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.

modelliberation.blogspot.com

6 Songs That Help Me Get Through

Like I always say, music is such a huge part of who I am. When I’m going through a rough patch in my life or when I am just searching for a dosage of daily inspiration, I always go to my iTunes. The power that a single song possesses is immense and is often times the best medicine for a wounded soul. During the past year and a half of my life, I went through more trials than I ever have in my 20 years on this planet. There were times when the words of encouragement my friends and family gave me simply weren’t enough to ease the pain I was going through on the inside. It was during these moments when I found solace in the sweet, raspy voice of Lauryn Hill, the spirit-gripping lyrics of Dead Prez, and the hypnotizing cadence of Bob Marley. The songs I listened to gave me reassurance that everything would be okay in the end. They challenged me to act wisely. Their rhythms put my mind to rest. Their content gave me hope. These are just a few of those songs, just click on their names under the photos. Enjoy!

“See, I picks my friends like I pick my fruit & Ganny told me that when I was only a youth

I don't go 'round trying to be what I'm not, I don't waste my time trying to get what you got

I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you, and that's why I do what I do

My soul flies free like a willow tree, doo wee doo wee do wee…”

Appletree by Erykah Badu

“Sometimes you just have to let it go 

Leaving all my fears to burn down
Push them away so I can move on…”

Closer to My Dreams by Goapele

“Life can bring us through many changes, it’s alright. Just don't give up and know it's gonna be alright.

People come and they go, it's just the way that it goes. Everything is everything, it’s alright.”

Alright by Ledisi

“Beware the false motives of others. Be careful of those who pretend to be brothers

And you never suppose it's those who are closest to you, to you.

They say all the right things to gain their position, then use your kindness as their ammunition

To shoot you down in the name of ambition, they do..”

Forgive Them Father by Lauryn Hill

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds

Have no fear for atomic energy ‘cause none of them can stop the time

How long shall they kill our prophets while we stand aside and look?

Some say it's just a part of it, we've got to fulfill the book.”

Redemption Song by Bob Marley

“We can't be stopped if we don't give up, even though they hold us back we still find ways to come up

A lot of people make promises with no plans to keep 'em. But me, no matter what I'm ridin' till I get my freedom

If I fail, then it's only a challenge to go harder. Don't want to be no martyr so I adapt to things smarter

It's death before dishonor. And I put that on my son and my momma

And don't take it as a threat, that's a promise.”

If I Fail by Dead Prez

What are the songs that help you through tough times?Leave them in a comment! 


And make sure you vote for this blog in the Black Weblog Awards (CLICK HERE)! That GOOD GOOD Blog was nominated for Best Blog Design, Best Culture, & Best Fashion! I am so thankful to everyone who voted, thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart.

Street Stylin'

I am in love with street style blogs. There is just something so amazing about being able to see what different people are wearing all over the world. Even though I can’t afford the majority of the clothing that the people on those blogs are wearing (just give me a couple years to get my money up though!), I still look to these blogs for fashion inspiration. Interestingly enough, top designers have even started turning to street style as inspiration for designs. I recently read that the inspiration for the Lanvin pre-fall 2011 collection was from photos that Alber Ebaz saw of stylish women on the internet. Since I love sharing links with all my fabulous readers, here is a listing of my favorite street style blogs. Now I’m sure there are a bunch of you who know of these blogs already but there are also a bunch of you who may not so this post is for the latter. 

Just click on the names to go to the blogs!

Swagger: New York & Swagger: Paris Readers are exposed to all types of fashion forward individuals from both New York & Paris. I am particularly fond of Swagger: New York but both versions are amazing. One can also find great music on these blogs too.

Jak & Jil Even if you aren't a huge fan of fashion, you are bound to be blown away by the stunning photography on this blog. Some of the most luxurious clothing I have ever seen in my life is on Jak & Jil. I can’t afford any of it, but I love looking at it! 

The Sartorialist Perhaps the most popular of street style blogs. Scott Schuman, the man behind the lens, has such an inspiring story concerning how he started up this blog. He did not intend to become a fashion photographer but he figured that eventually his passion for photography and his passion for fashion would converge. The convergence of these passions birthed The Sartorialist. Make sure you watch the video!

All The Pretty Birds Yet another fabulous blog! Some very beautiful & well-dressed women are on this blog. It’s definitely worth a look, or five.

ALTAMIRA: MODELSOFFDUTY.COM This blog is neat because the vast majority of the individuals photoed on this blog are some of the world’s most noted models. It’s quite interesting getting to see the way models dress when they aren’t on the runway or on the pages of magazines.

Street Peeper Readers really get a taste of international fashion on this blog. Street Peeper “peeps” 26 different cities including New York, Paris, London, Chicago, Seoul, Sydney, San Francisco, Toronto, Jakarta, Zurich, and Berlin (just to name a few).

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JUST A QUICK EDIT! (I wanted to add a blog for all the dashing young men who read my blog! I didn't forget about ya'll!)

Dapper Lou Not only are the men featured on this blog utterly amazing but the blogger himself is also on point! This blog is definitely a great resource for the fashion forward male. And a big shout out goes to Ludget for filling the void of a predominantly male street style blog. Personally, I haven’t seen another one!

I left some out because there are just too many to name! Hopefully you all enjoy these blogs as much as I do. Let me know what your favorite street style blog is if I didn’t include it in this post, I wouldn’t mind adding more to my reading list :)

But I Wouldn't Stop There

Excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech

Press Play.

As you know, if I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of general and panoramic view of the whole human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" — I would take my mental flight by Egypt through, or rather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the Promised Land. And in spite of its magnificence, I wouldn't stop there. I would move on by Greece, and take my mind to Mount Olympus. And I would see Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Euripides and Aristophanes assembled around the Parthenon as they discussed the great and eternal issues of reality.

But I wouldn't stop there. I would go on, even to the great heyday of the Roman Empire. And I would see developments around there, through various emperors and leaders. But I wouldn't stop there. I would even come up to the day of the Renaissance, and get a quick picture of all that the Renaissance did for the cultural and esthetic life of man. But I wouldn't stop there. I would even go by the way that the man for whom I'm named had his habitat. And I would watch Martin Luther as he tacked his ninety-five theses on the door at the church in Wittenberg.

But I wouldn't stop there. I would come on up even to 1863, and watch a vacillating president by the name of Abraham Lincoln finally come to the conclusion that he had to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. But I wouldn't stop there. I would even come up to the early thirties, and see a man grappling with the problems of the bankruptcy of his nation. And come with an eloquent cry that we have nothing to fear but fear itself.

But I wouldn't stop there. Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty, and say, "If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy." Now that's a strange statement to make, because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land. Confusion all around. That's a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a away that men, in some strange way, are responding — something is happening in our world. The masses of people are rising up. And wherever they are assembled today, whether they are in Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Accra, Ghana; New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; Jackson, Mississippi; or Memphis, Tennessee — the cry is always the same — "We want to be free."

And another reason that I'm happy to live in this period is that we have been forced to a point where we're going to have to grapple with the problems that men have been trying to grapple with through history, but the demand didn't force them to do it. Survival demands that we grapple with them. Men, for years now, have been talking about war and peace. But now, no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence. That is where we are today. And also in the human rights revolution, if something isn't done, and in a hurry, to bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long years of poverty, their long years of hurt and neglect, the whole world is doomed. Now, I'm just happy that God has allowed me to live in this period, to see what is unfolding. And I'm happy that He's allowed me to be in Memphis.

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

Source: http://www.afscme.org

Song: Jazzmatazz (Guru Tribute) by Jay Electronica feat. Tone Treasure