Meet Hattie Mae Williams | Time Keeper, Business Owner & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hattie Mae Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hattie Mae, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I think about the word risk, I think about taking chances, being exposed, showing vulnerability, or playing with danger. In my personal life and career I’ve always partnered with risk, it is one of the things that keeps me true to myself and imagination. Unfortunately because of systems and oppressive teachings we all have been indoctrinated into, most of us operate in a very safe normalized fashion. Because of this, somewhat simple acts such as honestly expressing yourself, creating art and worlds, and loving unapologetically is actually risky behavior! The word risk, success and balance is constantly changing for me as I develop and redefine what is important to me. The main role risk has played in my life and career where it has served my higher self is when I’ve detached myself from an unhealthy behavior, relationships, characters, or narratives. Our brains are tricky! The brain will tell you “oh no don’t change.” Its the familiar, known, expected…the brain will tell you its dangerous to listen to your intuition and the body’s signals. I have learned and relearned time and time again, that a woman who listens to the elements, her body, and the spirit realm is seen as a risk for those who stand for domination in a world that truly only thrives when in alliance with all things human and non human.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
First and foremost I am a Mother, and feel like even before I had kids I was a Mama. What I mean by this is, I’ve always been creating and dreaming up a dance, a community, birthing a collective, and tending the soil for a new way of interacting in the world. For decades my art has been expressed through dance, choreography, film, and social justice. I moved to New York when I was eighteen and attended College at Alvin Ailey/ Fordham University where I received my BFA. Not long after graduation I was in the hustle and bustle of NYC. Dancing for companies, films, TV, started my own dance company The Tattooed Ballerinas, taught classes in multiple states, did theater productions, lights, you name it I did it, and did it for fifteen years in the big apple. Later I received my Masters from Goddard University in Interdisciplinary Arts. I got to where I am professionally today by always practicing my craft and having an amazing group of friends who believed in my vision enough to help it come alive. I also know that I got to where I am today by burning a lot of bridges and walking away from many so called “opportunities.” Though in my younger life I may have lacked the tact to leave situations gracefully, this way of moving has saved me many times from going down a wrong path. Looking back on the road to my professional success, it was a mix of smooth sailing and hard bumps & challenges. I think so many of us are taught that it’s not easy to reach success or the lush life you imagine to be, so in turn we make things hard for ourselves. In retrospect things didn’t need to be so labored but I made them so. When I had a clear vision and goals success usually flowed pretty easily my way. And there was even moments when I allowed myself to enjoy the moments. I am now much better at recognizing my blessings and appreciating the easiness of it all. My brand Hattie’s House holds all of my creative influences; movement, spirituality, social and political justice, a liberated way of buying goods, tools for ritual, self care, and community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok so you are in my city visiting for a week!? Let’s Go!

Green and Yellow Farmers Market
North Beach, Beach day all day.
Legion Park Farmers Market
Historical Virginia Key Beach
Thatch Organic Vegan
Cauley Square
Hare Krishna Cultural Center
Robert Frost Science Center

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother and warrior woman Flossie Williams, needs a shout out at all times. Her steady earth bound stability allowed me the security and safety to take many risks, which impacted my life tremendously. My partner and father of my children Jason Jimenez, who is one of the best risks I’ve ever taken. His secure balance between the masculine and feminine energies has allowed me the time to heal and reimagine what a partnership can be and what a loving father looks like. Always and forever Korey Phillips my beloved friend and sister who always holds me accountable and blesses me with truths and big belly laughs. Donia salem who reminds me to be loving and smart in all situations. Oliva Maddlock, who held space for me in an essential time of my life. And every single one of Hattie’s House friends, customers, and supporters, who showed me what community is. I am forever grateful for the energy.

Website: https://hattieshouse305.com/ www.themiamisitesminiseries.com www.thetattooedballerinas.com

Instagram: @hattieshouse305, @thetattooedballerina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2272331646354769

Youtube: @hattieshouse

Other: patreon.com/hattieshouse

Image Credits
J.Jimenez Christian Salazar Alex Markow