Meet Zhaklina Spencer | Alternative Pop/Rock Artist, Mental Health Advocate, and Birth Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zhaklina Spencer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zhaklina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think every choice we make comes with a risk in some way shape or form. Some risks feel more comfortable and familiar than others.

In order to achieve something I haven’t done yet, I have to remind myself that I will have to take some uncomfortable risks. And that it’s better to risk for something that really matters to me than to be stagnant in my life.

Throughout my life I have always grown the most when I chose to take the risks that were in alignment with my dreams, taking up space, and just being brave. I don’t think anything worth achieving comes without risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an Alternative Pop/Rock Artist who advocates for mental health through my music, brand, platform and mental health themed songwriter’s event series. I think what sets me apart from others is my heart; the way I move through life with intention, compassion and the desire to grow.

I am most proud of my 17 Reasons Why Series dedicated to mental health awareness and reminding listeners they belong. I started writing that series EP’s back in 2016 and released the fourth and final EP to that series in 2024. I remember realizing that I set a long-term goal and challenging myself to achieve it, no matter how much time it takes. I am so incredibly proud of one of the biggest projects I have put out into the world so far in my life. It has reached so many people, helped break stigmas and raise awareness for mental health, held space for others who have gone through similar experiences to me, been performed in shows that benefit mental health organizations/causes, and brought me so much personal healing and fulfillment.

Though I am now in the next phase of my music career, I will never forget the many lessons 17 Reasons Why taught me. It was incredibly challenging at times to believe in myself when I felt like no one else did, finance my project while having to pay the bills, move to a different state to pursue my dreams, create honest art and advocate for the integrity behind my brand and work; I learned to stand tall and share my voice from a place of belonging and knowing that I am always loved.

I want the world to know that God is the ultimate guide on my journey and that my faith, mental health advocacy, musical style, and unique voice are all one whole human being reminding others that they too have many beautiful parts to their whole: all worth loving.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start us off by going to my favorite hot yoga studio for a power yoga work out class, Hot Yoga of East Nashville. Then we would stop by Urban Plunge for a quick cold plunge to really get our day started right! After showering, I’d take her to one of my favorite coffee shops- The Well, where we’d try one of their seasonal flavors. Then we’d go explore one of the waterfall hikes around Nashville, stopping at the Sunflower Bakehouse for some lunch to-go. After a waterfall hike, we’d head to the 12 South area to explore some shops and then I’d take her to Pharmacy Burger for the best burger in town before heading home. If it isn’t too late, we might change into dressier outfits and go catch one of my friends performing a show in Nashville!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shout out to my therapists, Julie and Kyle. I cannot thank them enough for how much they’ve helped me heal and grow over the years. Since beginning my therapeutic journey with my counselors, I have gained so much courage and strengthened my capacity for adversity to be able to live my life fully. I can see the difference they have made in my life and I will always be grateful for how much they continue to ground and empower me.

Website: https://www.zhaklina.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamzhaklina?igsh=NjJwaW1wMmZhZGcz&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15tGH98mfY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zhaklinap?si=m6yA8SVRo0MXpiRh

Image Credits
@colemancoolers