The Black Editorial ™
The Black Editorial ™
Creative In All Aspects
Anee Rey is a multi-dimensional creative, moving through poetry, modeling, fashion, and creative direction. Her work extends to curly hair styling, upcycling and styling clothes, and organizing creative and business spaces to cultivate innovation.
Lately, her focus has been on merging fashion, art, and storytelling to create transformative experiences. She’s been working on her first book, May the Sunflower Wilt and Blossom, which blends her love for writing and creative expression. Additionally, she is a founding partner and Chief of Core Development for Valoúr, a multidisciplinary space dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and providing a safe space for artistic exploration. She continues to work closely with their Founder and CEO, Kilo Fordé, to bring this vision to life.
Anee Rey on Embracing Multidimensional Creativity
April 2025
Anee Rey, a gaze that speaks volumes defined by creativity and identity.
Artistic Identity and Evolution
You seamlessly move between modeling, poetry, and other creative realms. How do you define yourself as an artist, and has that definition evolved over time?
“I perceive myself as a nuanced and ever-evolving creative force. Depending on the moment or stage in my life, I embrace different artistic expressions. Initially, I might have defined myself as a poet or model, but over time I have realized that my soul yearns to explore multiple facets of my imagination. Creativity to me is exploring our humanity and blending and shifting between different dimensions of artistic expression while honing into what feels natural in that moment.
My comprehension of creativity has evolved as I grow, and I have become quite comfortable in my skin. I no longer feel the need to box myself into one role or style, instead, I enjoy the freedom of exploring all parts of myself. I define myself as a storyteller, because in everything I do there is a story being told. It is important to me to be the voice for those who find it challenging to speak or tap into their inner realm. Regardless of the medium, words, hair, clothing, images, aesthetics or the story behind my obsession with decluttering. I strive to convey something personal but universal that transcends dimensions.”
Defining Moments in Creativity
Was there a defining moment when you knew creativity would be your path, or has it always been part of you?
“It has always been an inherent part of me. As a child, my upbringing was difficult to understand, and writing was my escape. Before I could ever write I didn't speak. I didn't utter a word until I was 6 years old, but I always drew, and I drew houses and trees. The moment I uttered my first word though? I talked and talked, ‘even to the walls’ my mom would say. Very lively and creative when alone but silent and put together around people. I was such a “good girl” she always said. But when I learned to write, nothing could stop me. I wrote until my fingers went numb. Until there was a prominent indent on my ring finger. Until journals piled up just like ache after ache. I wrote all the words. The knots in my throat choked me to death, so I wouldn't utter any of them. For a long time I did not know what speaking up felt like. I found relief and solace from turning my emotions into words. I felt heard, as if my higher self was witnessing me, caring for me and consoling me.
I remember the first time I read, “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. It opened a new realm of power within me. It sparked the fire I still feel now. It almost feels like a soul reminder of some sort, to get struck with words that awaken something within you. I began craving to birth impactful poetry that can ignite the empathy I rarely saw in others. Now as an adult, I realize I have always expressed my soul's yearnings through art. For example, The tree drawings with a focus on the roots truly symbolize my desire for grounding and connection to nature and something bigger than myself. The drawings of houses reflect a desire for stability and my process of understanding what a home actually means to me. And the obsession I developed later on with drawing eyes and capturing emotions. It seems to be a core part of me, my empathy and curiosity in identity and exploring the inner world of the human psyche, especially of those around me.
As I grew older, fashion captured my interest, leading me to upcycle my clothes, learn to sew, and invent entirely new concepts from existing pieces. Every outlet I found through creativity released a version of me that needed to breathe. However, the conventional mold of the modeling industry has never resonated with my soul. I always knew I wanted to be free to explore all my passions, I always knew I had something otherworldly to bring forth, but deep down, I also understood that my ultimate goal was to create my own world.”
Interconnected Creative Practices
Your creative outlets seem deeply interconnected. Do they feed into each other, or do they exist separately?
“My different creative outlets profoundly influence and enrich each other rather than existing separately. They are complementary pieces of the same puzzle. Each creative outlet bleeds into the other creating different languages in self-expression. Modeling allows me to express myself visually and aesthetically, While poetry aims to capture feelings and imagery into words.
