About Octavia
If I'm a-lyin', I'm a dyin'
APPALACHIAN STORIES THAT DIG DEEP
Octavia Sexton is a celebrated storyteller from Rockcastle County, Kentucky, renowned for her engaging performances that draw from the rich oral traditions of the Appalachian region. With a career spanning several decades, she has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped her community and culture.
Her rural childhood was spent without television or indoor plumbing. She attended a one-room grade school and learned subsistence life skills and mountain lore from her family, with English, Irish, and Cherokee ancestors. Her life experiences range from hilarious to poignant – all of which find their way into her stories. Her natural dialect transports the listener into the Appalachian Mountains - where ‘haints’ (ghosts) chill your blood, Jack tickles your funny bone, and the hills are full of surprises.
“As a storyteller, Octavia can mesmerize audiences of any age because her stories, whether ones that have been passed down to her or ones that are rooted in her own lived experiences, seem to flow from the very core of her being. ” - Judy Sizemore
— Kentucky Arts & Culture Consultant
“Two important things I learned in this program were that you can be who you want to be and you can do anything you can set your mind to. ” - 5th-Grade Student
— Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Mt. Vernon Kentucky
Professional Background
A veteran storyteller with over 30 years of experience plus a degree in History and English Education from Berea College, Octavia Sexton has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing Appalachian culture. Her unique blend of academic expertise and lived experience allows her to craft educational programs that bring Kentucky heritage to life for audiences of all ages. She has performed at prestigious venues across the region, and her work spans from elementary school enrichment programs to professional development workshops for educators. Understanding the diverse needs of educational institutions and cultural organizations, Octavia offers flexible booking arrangements and works with organizations to accommodate various budgets while maintaining the authenticity and quality of her programs.
A young Octavia with her “little brown jug”!