Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Imani.
Hi Nadia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At the age of five, I began dancing. Honestly, I hated it at first right up until my very first recital. I remember it like it was yesterday. We danced to “Girls just want to have fun” by Cyndi Lauper wearing my cute yellow and black two-piece. At that moment that’s when I knew I loved performing, the stage, the lights, the audience cheering you on and the instant feeling of accomplishment after the performance was over. Fast forward to 7th grade, this year was super hard for me. I was bullied at school, I was made to feel so ugly and worthless, I hated going but the one thing I looked forward to after school was going to dance class immediately after. This was the year of dramatic growth as well when it came to my dancing, it was almost as if all of the pain I endured at school I poured it out in my dancing. At that moment is when I realized that dance was much deeper than the fancy costumes and the glitz and glam, it was my outlet. I felt the most beautiful when I was able to move my body in ways that created art. Fast forward to my freshman year of college, I began teaching a majorette team of elementary – high school girls technique and ballet fundamentals.
That’s when I feel Inlove with the idea of teaching and saw the impact of not only the girls but how it in turn made me feel to be able to inspire them. I continued teaching throughout college and it led me to began teaching women my age and older heels classes. I loved pouring into them, seeing them grow and witnessing the impact and at that moment is when I realized I truly have a gift. After graduating from college, all I could think about was moving to Los Angeles and facing my fears. I packed my two suitcases and went for it and that showed me how resilient I truly am. While in Los Angeles I was able to witness what it is like being on set and something else sparked in me that I really want to try my hand in creative directing. I love the whole process of it all and currently I’m studying all of the ins and out from terminology to how to operate equipment. Growing up I never was one to be put in a box, if I’m able to utilize all of my talents in the lifetime and be happy while doing that’s exactly what I’m going to do. This is just the beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say it had been a smooth road but honestly, it hasn’t been. From being bullied as a kid to always feeling left out, being thousands of miles away from my family and feeling like I’m missing out on important family events, but I’m grateful it hasn’t been a smooth road because obstacles build character, obstacles teach you resilience. I can’t be a teacher or leader if I never went through any hardships. I feel as though that would make me unrelatable. I’m thankful for everything that I went through because it made me who I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would like to say I’m a woman of many hats, I’m a dancer, I do makeup, hair, creative direction, and interior design. I am most proud of dancing for 20 years now and never stopping and for creative directing, styling and doing all of the makeup for my little sister Niiasii’s music videos ” I wanna get out ” and “Pretty Mama” I don’t believe in just having one “niche” it’s like if you can do it all why not DO IT ALL and that’s what sets me apart.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My go-to books: Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Four Agreements By Don Miguel Ruiz
All About Love By Bell Hooks
My go-to podcasts:
Guide me Glow
Slay girl Slay
For noble women
MasterClass
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheNadiaImaniExperience.com
- Instagram: TheNadiaImani
Image Credits
Instagram: Niqko
