My introduction to the world happened on November 22, 2010. I was at home, most likely writing a story or a poem. I received a text from my mom saying something like “Kanye put your poem in his song!” I was stunned. I froze reading those words. I truly was speechless and all of a sudden I was known as Chloë Mitchell, the poet who’s name Kanye West says at the end of Blame Game on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Since then I’ve published three books, was handpicked to be a contributing writer for The Huffington Post, recited poetry at the United Nations, wrote exclusive poems for Galore Magazine, written for Iggy Azalea, Rihanna, Lloyd, wrote a script for T.I., produced video music treatments with The Aunties Production, and my latest placement, a song on The Album by Teyana Taylor.
These are not brags, but proud accomplishments I’ve gained over the years. I should be Dr. Mitchell right now, but my love for writing poetry took me in another direction. A direction I was very unsure of. How does one make a living being a writer? I certainly hadn’t heard or seen any real successful writers at the time of this uncertainty and I was so set on finishing my undergrad and moving on to Med school to “make something of myself” and be financially stable.
Once My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy debuted, the possibility that I could indeed be not only a successful poet, but also storyteller, song writer, creative director, author, and now entrepreneur. I had a slow roll though after the albums debut. I was super young, six months shy of my 22nd birthday. I didn’t know the direction I wanted to go into still. Was being a full time poet something I was destined to be or was I lost in the lights and people shouting my name in every car that passed me by?
The idea of being in the limelight was not appealing at all. I was always surrounded by people in the music industry but never took it upon myself to really put myself on center stage. I was and am naturally shy and value my privacy but also enjoy the recognition and the hype from famous friends and colleagues.
Some odd years, later, I’m still the same shy, silly, caring, and privacy preferred woman, but now I know exactly who I am and the creative gifts I feel obligated to share. I’ve been embracing this God given talent that isn’t given to many while also maintaining a humble spirit, letting my work speak for itself, giving in to the illusion that I give more information about myself than I really do. With this new business venture of being the creator and CEO of Maison De Foy, a candle company I named after my grandmother’s last name, I know the road I’ve been traveling on was made especially for me and I’m looking forward to seeing where else my infinite and diverse creativity will lead me.
-Chloë Mitchell