We’re looking forward to introducing you to Moriah McDaniel. Check out our conversation below.
Moriah , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
As cliché as it may sound, I am chasing my dreams. I have been in a position before, where I was chasing something I was passionate about, to a point where I’ve moved to another state. When opportunities weren’t coming in, and it was hard to find work, I ended up moving back home and had to get a 9 to 5 at a call center job. I cried on my way to work, leaving work, in between calls, on my lunch breaks, etc. this was not my world. I had stopped chasing my passion and I had fallen into a depression.
Eventually, through prayer and obedience, I got my life back on track and went after my passion, full force. I received my masters degree in fine arts, and have progressed in the world of arts and entertainment. The things that I have accomplished and have overcome, today, I can confidently say I am very proud of myself. I am a creative in my own lane. My only competition is me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
my name is Moriah McDaniel, I am an actress, writer, and CEO and founder of Mount Moriah Films. I am creating a space, not only in my company, but in my acting and writing, where there is positive influence and endless possibilities for creativity and the unimaginable.
With my acting, I will inspire and impact people of all genders and ages. Showing generations that it is possible to achieve your dreams as long as you don’t give up. Being a living example of writing the vision and making it plain.
Telling the stories effectively either true or fantasy through the use of acting. Being someone people can look to for inspiration, creativity and motivation.
As a writer, it’s about creating worlds where everyone can resonate with the characters (whether they’re fictional or real) and see themselves in that world that may result to a point where viewers feel the urge to cosplay or dress up as these characters for events, holidays or even just for fun. A place where there’s no judgment, but instead an open invitation to achieve the impossible and be anything or anyone you want. I will create an escape for my audience through my writing.
Mount Moriah Films (MMF) will create and produce films that transport viewers into a new world and resonate with people through the use of storytelling. MMF will produce fantastical worlds for the old, young and new generations to come. A world that invites everyone in and allows them to ride on the backs of foreign winged creatures, magic carpets, possess powers of the unknown, and travel as far as the heart wills! Mount Moriah Films will bring magical worlds to the big screen, inspire creativity in others and touch the hearts and souls of many!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I believe my mother saw me clearly before I could see myself. She saw the things that I could create and how I was able to bring whatever I saw in my mind’s eye to life, whether that was through dance, drawing, writing, digital lookbooks, etc. she knew how creative and innovative I was. She would consistently speak life and confidence into my spirit. She would point out my accomplishments and the things that I’ve overcome. She would tell me what I’m capable of, reassuring me of the power I hold and control within.
I was the one who placed limitations on myself, thinking that it wasn’t possible for me to do what I wanted to do and asking the question, “why would someone choose me?”, putting myself in the back and dimming my light. I was in my own way. I am in a position today where I ask “why wouldn’t someone choose me?” and I do not take “no” for an answer. What is for me, is for me, and will not pass me by. I will not wait for an invitation to the table, I will create my own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One thing I would say to my younger self is, you’re on the right path, don’t second-guess yourself or your spirit. Sometimes we let the outer noises take over and influence our decisions. If your spirit is telling you one thing don’t allow the outside noise to sway you. Stand firm in your choice and move forward in confidence.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value that I protect at all costs, is not comparing your life (blessings, experiences, opportunities, etc) to others. You never know what other people have had to sacrifice or struggle with to get to where they are. Likewise, with social media playing a big role in today’s time, people will post their highlights and all the good things. You don’t see all the nights that people cried or the things/people that someone has lost. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. It’s nice to congratulate others on what they’ve done or accomplished, but never compare your life/self to others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do. From the time I was born till now, I have always been a part of the arts and entertainment field. I’m a very creative person. Through different forms of art, such as dance, drawing, painting, digital artwork, look books, storyboarding, film production, acting, etc., I have remained consistent in what I came into the world doing.
When I first started college, I tried to branch out, going into architecture and blueprints. However, I found myself switching majors and going back to what felt like home to me, which was the arts community. I know I’m supposed to be in this field creating and sharing stories that have not yet been told; Impacting people in a significant way, inspiring creativity and imagination in people on a global level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moriahmcdaniel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__riahrene/
Image Credits
Mark Hampton
Brad Reed
Ivan Ramirez
Quinn Taplin
YoungHeart Visuals
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
