We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aziza Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aziza below.
Aziza, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
My strategy for overcoming imposter syndrome is to envision a post-apocalyptic world, in which I have been chosen, within the last known community, to be in charge of that particular task or action. For instance, if you desire to sing, and you feel inferior to other singers, then travel to a place where you are the last person who can sing, and others depend on your voice to push through. They are grateful for anything that you can produce, because there is no one else to do it. I remove everyone else out of the equation. It is only me. This helps fight imposter syndrome in my internal world. It forces me to view my skills and talents as a necessary service to others. It also removes all the noise of other humans I may be comparing myself to.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Greetings! My name is Aziza, and I am a creative who focuses on video art and writing. I am also classically trained in violin and ballet. I studied at the Cleveland Music School Settlement for dance and violin, then later focused all my efforts on music. I’ve studied violin at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Bowling Green State University and have been concertmaster of multiple orchestras for many years.
Halfway through my undergraduate degree, my mother fell ill with brain cancer. I dropped out of school to take care of her until she passed away. I then got married, had a family, and decided to explore every creative direction I was interested in. I spent time developing my website, Art Loves Company. There, I write blog posts exploring peace and productivity. I also showcase any work I create, including video projects, instrumental music productions, and videos of me playing the violin. I sometimes showcase other artists and their achievements as well.
Recently, I decided to go back to school and finish my degree. I graduated twice in one year with an associate’s and bachelor’s degree. I then began studying for the LSAT, hoping to be admitted into law school. I chose law school because of my inclination to advocate for those in need. I was admitted to law school with a half-ride scholarship and felt that my hard work had finally paid off.
I love academia, videography, and writing. I get asked a lot if I still play the violin. Yes, though not in the full-time manner as before. It is more of a hobby that I keep alive. My mother invested so much time and resources into my performing arts education, and I hope to continue to honor her through my playing.
I’ve also dedicated time to working with a non-profit called Riff Mechanics alongside its founder, my dear friend Benjamin Smith. I have been working with him for many years and have had the pleasure of being a part of such a community treasure. My non-profit work has enabled me to be present in the community and witness how powerful it can be to team up with like-minded people for a greater cause.
Currently, I am preparing my lifestyle, mind, and body for law school challenges. I plan to remain active in music and videography. I’ve filmed much footage of the Cleveland community during many Riff Mechanic events. I love to capture anything around me and spend time making it art during the editing process. Filming brings me a joy I sometimes forget until I start back at it again. Even writing about it now reminds and inspires me.
Finally, I achieved my law school goals because I strategically limited how I spent my time. I’ve always seen myself as a Jack (or Jill) of all trades, a master of none. But I locked into one goal for a few seasons and set my mind on that exclusively. This lifestyle change is when I saw massive progress in my life. There is room for lots of joy in my life. I just had to learn how to balance them. I had to learn how to lock in.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to lead by example. I watched my mother study for years. I watched my father work consistently and flow from one career to the next. I saw that there was always time to change your career. I watched my mother study science and be an artist. My mother balanced two lives, two versions of herself at once. She was a registered nurse, drawing blood and submitting tons of clinical paperwork half the week. And the other half of the week, I watched her take art classes at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She got to travel Europe before she died and painted and created jewelry, which she sold at art fairs. My parents sacrificed certain things, made space for what they desired out of life, and continued their education, even with children. That is my biggest inspiration, and I am so blessed to have experienced them as humans.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artlovescompany.com
- Instagram: artlovescompany
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/azizambrown
- Youtube: artlovescompany
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/z4three
Image Credits
All images are my own.
