events, and platforms, I give people a space to feel seen, heard, and healed. My work blends sensuality with emotional truth—breaking taboos, sparking honest conversations, and inspiring people to embrace their authentic selves. Whether it’s mentoring artists, creating safe spaces for expression, or telling stories that touch the soul, I’m helping build a community where art is therapy and connection is power.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is about raw truth, sensuality, and emotional depth. I blend erotic poetry, spoken word, and storytelling in a way that speaks to both the body and the soul. What sets me apart is authenticity—I don’t follow trends or create for attention. I create to connect, to heal, and to provoke thought and feeling. Every performance, poem, and podcast episode is designed to leave people feeling seen, understood, and empowered.

I’m most proud of my consistency and the community I’ve built. I’ve helped other poets find their voices, created spaces for authentic expression, and cultivated audiences who are hungry for real, unfiltered art. I’m excited about the future—projects like Whispers & Wounds and submitting my book Cross Roads as a screenplay are ways I’m expanding my voice and impact.

My journey hasn’t been easy. Chronic illness, heartbreak, and navigating a world that often undervalues erotic poetry created challenges, both personally and professionally. I learned to rest without guilt, trust my vision, and show up even when it felt impossible. The biggest lesson is that authenticity and perseverance always win.

I want the world to know that my brand isn’t just about eroticism or entertainment—it’s about healing, empowerment, and connection. I’m here to challenge norms, give voice to what’s often silenced, and inspire people to embrace their full, unapologetic selves. I’m more than moans and metaphors—I’m a movement, a guide, and a storyteller who believes in the transformative power of truth.”**

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & Vibes

Check-in: Boutique hotel or waterfront Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Miami.

Lunch: Coconuts (Fort Lauderdale) — fresh seafood with waterfront views.

Afternoon: Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard — galleries, local shops, street performers.

Evening: Drinks at The Riverside Market rooftop lounge — cocktails, city views, and live music.

Night: Hit a local poetry open mic or spoken word event (maybe a taste of “Spit Don’t Swallow” vibes).

Day 2: Beach & Culture

Morning: Breakfast at Bakers’ Brew (local café with artisanal pastries).

Daytime: Fort Lauderdale Beach — relax, people-watch, maybe some water sports.

Lunch: Grab fresh poke bowls or tacos at Shuckers Waterfront.

Afternoon: Explore NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale or Wynwood Walls (Miami) for street art immersion.

Dinner: Coyo Taco in Wynwood — casual, flavorful, with a fun atmosphere.

Night: Rooftop bar hopping in Wynwood — meet locals and creatives.

Day 3: Adventure & Excitement

Morning: Airboat tour in the Everglades — wildlife, adventure, and photo ops.

Lunch: Robert Is Here — iconic fruit stand, smoothies, and local treats.

Afternoon: Kayaking or paddleboarding along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Evening: Dinner at Komodo Miami — Asian fusion + vibrant nightlife energy.

Night: Check out E11EVEN Miami for a high-energy, unforgettable club experience.

Day 4: Local Flavor & Creativity

Morning: Brunch at The Salty Donut — artisanal donuts, coffee.

Daytime: Explore Little Havana, get mojitos, Cuban coffee, and check out Calle Ocho art & music.

Afternoon: Attend a local live jazz or spoken word show — intimate and inspiring.

Dinner: Ball & Chain in Little Havana — live music, Latin cuisine, historic vibes.

Night: Salsa dancing, live music, and connecting with locals.

Day 5: Shopping & Wellness

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel or All Day café.

Daytime: Visit Lincoln Road Mall for boutique shopping and people-watching.

Afternoon: Spa day or floating therapy for self-care vibes.

Dinner: Joe’s Stone Crab — iconic and indulgent.

Night: Casual drinks at a speakeasy — maybe Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. for craft cocktails.

Day 6: Outdoor Fun & Exploration

Morning: Bike ride or walk along Miami Beach Boardwalk.

Daytime: Art Deco Historic District tour + photo ops.

Lunch: Beachside café — fresh seafood and tropical drinks.

Afternoon: Jet ski or boat tour — water adventure with city skyline views.

Dinner: Trendy Miami spot like KYU — Asian-inspired cuisine with creative flavors.

Night: Attend a live poetry, burlesque, or cabaret show — raw, authentic, and unforgettable.

Day 7: Farewell & Reflection

Morning: Brunch at Greenstreet Café (Fort Lauderdale) — casual, filling, and perfect for conversation.

Afternoon: Walk along the beach or visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for nature and art.

Evening: Sunset drinks at a rooftop lounge — reflecting on the week, sipping cocktails, soaking in vibes.

Night: Optional casual nightcap — favorite bar discovered during the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I’m grateful for. Thank you to OTS Media for allowing me to be part of their platform. To everyone who believed in my vision and offered a helping hand—your support means the world. To the artists who inspire me every day, I wouldn’t be who I am or who I’m becoming without you. And to those who told me to keep going, your encouragement keeps my fire alive.