Modeling guides me to the awareness of how body language, facial expressions, and fashion communicate a story. The same awareness translates into my poetry where I birth words to evoke images and a shift in emotion with the same precision. There is a certain rhythm in both art forms, whether it's the way the poem flows effortlessly or how an image or pose has its own cadence. When I write I often view it from all perspectives and how I can translate it into a visual. When modeling I think about the stories I can tell with the stillness of a photo, the energy it exudes, the aesthetic, including the art of body language.
Together, these creative pursuits create a harmonious interplay, each one deepening my understanding and expression of the other, and ultimately enriching my overall artistic journey.”
Sources of Inspiration
Where do you draw your inspiration from? Are there specific experiences or emotions that consistently fuel your work?
“I draw the most inspiration from various impactful experiences, deep emotions and recurring themes that resonate with me. Women empowerment being a significant driving force, has always felt like a responsibility, a duty to elevate our collective energies. As women, we are the bridge to the spiritual world and we have strayed away from our connection to source. It has been ripped away, mishandled, used and abused while our autonomy has always been up for debate. Our value has been adamant in reality but in our minds, diminished. Personal experiences, whether joyful or challenging, often serve as a rich source of material for my creative work, allowing me to explore and convey authenticity in my expression. Allowing me to spark inspiration to question our belief systems and dissect how it’s harming our ability to flourish. Emotions like love, longing, introspection and a woman’s rage frequently fuel my creativity, prompting me to delve into the complexities of the human experience.
Additionally, themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the interplay between vulnerability and strength consistently inspire me. By weaving these elements together, particularly the theme of women's empowerment, I can create art that not only reflects my journey but also connects with others on a profound level, celebrating the strength and resilience of women everywhere.”
Breaking Boundaries & Industry Perspective
The industry often tries to box creatives into one category. Have you faced resistance in embracing all that you are?
“I have definitely faced resistance in fully embracing all that I am. This can be challenging, as there’s adamant pressure to conform to a singular identity. At times and for most it feels easier to conform and do as you are told by following others footsteps. I would disagree. I truly believe creativity isn't meant to be confined.
To navigate this, I remind myself of the importance and power of authenticity and how its frequencies vibrate 4,000 times stronger than love itself. I remind myself of the value of my diverse interests and talents. I focus on creating work that genuinely reflects who I am, rather than what others expect me to be.
In a society so fixated on what things are “supposed to look like” Remember you define your own path.
Own Your Narrative.
Be confident in what your body and soul is telling you. Build trust for yourself. There is really no such thing as failure.The cool thing about your journey is that what you don’t know and why you don’t know it are crucial information too. Embrace what your soul yearns no matter how out of reach it feels. Approach life with a curious open heart. Every hardship is riddled with lessons and wisdom.
Find Your Tribe.
We’re profoundly disconnected from each other, we live in a world where it feels safer to pretend than confront our inner reality. Those in your wavelength exist. You don't have to abide by traditional ideals that do not serve your purpose. Others like you understand the value of breaking boundaries and limitations. Create more than you consume and your tribe will naturally gravitate towards you.
Create Your Own Opportunities.
Don’t ever wait around for others to see your vision or understand it. If the industry won’t give you space, build your own. Don’t expect perfection out of something you have never seen done. You must understand and listen to your intuition, that driving force inside you, that constant reaching is there for a reason. It has the ability to transform your life. Start that project, write that song, Start that business, write that script. Execute that concept and you’ll soon collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Stay True to Your Vision.
Accept that your art will not resonate with everyone, and it’s not supposed to. Keep refining your craft and show the world that creativity is powerful enough to shift minds. Powerful enough to give others more than one perspective. Art and creativity can save lives and end wars.
Remember, your individuality is what sets you apart, and it can be a powerful force that can change lives.”
Anee Rey, present in her element.
Challenges of Being Multidisciplinary
What’s one misconception about being a multidisciplinary artist that you wish more people understood?
“One of the biggest misconceptions about being a multidisciplinary artist is that we are scattered, disorganized, or lost in our pursuits. Many assume that if you work across multiple art forms, you can’t truly excel in any of them. When in reality pursuing creativity in a multi-dimensional manner means having a unique ability to connect different creative fields, and bring fresh perspectives that a specialist might not perceive. Many creatives, like myself, indulge in different art forms because we are simply deeply curious and passionate about storytelling, expression, and impactful shifts in humanity. These diverse interests allow us to adapt, experiment, and push creative boundaries in ways that challenge the norm.
