5 Questions with Courtier House

How did you all become involved with Courtier House?

Jeff: My company FashionSense, inc. started a relationship with Xzavier, the owner of Courtier House, by styling him. At the time, he hosted a poetry night in 2016, and we developed a professional relationship that turned into a marketing partnership — and I was later selected to be CEO. 

Niyoka: Xzavier and I are great friends who share a lot of the same ideas about empowering people. Through our friendship and seeing each other’s work in the community to empower people, I saw the leadership skills  in him, and he saw the leadership skills in me.  Because of the trust he placed in me,  one day, he asked me to be the chairman and CFO and because I believe that as a PR company we can empower the community — and because I knew I could help him push his dream further — I accepted the roles. 

Xzavier: In my time as an entrepreneur, I realized the biggest complaints amongst entrepreneurs are “support and exposure.” Support, I’ve gained through relationship building and through the exposure that I’ve gained as an entrepreneur using marketing skills I’ve learned.  One day, I looked at all my skills and wanted to know what could I do that would use everything I know. Those skills include, poetry, singing, public speaking, digital and visual content creation, marketing, press release writing,  community organizing, event planning and so much more. I realized, I, and many others, could be influencers and change agents for a lot of entrepreneurs, including creative professionals. I realized we could spread information through the powerful tool in Public Relations - that is, having relationships through a network of professionals and people. 

With so many kinds of creative expression that can be found in our city, why is poetry important to

Courtier House?

Xzavier: We have an interest in all art forms, and for us, poetry allows everyone to say exactly what they wanna say and be heard.  Unlike painting, and the hook in a R&B song or rap song, the lyrics are usually straightforward. Not all poetry is like that, but most of the time, what a writer says doesn’t need interpretation. 

Niyoka: If nothing else, it’s an interactive platform between the speaker and the live-in-person audience, that opens the door to constantly create new culture and conversations that lead to relationships.

What about the Skyline Rooftop Poetry series inspires you?

Jeff: It’s an inclusive atmosphere and the more people we can get into a safe and welcoming space, the more effective we can become as a company, and the more effective that people in the space can become in society. 

Niyoka: It inspires me that so many others are Inspired. They’re inspired to write, recite, connect with the community and so many have come to me to find out what they can do to be more involved with Courtier House. That says they see value in the event, in the company and in both the people organizing and witnessing the event. 



What would you say to someone who has never been to a Skyline Rooftop Poetry night? Why should they come, and what do you hope they will leave with?

Xzavier: There are meaningful things happening in as little as 2 -3 hours. Poetry is like therapy. The applause and socializing during and after provides a sense of celebrating. We are celebrating each other every time we come together. It’s a great venue, a great view, and a great time with great people.



Jeff: It's a different experience each week, so you will not get a "cookie" cutter experience. You have to show and experience the organic movement that takes place!   

What does 'Socialize with Purpose' mean to you?

Xzavier: Many people socialize to escape something but the motto "socialize with purpose” gives people what seems to be a chance to create intentions while being social. It sounds like being intentional and socializing to move towards something, rather than to escape anything. Together, we’ll run towards community, creativity and entrepreneurial ability.