INTRODUCING PAVANA REDDY, MARLOW LONDON'S LATEST COLLABORATOR. THE LA-BASED POET, SONGWRITER AND AUTHOR TELLS US HER GREATEST INFLUENCE, THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HER POETRY AND WHAT SELF-LOVE MEANS TO HER.
The Marlow London X Pavana Reddy collaboration celebrates Pavana's poetry, expressing self-acceptance, trust and self-love. 10% of all sales from the collaboration will be donated to the Trussell Trust, supporting the nationwide network of food banks providing emergency food and support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR POETRY?
Experiences, life, people around me. I take everything in and I’m always trying to unpack moments with “where’s the poem in this?”
HOW DID YOUR PASSION FOR POETRY COME ABOUT?
I have always loved to read and write and since a young age, had an insatiable desire to read everything. I don’t know what it was about poetry that caught my heart, but once I discovered this form of writing I was hooked. I’ve been practicing the art for more than 15 years now and don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND INFLUENCED WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
My family moved a lot when I was younger, so a lot of my life is shaped from those experiences and memories. I also grew up in a South Indian household, so the culture I grew up with definitely played a big role in my life.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCE?
Easily my mom. I grew up in a single-parent household and my work reflects that. She’s been the best teacher in my life, and I always incorporate her lessons into my writing.
WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?
Self-love is what you do for yourself, and yourself only. It’s not about face masks, expensive retreats or yoga, it’s about the steps you take within yourself in order to be a happier home to you.
HOW DO YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF?
Writing! If I didn’t have writing, I would probably just scream a lot.
WHAT MOTTO OR IDEA DO YOU LIVE BY?
You can do it yourself. This doesn’t mean I don’t ask for help when I need it, but I spent so much of my life doubting myself and my talents, and I needed to stop doing that. Letting myself try something new out without the help of others is a very uplifting and motivating feeling.
HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTED YOUR POETRY?
Social media has brought on new audiences that I probably never would have reached on my own. It’s also helped me connect with some very talented artists and create new work with them, like Marlow London for example!
WHAT IS NEXT FOR PAVANA REDDY?
More books! So many more books. And many more songs, collaborations, and whatever the future brings. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