This interconnectedness often leads to more innovative and holistic expressions of our artistic vision. Each discipline we engage with contributes to a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us, creating a tapestry of experiences that informs our work. Our creative journeys are often meticulously curated. We learn to manage our time and resources effectively, balancing multiple projects and ideas. This adaptability fosters a unique perspective that often results in groundbreaking work. I wish more people understood that being a multidisciplinary artist is not about being scattered; it's about embracing the richness of creativity in all its forms and finding ways to weave those threads together into something meaningful and impactful.
Poetry and Storytelling
Poetry is such an intimate form of expression. What stories do you aim to tell through your writing?
“The stories I aim to share delve into the complexities and depth of human emotion, inviting others to reflect and connect. There has always been this inescapable dread inside individuals of not feeling seen, heard, or understood. I believe there must be a balance in all that we choose to do, as this equilibrium allows for a more nuanced exploration of our narratives. To truly understand and appreciate the value of our art, we must first cultivate a solid belief in our worth. I aim to tell stories of the unspoken experiences that are too painful to talk about. In hopes to foster connection and understanding in a world that often feels fragmented. I aim to awaken the Goddess in every woman that graces the presence of my art, enabling more women to express our truths with power and conviction. I aim to awaken more men to their self worth and self value. When we recognize the inherent value within ourselves, we can create work that resonates profoundly with others.”
Anee Rey, where culture shapes artistic vision.
The Heart Part
By: Anee Rey
Phase 1:
“Pain felt so deeply
Desperately
Listening to healing frequencies
Type of wounds doctors can’t reach
Healers can’t heal
& no lesson can teach
A stubborn bruise
A stubborn mood
The kind of knot in your throat
That never leaves
We love so pure when they make us bleed.
The heart part
Is the hard part
& the truth between our teeth.
Used to taste like honey, but now it stings
Compared to what's been felt
you haven’t felt a thing.”
Phase 2:
“This breaking of generational curses
got me so bone-tired.
Soul tired.
Sick and tired
of everything and everyone.
Sick and tired of those who boast
of the heart they got
but physically incapable of moving with heart.
No integrity,
just sizing me up to see
what they can get from me.
You can't save people from themselves.
That thing eating at you
in your chest,
will live with you forever you know...”
Phase 3:
“I deified you,
wrote love words about you.
Dove in you
& learned dark things about you.
Gently edified you,
so sweetly you barely noticed.
So sweetly while I was hurting.
I know what’s missing
when you feel empty.
I know what keeps you losing focus.
I know what eases you too
It's almost like
I’m the one with the juice”
Identity and Cultural Influence
How does your identity—cultural, personal, artistic—shape your work?
“A dream project of mine consists of excerpts from my book transformed into cinematic short films with compelling and enthralling dialogue.Tasteful aesthetics in clothing, hair, and jewelry. A true focus on verity that breaks the barriers of what others expect to witness. A raw vulnerability that shifts the viewers emotions, I aim to make people feel more. At Valoúr we are focused on delivering just that.
Valoúr’s Mission Statement:
“ We are here to inspire and empower multi-passionate creatives to dive deeper, and get closer to themselves. Let's consume less and create more. It is a call to action for all creatives to take that leap and connect with like minded individuals. We are a pulsating force that can shift the united consciousness. Capable of bringing our unique talents and ideas from our minds, to the physical world.
Let's embrace our diverse passions. Our ability to effortlessly blend different art forms and disciplines is a gift that sets us apart. Trust in our ability to create something extraordinary because the world is in need of our multidimensional perspectives. Embrace everything that you are, that we can be, and let's create art through it all. Our minds are limitless, embrace it, nurture it, and let it glow through everything we create. Let this be our catalyst for our success”
If you could leave behind a lasting message or impact through your creativity, what would it be?
“The lasting impact I would want my creativity to have is the power of multi-dimensional thinking. I want my art to be a core reminder that every individual holds within them a universe of ideas and possibilities. I want to inspire creatives to embrace their complexities without fear but curiosity. To boldly own their story and presence. Our power comes from our individuality, I urge creatives to indulge in their originality and connect deeply with themselves.
Simply put, Create more than you consume and together we can shift the united consciousness into a safer, more expressive realm.”
Anee Rey
In this story: Video photographer, Nickii Kane; hair braider, BaKeenia - BaBraids: Beauty Supply Store, Lesly’s Beauty Supply.
unmuted
Unmuted is a dynamic space where creativity speaks without boundaries. This section spotlights underrepresented artists, visionaries, and thought leaders through engaging articles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights. Here, stories unfold, voices amplify, and artistry takes center stage.