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

Hi Sherrieka, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My complete understanding of balance has changed over time. Before I would think balance was being able to do, “What I have to do” in order to be able to do “what I love to do”. However, it is entirely different, balance is an even distribution with all things that set your soul on fire. It is walking in perfect harmony with your wants and needs. You can’t have one without the other and it most definitely took me time to realize that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I like to identify my work as expressive motion. I have a true passion to make others feel spiritually moved in my work. Others have told me my style of dance is very unique. I quote one of my favorite musicians, “There’s a message in your dance and movements not like any other.” For a long time, I have battled with identifying myself with a style. Am I liturgical, Folk, Hip-Hop, Contemporary or Jazz. It took me a while to realize I am all of those things and that is my fuel. That is what truly sets me apart my gifted ability to flow through my culture, spirituality and all my styles making me an author or true storytelling. I am most proud and excited about stepping out and teaching those techniques. Imagine a world of true storytellers connecting to their true emotions, perceptions and feelings. I have created a brand called Insurgent Cultivator where we provide creative direction to artist ready to plant their artistic seeds and cultivate their passions. Knowing truly what fuels you really maintains creativity. I have danced in music videos such as Rihanna, on stage with bands like Harmonik, ministered through dance at multiple community events and most important created my own productions. However, professionally I am still exploring my paths. Reaching a high for me is when I can make the visions of my heart and soul come true. Choreographing showcases and art shows that depict the everyday life of creatives. I desire to help others cultivate their passions and tell their stories. Dancing brings me so much joy it’s therapeutic for me and creative director helps me fulfill my purpose. I have been performing and dancing since I was 6. Started at Shadowlawn Elementary School we’re I was in the band and Haitian folklore company NSL. Went to Charles R Drew Middle School for Magnet Dance under the direction of Sylvia Padron. Graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School where I balanced Soccer and Dance Fusion. I trained hard and never stopped learning and combining all my loves, cultures, styles, and most importantly my life experiences. Being an artist is not easy, getting others to relate and understand is very difficult. Each day is a new start of new raw emotion and that is what keeps me going. There are many days up and many days down. Along the way I have learned that no one will ever be the same, even with teaching not one of my students interrupts the movements the same. That is what makes art so necessary and beautiful. Being a creative means planting your artistic seeds no matter the circumstances of the soil. We must cultivate the land with our beauty, music, art, paint, pieces, drama, emotion, and stories. If you are reading this and you have read to this point. I want you to know that you have flavor that the world needs. Imagine a meal without salt that would be the world without you! I have created “Insurgent Cultivator” for creatives who are ready, but need a push or maybe need someone who truly understands those difficulties we face as artist. From wardrobe to set design to choreography to just having a hype man. We are here for you!

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?
If my best friend was coming into town we would visit black owned restaurants, cool creative vaults, and hang out at parks and lakes with beautiful nature views. If she got in Saturday we would go to Morningside park for a nice picnic by the water and eat some soul food from Treatsnbeatz. Sunday we would go to Wynwood Coyo Taco for strictly R&B night. Next day we stop by Pretty Healthy for a healthy Wrap, salad, or shake and maybe stop my the Rib shack later for the best seafood. I have met the most interesting and exciting people at Art exhibitions and parks. Thank you Miami

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Some Professors teach and others leave an imprint on your mind. That is Raquel Perez, my Communications Professor from Florida International University. I met here my Junior year as a transfer student from the University of South Carolina (Salkehatchie) and immediately I was drown to her practical teaching ways her passion, hustle and her work outside of the classroom. She is a true gem in my success story. From FIU to Europe on a study abroad to now being a brand ambassador for my Artist product and services company Insurgent Cultivator. I am forever grateful for her! Best advice she has ever gave me and something I will never forgot, “whatever you put out will always find it’s way back to you. “She’s a true example of your passions being your guide through life.

Website: Insurgentcultivatorstore.myshopify.com
Instagram: _chosenricaa
Facebook: Sherrieka Othello