We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerris “QUICKThePoet” Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerris “QUICKThePoet”, how has your pespective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance is very unique in it’s own right. When I 1st entered the live entertainment business (Est 2003-2006/Recording Artist MC & 2007-To date Professional Poet/Host/All Around live Entertainer), It were just my wife & I (2003-2008 she was my girlfriend). The 1st 5-6 years, you could literally find me performing/recording 4-7 days/nights a week at an event of some sort as an artist. On 2 occasions I literally performed 25 days in a month & on the other occasion every day in a single month. I really seized the opportunity to be heard & appreciate everyone who gave me an opportunity. The extreme hard work has truly paid off opening many doors. These days, I have been married to my girlfriend for an est. of 8 years (we’ve been together for an est. total of 16 years & counting. We have 4 beautiful daughters & my work life balance is much different. I work a normal full-time 9-5 by day in the educational field as an administrator, & work full-time LIFE job as an all around professional entertainer. I’m life honored to have grown & developed into what many regard as an up & coming version of a poetic Jay-Z (“I’m not a business man, I’m a BUSINESS man.”). He is one of my favorite all around live-entertainment entities, so I do my very best to live up to the potential of being the best version of myself possible. I owe that balance to various people in the world, especially my household (FAMILY). Now that I wear numerous new & seasoned “life hats”, I no longer have to perform 4-7 nights a week. I can respectfully be much more “selective” about where I choose to accept performances/bookings. I know from personal long time experience, WORK LIFE balance is very important. The better I manage working hard, selecting bookings, traveling & RESTING accordingly – the better everything works out in my overall lifestyle for myself & my family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I AM HONORED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL HOST, POET, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & ALL AROUND LIVE ENTERTAINER! What I believe sets me apart fr/others is my relentless all-around hardwork effort to better myself. The dream goal – is not a race for me, it is a life marathon. Becoming one of the most sought after up & coming all-around entertainers, in the FL/SE region of the U.S. is one greatest accomplishments I’ve ever achieved. I am most proud that I NEVER gave up on this dream of mine since (@ minimum) the age of 10 (3rd grade). I am an official Arts Access member (since 2015) of the world famous @BrowardCenter for the Performing Arts (FTL). I own 4 different shows ( #floetrysundays #The4thElement #ANNIFLOETRY #FLOPOCALYPSE). Successfully being able to balance (but not limited to) the following work/life experiences: I own 2 live entertainment businesses (FLO’etry FLO4Me Ent., LLC & Quick2Love Foundation, Inc), (Professional) Poet, host, Motivational Speaker, Comedian is NOT EASY. I’M IN LOVE WITH HOW I (CHOOSE TO) LIVE. Many ask me how I do it… & my response is always the same – I #KEEPGOING. It’s my primary brand hashtag of utter truth. I overcame/overcome challenges by always FINDING A WAY TO REACH THE GOAL. I have learned that the better I balance my work life, work tirelessly on my craft/business, & SURROUND MYSELF WITH THE RIGHT “POSITIVE” PEOPLE – the more I succeed achieving my dream goals. I want the world to know that I am a very humble & hard working loving person. My brand revolves around that fact & so much more. My ( #flo4me & #quick2love) brand is a life long dream career that is about helping to best enlighten, entertain & educate the world in as many ways as possible. Regardless of who you are or where you are from in the world, our brand has something positive & amazing to offer you (Artist, patron/supporter, booking agent, etc). We love to love. Unity is everything to the FLO’staff & fam’. You need us for anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out/research us @ www.flo4me.com.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If my best friend were visiting the area (S. FL) I’d make sure they did the following (in no particular order. 1. Attend the best poetic/artistic events by the best hosts/promoters (They change weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly). 2. Hit the best restaurants/Mom & Pop S. FL stops (there are MANY). 3. Hit the beach (FTL’s coast is beautiful). 4. I’d take them on a “true tour” of my city… including where I grew up (Royal Palm, Westwood Park, Larkdale, Shallow&Deepside Lauderhill, & Cambridge Square & Lauderdale Lakes). 5. Take them to all of the superb night/lounge locations in S. FL (FTL to S. Beach).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I had to choose a single person to give a very loving shout out to, it would without a doubt be my incredible wife. From day one, she has been there for me to support & push me to be the very best Husband/father…Artist/”Business”/Business Man/Human being possible. She is the most incredible Wife/Mother/”Business”/Business Women/Supporter/Guide/Human & so much else in my life. She is a vital human component to the “fuel of my personal FLO’Evolution.” So simply put, THANK YOU QUEEN B’ FOR BELIEVING IN & UNCONDITIONALLY BEING YOU TO ME! I LOVE YOU & OUR CHILDREN TO LIFE! Our dreams are continuing to soar & come true! I have very many people that I am thankful for helping me in numerous ways. There are to many to individually name that I’d love to recognize. So with that being said, to EVERYONE else globally abroad (Family, Guardians, True Friends, Coaches, Teachers, Educators, Mentors,… Hosts, Business owners, Booking Rep’s, Grade Schools, Colleges, Corporate Entities, Politicians, State Representatives, & anyone else that has ever worked with or given me any opportunity) – THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart & soul. I appreciate you all. You know who you are.

Website: www.flo4me.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quickthepoet/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerris-evans-6166b7126
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/quickthepoet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quickthepoet
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsEursd8MWOmhxxfiftWLeA

Image Credits
Norman “Chee Chee” Clarke