Meet Camari Carter-Hawkins: Writing as a Lifeline, Incense as a Ritual
There are people you meet whose creativity feels like it has always existed, not something they chose, but something that chose them. Camari Carter-Hawkins is one of those people.
A writer, poet, and multifaceted creative, Camari has been putting words on paper since she could form a sentence. She journals, she writes newsletters, she publishes on Substack, she performs poetry and right now, she's in the final stretch of writing her first novel. Her work lives at the intersection of self-care, self-sabotage, and the very real, ongoing work of learning to love yourself. It's honest in a way that doesn't flinch.
I was drawn to Camari because her world and ours overlap in a quiet but meaningful way. Incense already lives in her morning routine, not as an aesthetic choice, but as part of how she prepares herself to create. That kind of intentionality is exactly what Acquired Taste is about.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative practice.
"Writing has always been a source of expression since I could formulate a sentence. I have been journaling since I was a kid and it has evolved into a form of self-study throughout the years. I use this style of writing and creativity to help others excavate and learn themselves more. I love writing poetry, email newsletters, and Substack articles. I am currently finishing up a novel — which is a very new endeavor for me."
A writer who uses her own process as a tool to help others find themselves. That's not a small thing.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue creativity seriously?
"There wasn't a definite day but a defining moment. Every time I tried to let it go, it wouldn't let me go. Creativity has become a lifeline for me and we are inseparable. When I am lazy and don't do anything with it, it makes me really agitated. I am my best self when I have allowed myself to create."
This is one of those answers I had to sit with for a second. The idea that creativity won't let you go — that it agitates you when you ignore it — feels so true to what it means to be a real artist. It isn't optional. It's a requirement.
How would you describe the themes that show up in your work?
"The themes that always tend to show up in my work are self-care, recovering from self-sabotage, and reflecting on the work it takes to love yourself well. It is a journey and never ends. I like writing about the different forms of learning and loving yourself."
What does a typical creative day look like for you?
"Each day is different but ideally, I start my day off with journaling. It is not creative but I think of it like clearing the throat before singing. On an ideal day, I wake up early and it is quiet. I journal, I pray, light some incense, shower and get ready for the day. When I skip the first step, I am more likely to be in my head all day."
Clearing the throat before singing. I love that. And yes, incense already in the ritual, already part of how she enters the day. That part felt personal to share.
"When I am stuck and don't want to create, I like to body double and get around other writers or creatives. I like to keep a journal on me to capture inspiration whenever and however it chooses to come."
What has been one of the most meaningful moments in your creative journey?
"Completing The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron has been the most transformative for me. After I completed it, I had one of the best years of my life. My self-trust and trust in the goodness of God and how God loves artists helped me to move differently in the world. I still get blocks from time to time but that program helped me to learn how to bypass that inner critic."
If you've read The Artist's Way, you know. And if you haven't — this might be your sign.
What are you currently working on?
"I am exploring novel writing and Substack writing. I am currently on a deadline to finish my edits before going to a writing conference where I may have a chance to meet with an agent. My palms are open to whatever way it goes but my main goal is to finish this novel. It's been in rotation in my life for many years now. I'd love to move on! I want to explore writing short stories next."
Rooting for her. Genuinely.
How do the spaces we live in influence creativity?
"The spaces we live in influence our creativity greatly. I didn't start caring about how I lived until about two or three years ago. Before now, I didn't have any decorations up and lived very bare. Now I find that I want art and colors in my home to spark inspiration. Our society does not champion artists and I think a lot of people deny themselves the pleasure and time to create. So, I have to find it."
This one hit close to home. The idea that we have to actively seek out environments that support our creativity — that it won't just fall in your lap — is something I think about a lot with Acquired Taste. The objects in your space matter. The scent in the air matters. It all adds up.
Where can people find your work?
Follow Camari on Substack and keep up with everything she's building: camaricarterhawkins.substack.com
Instagram: @camaricreative
We're grateful to have Camari in the Acquired Taste world. Her honesty, her ritual, and her commitment to the creative life are exactly the kind of energy we want around this brand.