A Conversation with Brandy "Lade Breez" Elam on Poetry, Purpose, Healing and Giving Back

For Brandy "Lade Breez" Elam, words have never been just words. They have become bridges to healing, instruments of hope, and a calling that has transformed not only her own life but the lives of countless others throughout the Columbus community.

An award-winning spoken word artist, six-time published author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of both Express Me Poetry Business Services & Events and Educated Blessyns Incorporated, Elam has dedicated her life to empowering others through creativity, education, and emotional healing.

This week, The Courier Eco Latino sat down with Elam to discuss her literary journey, her passion for mentoring young people, and why every poem she writes carries a purpose.

Hailes: You've become one of Columbus' most recognizable spoken word artists and literary voices. When did you first discover the power of poetry?

Brandy "Lade Breez" Elam: Poetry found me before I realized I needed it. It became my outlet, my therapy, and eventually my ministry. Writing gave me a place to process life's challenges, celebrate victories, and speak truths that sometimes are difficult to say in ordinary conversation. Once I realized my words were helping other people heal, I knew this was bigger than me.

Hailes: You've now published six books, including your popular Journeys of a Long Walk series. What has inspired your writing?

Elam: Every book represents a chapter of my life. They're filled with experiences, lessons, heartbreak, healing, faith, and growth. I write from a place of honesty because I believe transparency gives someone else permission to heal. My hope is that readers see themselves somewhere in every page.

Hailes: Your books include Journeys of a Long Walk, Point Me to Poetry, Journeys Traveled, and Just Breez. Do you have a favorite?

Elam: That's like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. Each one carries a different piece of my heart. They represent different seasons of my life and different messages I felt God wanted me to share. Together, they tell the story of becoming who I was created to be.

Hailes: You've received numerous honors, including Spoken Word Artist of the Year and Poet of the Year. What do those awards mean to you?

Elam: They're certainly an honor, and I'm thankful for every one of them. But honestly, the greatest reward isn't an award. It's hearing someone tell me a poem encouraged them to keep going, helped them forgive, or reminded them they weren't alone. That's success to me.

Hailes: One thing that makes your story unique is that your books are helping fund your nonprofit, Educated Blessyns Incorporated.

Elam: Absolutely. Every book purchased helps invest in a child. Educated Blessyns was founded in honor of my late son, and our mission is to provide free tutoring, mentoring, youth development, and emotional intelligence programs for children ages 8 through 18. I wanted to create something that would continue changing lives long after I was gone.

Hailes: So people aren't simply buying a book—they're helping support a mission.

Elam: Exactly. Every purchase becomes an investment in a young person's future. That means a lot to me because literacy is giving back to literacy. My readers become partners in helping children discover their potential.

Hailes: You're also the visionary behind Express Me Poetry Business Services & Events. How has that platform evolved over the years?

Elam: It began with creating a stage where spoken word artists could express themselves. For years I focused on promoting other artists. Then in 2019, I realized I also needed to invest in myself and my own gifts. Today Express Me Poetry has grown into a creative business that offers writing services, ghostwriting, event hosting, consulting, motivational speaking, and event production. It's become a place where creativity and entrepreneurship meet.

Hailes: You've often said what separates you from others is your storytelling.

Elam: I truly believe stories connect people. I don't simply want to entertain an audience. I want people to leave with something they can apply to their own lives. I want my community to have a piece of me through my words. If someone leaves encouraged, challenged, or inspired, then I've accomplished my goal.

Hailes: Healing seems to be a common thread throughout everything you do.

Elam: Because everyone is healing from something. We all carry wounds people can't see. Sometimes words become the medicine someone needs. That's why I write honestly. Authenticity creates connection, and connection opens the door to healing.

The Courier: What advice would you offer aspiring writers, poets, and creatives who may be afraid to share their gifts?

Elam: Don't wait for perfection because it never comes. Your story matters right now. Someone needs to hear what you've survived because they're walking through it today. Be authentic. Be vulnerable. Trust your voice, because nobody can tell your story the way you can.

The Courier: What's next for Brandy "Lade Breez" Elam?

Elam: More books. More spoken word. More opportunities to serve my community. I want to continue growing Educated Blessyns, expanding Express Me Poetry, and reaching people around the world through the power of words. As long as God gives me breath, I'll continue using my voice to educate, encourage, heal, and empower.

Final Thoughts: Brandy "Lade Breez" Elam has proven that spoken word is more than performance—it is purpose in motion. Through six published books, award-winning poetry, entrepreneurship, and a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people, she has transformed personal experiences into a lasting legacy of hope. Her story reminds us that words, when spoken with authenticity and compassion, can change lives, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations to find their own voice.