We recently had the chance to connect with Javen Oliver and have shared our conversation below.
Javen, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
A good answer to this would be that I am wandering on a specific path. I’ve given myself a lot of grace, space to grow within the means of my life journeys. Intentionality is a value. Showing up everyday and giving my heart and soul to my work is a value as well. Being at ease, embracing each step, and enjoying my people is also one.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Javen Oliver. I go by Javen or Jay, if the full name is too much. I am a musical artist from Baltimore, Maryland with my musical focus being Hip-Hop music.
My scope looms larger than rap, as I grew up loving various genres from RnB/Soul, to Jazz which allowed me to learn a few instruments as I got more into my own artistic realm.
Over the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to challenge my artistic vision, allowing myself to tap into new forms of personal expression. Whatever comes next artistically, I’m very excited for it.
Music isn’t the entirety of what I wish to push out in the world. My interest in holistic health, has allowed me to connect with a lot of great individuals over the past few years and has given me opportunities to be in very inspiring spaces. I have a very small running program WorldHarakati ® which I use as a space to promote health/fitness, all while pushing the notion of making sure we’re allowing ourselves to step into what enriches our spirit.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Communication always seems to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. We as people have depths to our perception, and sometimes it’s surprising to look at how much we evolved just as a worldly unit considering what we go up against. But the connectivity of it all, to me is through the energy. The conversation before the conversation.
What we feel when we create the most beautiful song, to the support we give each other during our down moments. Those are the things that I see and say “Yeah, that’s the beautiful part of this life shit”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To me suffering and success are interdependent. Anytime I catch myself beating my self up for falling short I try to remind myself that the space that failure puts you in is where I’m truly able to evolve.
Success has a funny way of getting you comfortable in your strengths, while suffering allows you to address your weaknesses and make adjustments accordingly.
Success and suffering is like the first time you leave the heavy bag to fight your first bout. The new environment brings awareness to what your next moves are in terms of improvement. Staying on the pads and in the drills has its benefits but you get more out of stepping out and seeking the challenges. Even if it results in a loss.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I’m black. I love being black. I love everything that comes with being black. That will never change. Under any circumstance.
Life tends to throw environments and people at you that try to make you forget who you are as in individual. My culture, my family, my history, and my story is always the anchor that keeps me on my square when these situations come up. We as a community have too much to protect to let anything deviate us from where we need to go.
The value of culture is always in rotation in my head.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
Family time is definitely my most tranquil times. Spending time with my loved ones keeps me at ease and allows me to just be. I really appreciate and love my circle.
It’s funny my girlfriend and I were just talking about the beauty of flow state. Anything that helps me reach a flow state definitely gives me that peace. From writing, to playing ball, to public speaking even, I kind of get to a place where I’m not thinking too much, just being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://javenoliver.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javenoliver?igsh=cjBtaXJmYWpiM25o&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@javenolivermusic?si=UqAvnpG4p-kMf5X0
Image Credits
Madi.Low (@madi.low)
Jacob Alexander (@rottensmilez)
