For the Creatives: Alisa Haughton
In a world consumed with comments, likes and shares, digital creator Alisa Haughton would much rather be felt as opposed to being seen.
“I’ve always wanted people to feel my presence,” Alisa shared with TNJ. “I don’t need to be in the spotlight, and I actually prefer not to be.”
A self-proclaimed laughter enthusiast, Alisa is the comedic brilliance behind the very popular (and hilarious) Instagram account, @dreamcreateinspire_. She’s a woman of many talents; a content creator and curator, an author, and an entrepreneur. She effortlessly merges faith with content, and by doing so she inspires the world through laughter— one curated post at a time.
If you were to ask Alisa for her why, chances are she’ll say that her answer is a bit complex. Even with 19,000 followers (and counting), she’ll tell you that @dreamcreateinspire_ encompasses more than just being a social media phenomenon. Instead, she’ll tell you that her platform is a part of a much larger vision. And then she’ll share the vision— to live out the story that God has already authored. One that illuminates purpose and consists of dreaming, creating and inspiring.
“I’m literally building a brand off of the very words that I live by,” she said. “I’m always dreaming, I’m always creating and I’m always inspiring.”
Since 2018, @dreamcreateinspire_ has become the go-to account for comedic relief.
“I receive so many messages,” she said. “From ‘I’m on my way to chemotherapy, and I’m watching your stories to keep my spirits lifted,’ to ‘I’m going through a divorce, and really needed that laugh.’ Each time I’m humbled and ‘honored,’ as I say on the platform. I’m glad I’m able to be that.”
The account is one of a kind, and it accurately models the humor of its owner. On any given day, followers can tap through a series of viral videos, memes and even view recorded skits from her Church of Laugh family.
“I pull inspiration from personal experiences,” Alisa shared. “I’m Jamaican, so majority of my comedy is just me mocking what I saw growing up.”
Alisa admits it’s not always easy being the comedic relief. So, she makes sure to pause and re-energize as much as possible.
“As a creative, you’re always on go. So, when I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a step back to be still,” she said. “Because as much as I’m needed, I need me, too.”
Out of these still moments come new ideas for Alisa— like her latest endeavor, Creative Pour.
Creative Pour is a global community for creatives of all backgrounds to connect. And though the pandemic has put a temporary halt to its envisioned outreach, Alisa says she’s still committed, now more than ever, because a safe space of its kind is needed.
“Creative Pour has always been in my heart to launch,” she said. “It’s needed, it truly is.”
As the platforms grow, so does Alisa.
She’s shifting in her thinking; she’s stretching in her execution and she’s evolving right into who she says she was always created to be. A constant work in progress, a forever student of her craft, a reflection of God.
“Here’s the thing, I’ve been a clown for a long time,” she said while laughing. “But I’m serious about people seeing God in me.”
With that mindset, Alisa believes that no matter what, she cannot fail— because God is within her.