Meet IMANI

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful IMANI a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi IMANI , thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I’ve best overcome writers/creativity blocks by giving myself time to just do nothing. Allowing my inner artist self to rest. I think a lot of times, things bloom and spark in periods of rest. Letting yourself be. I’ve noticed mostly in those times, a new idea sparks in my head. I could be driving and listening to a beat and start humming a melody. I think that’s so important. Not being super hard on myself and letting things flow naturally.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is IMANI! I’m an upcoming R&B/Neo Soul artist from Los Angeles, California. I come from an entertainment family so i’ve always been around the arts. Music, acting, etc. I think what’s most special about what I do is getting to connect with others through my music. Tell a story through it. Music is a universal language which I think is so beautiful. So being able to use my music to tell my stories is the most amazing thing I could ever do. I recently dropped my second single on June 6th from my upcoming EP coming out this summer. The song is titled “more than friends.” It’s one of the most special songs i’ve written so far. It’s about that feeling of loving someone so much but deep down, you know it’s better for both of you if you just stay friends. Such a hard feeling but a very real one. I’m so excited for everyone to hear the entire EP that I will be announcing very very soon!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think three qualities, skills, or area of knowledge that are most impactful in my journey would be being authentic, learning how to do things yourself, and remembering that your journey isn’t the same as others. My journey has only just begun, so these things have helped me so far. Being my true authentic self is so important. Because if you are being something you’re not, you’re not living. Also, learning. Being a student. Learning how to record yourself, learning out to create beats. Just things that I believe are so helpful to know because you never know when you might need it. I also feel like it allows you to really learn yourself as an artist. What you like, what you don’t like etc. Lastly, embrace your journey. Everyone’s is different. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on you and your craft and everything will bloom just the way it’s supposed to!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron has played an important role in my artist development. I started it in March of this year and ended it this May. It was the most eye opening thing i’ve ever read. It allowed me to unpack so many things I didn’t even know were there. Really get to know and love my inner artist self. Understanding my creativity in new lenses. The most valuable piece of wisdom that I learned is I need to create what needs to be created. No matter if it’s good or bad. No matter if it sells or not. I must allow myself to create. Knowing that the ability to create is a gift and your artist self needs to be catered to. Take yourself out on those dates, do those morning pages. It’s so important. That book helped me so much and is only the beginning of what I’m about to do.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is

Highlighter Series
Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?

We asked some of the most interesting entrepreneurs and creatives to open up about recent

Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we