October 2, 2011

The GOOD Life: Nikia Phoenix

“…We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” –Marianne Williamson

This is an excerpt from one of my favorite pieces of writing in the world, Our Deepest Fear. I’m sure that most, if not all, of you are familiar with it as well. It is so easy to forget how much of an impact we are capable of having on other people’s lives. Even the smallest, most subtle, most unconscious gesture has the power to leave a lasting impression. The question is, what kind of impression do you want to leave upon others? How do you plan on shining your light?
I had the absolute privilege of interviewing Nikia Phoenix, a model & blogger from Los Angeles, California. Nikia is one of those rare people you come across who are just as stunning on the inside as they are on the outside. I am one of her blog’s loyal readers and I am always so inspired by the brilliance and positivity this woman radiates just from simply being herself. The manner in which she completely embraces who she is as a person which is something I know a lot of people, including myself, have difficulty doing is admirable. As she states in her bio, “Being a freckled-faced, natural-haired girl isn't easy. I've always felt different. Because of faith, I've been able to embrace who I am and prosper. God created me this way for a reason, and everyday I thank Him for that.” One of the most beautiful occurrences in life is when you are able to look at yourself in the mirror and love the person looking back at you. Nikia is a testament to this; she has liberated herself from the fear of being different and, in doing so, shines her light for others to see and be impacted by. 


What is your definition of a “good” life? Do you feel as if that is what you are living?
I used to think that a good life was about perfection, but I know better now. A good life is a happy life that still has its moments of anguish and strife to help you appreciate the brighter moments.  I think I'm living that.  
 How important do you feel it is for people to follow their passions, even if following those passions may not seem like a "secure" life choice?
There was a time, about a decade ago, when I focused more on security than passion. It drove me into depression. If you fight against the talents you've been blessed with, then that sense of security is just false. I still struggle with this myself, but I'm persevering. Don't be the starving artist. Profit from your abilities. Find the balance and I do believe you can be successful.



What are 3 personal characteristics that you possess that you feel have helped you in your modeling career?
Spunk, drive, and faith.  
 What aspect of your work makes you the happiest? Which aspect do you like the least?
I love working with really talented, humble people. Inspiration is infectious, so when you're creating with certain artists the possibilities are infinite. I do not like wasting time and talent on someone with a sour attitude. That bitterness will leave a bad taste in your mouth, and I can do without it.



Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew a few years ago that could have helped you along your life path?
I wish I had known that you need a really strong team to keep you going. You need a coach, cheerleaders, teammates and fans to keep you amped up for those tough times. You can't do it by yourself.
What is it like being a woman of color in the modeling industry?
 It's a challenge to be who I am in this business. The opportunities are limited. I've been turned down for jobs because of the color of my skin. But I think all women of color encounter similar situations. I feel like I have a duty to try my hardest and represent for us.


Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?  
Oh my goodness, I don't know. I hope that wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, I am content. All I really want is to be happy, fulfilled, and blessed.
If you could give someone a quote to live by, what would it be?
Know yourself. Love yourself. Be humble, because you didn't get where you are all by yourself.




31 comments:

  1. Yemi U.10/02/2011

    She is stunning. She is smart. She is sexy. She is AWESOME! Thank you for interviewing such an amazing individual!! =)

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  2. What a great interview! And I love her attitude. It is not wrong to want to benefit from one's talent or to want support from others.

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  3. sexy natural beauty xoxo

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  4. I love how extremely humble and confident she is...#inspiration

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  5. Anonymous10/02/2011

    This is such an inspirational interview - Love it! I've noticed this model before and you really are mesmerised with her insanely good looks! -Individuality is the way forward.

    Peace + Love:
    C.ULT FRIDAY.

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  6. One of my favorite interviews to date! You asked really good questions Dee...and Nikia's reponses were spot on as well.

    Good job!

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  7. i have seen photos of her before, wow, she really is stunning! smart too =)

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  8. Such confidence can take you places and loving yourself does the magic..Her answers to those question are really on point.....chizys-spyware.blogspot.com

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  9. Anonymous10/03/2011

    NATURAL=beauty and confidence. Great post girl!!!

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  10. Thank you all for your feedback! It is always greatly appreciated :)

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  11. i have seen her work but did not realize that she had a blog! i am completely enamored :)) also, thank you so much for the lovely comment! you put a smile on my face :)))

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  12. Great interview!*
    Loved reading it!*

    xXx

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  13. GREAT read! She is such an enlightened individual.

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  14. This is a great piece. She is absolutely stunning. Since I small child, I've always been attracted to freckles. They are so amazing to me.

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  15. she is beautiful! I love this interview! new blog for me to stalk...I mean read. You stay putting me on good blogs! THANK YOU

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  16. Oh my gawd. Gorgeous natural beauty, I love her look. And really amazing post and writing, very inspirational :)

    ps: thx so much for ur lovely comment on my post, much appreciated! I'm following ur amazing blog now! pls do follow mine too if u haven't already! it'll mean so so much to me, thx! :)

    xx
    Erika
    http://www.erika-t.blogspot.com

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  17. She is such a natural beauty.

    and thank you!

    http://andreas-7am.blogspot.com
    Hope you follow back <3

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  18. Nikia is amazing. So glad you featured here. I came across her in Lulu's online store as a model and then gain on the interwebs...she's an amazing spirite thanks for sharing.

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  19. Amazing woman ! I enjoyed reading the interview ! I like your blog very much, greetings from Italy

    Fashion and Cookies
    My Twitter

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  20. she's tops nice photos/post and gr8 blog, come check awt my fashion blog and lets follow each other like twitter :) Chuchu-chulala.blogspot.com

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  21. really like your blog. pure inspiration
    xx the cookies
    share the feeling
    samecookiesdifferent.blogspot.com
    visit <3

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  22. OMWord, she's beautiful! Naturally beautiful. Great interview. Will definitely check out her blog.

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  23. love the freckles, shes beautiful

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  24. Loved the interview
    I may do a post on this soon
    It is so important to bet he change we want to see in the world !
    And this model is a great representation of that
    Fear is not in the spirit of the Lord as I like to remind myself.
    Love this post !!

    check me out
    -http://divinerebellion.blogspot.com/

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  25. Wow...first time here...Love it! A very unique voice in the blogesphere...

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  26. Anonymous10/30/2011

    Awesome pictures! Kwesi photographs her too right? Visiting her blog. She's quite fascinating. Love it

    Adiya
    Muse Origins

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  27. i have seen her photos before to.she is very beautiful.i love her face..:D

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  28. wow......great article.beautiful photos.i love those photos.

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  29. wow......awesome article.love those pictures.thank you for this article.

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