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.
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
Know yourself. Love yourself. Be humble, because you didn't get where you are all by yourself.
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.
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?
Labels:
Bloggers I Love,
Inspiration,
Interviews,
Model,
Nikia Phoenix,
The GOOD Life
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She is stunning. She is smart. She is sexy. She is AWESOME! Thank you for interviewing such an amazing individual!! =)
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeletesexy natural beauty xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love how extremely humble and confident she is...#inspiration
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeletePeace + Love:
C.ULT FRIDAY.
One of my favorite interviews to date! You asked really good questions Dee...and Nikia's reponses were spot on as well.
ReplyDeleteGood job!
i have seen photos of her before, wow, she really is stunning! smart too =)
ReplyDeleteSuch confidence can take you places and loving yourself does the magic..Her answers to those question are really on point.....chizys-spyware.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteNATURAL=beauty and confidence. Great post girl!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your feedback! It is always greatly appreciated :)
ReplyDeletei 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 :)))
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!*
ReplyDeleteLoved reading it!*
xXx
GREAT read! She is such an enlightened individual.
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteshe is beautiful! I love this interview! new blog for me to stalk...I mean read. You stay putting me on good blogs! THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteOh my gawd. Gorgeous natural beauty, I love her look. And really amazing post and writing, very inspirational :)
ReplyDeleteps: 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
She is such a natural beauty.
ReplyDeleteand thank you!
http://andreas-7am.blogspot.com
Hope you follow back <3
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.
ReplyDeleteAmazing woman ! I enjoyed reading the interview ! I like your blog very much, greetings from Italy
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies
My Twitter
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
ReplyDeletereally like your blog. pure inspiration
ReplyDeletexx the cookies
share the feeling
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visit <3
OMWord, she's beautiful! Naturally beautiful. Great interview. Will definitely check out her blog.
ReplyDeletelove the freckles, shes beautiful
ReplyDeletebeautiful face wow
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview
ReplyDeleteI 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/
Wow...first time here...Love it! A very unique voice in the blogesphere...
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures! Kwesi photographs her too right? Visiting her blog. She's quite fascinating. Love it
ReplyDeleteAdiya
Muse Origins
so cute !
ReplyDeletei have seen her photos before to.she is very beautiful.i love her face..:D
ReplyDeletewow......great article.beautiful photos.i love those photos.
ReplyDeletewow......awesome article.love those pictures.thank you for this article.
ReplyDelete