We recently had the chance to connect with Nandi Aziza and have shared our conversation below.
Nandi, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me looks like waking up between 7-8am and doom scrolling. Then I start getting ready for the day by taking my supplements with my chlorophyll water and doing either pilates or yoga. After that I check my calendar for any meetings and reply to any work emails. I work from home, so that makes it a bit easier to balance any modeling calls or photoshoots because I can make my own schedule. When I’m not working my day job or modeling, I’m editing content for social media and checking deadlines for posting. By dinner time I’m ordering Door dash while I catch up on anime episodes before wrapping up the day with a stretch session before I head to bed.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello my name is Nandi and I’m a freelance model and digital creator. My content focuses on skincare & beauty, hair, and lifestyle but I also enjoy so much more. My content is unique because my content is a real life reflection of the connections that I make with people in my every day life. I love collaborating and networking with people, especially when it comes to black-owned businesses or community based organizations. I’ve also been doing pilates for a year now with the intent to really get back to nurturing my health. I’m currently working on a “how to” video series for beginners in makeup and natural hairstyling.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For a long time I didn’t realize that I was a people pleaser because the concept that I had of people pleasing didn’t necessarily align with how it presented itself in my own actions. I thought it was just always saying yes and putting others needs ahead of your own, but it is also holding your tongue and not saying the quiet part out loud. And that’s where it falls in line for me. But now I am focusing on maintaining boundaries, leaning into uncomfortable conversations, and having my inner voice heard.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that failing is ok and it is not the end of the world. When I was out of a job and homeless for over a year I was at my lowest point. I didn’t have a steady source of income, no place to call my own, and I felt like I was failing at being an adult and myself. Not to mention that I felt like I was letting my friends and family down. But looking back on it that year taught me that I really can get through anything and I can do whatever I put my mind to. I am blessed to have family and friends that support me, but also realized that the way I show up for others isn’t always reciprocated. So you have to keep moving forward and continue leading with love, empathy, and resilience because everybody is dealing with something. But I will say that I’m glad I don’t look like what I’ve been through.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, but it is only a piece of me. Everything I create is who I am, but I do have discretion on which parts and how much of myself I prefer to show on social media. I try not to focus too much on making the content people wanna see as opposed to the content that I want to make. I’m a firm believer that the right people who connect with my content will like my content and so far that has lead to plenty of brand partnerships and even got me published in Harper’s Bazaar. I’m always open to new strategies but bottom line is the same, be authentic.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Dancing has always been a thing to center me when I feel stressed or anxious. Whether it’s freestyling in my living room or signing up to take a class at a local studio. Dance creates community and at the heart of it, there is no right or wrong way to do it. It is the body’s way of expressing joy and when I feel that I’m immediately at peace. I think everyone should experience uninhibited dancing a bit more because it definitely heals you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplynandi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NandiAziza
Image Credits
Kevon Richardson, Brittany Gary, Derek Hightower, Desirae OzMarie, Chuck Marcus, Jared Winston
