Meet N’ova J

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful N’ova J a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi N’ova , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I learned that we should be the change want to see in the world. I sing about this often. It’s important to be confident in your gift and authenticity so everywhere you go the environment has no choice but to elevate to match your energy. As a black woman in America with a masters degree and accounting background, I have been in many rooms where I am the only one who looks like me. We have to embrace being the first and remember to always hold the door open behind us for others. Music is away to express yourself outside of labels and societal norms. Success looks different to everyone, we have to believe that what we create with love will be received with love as well.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am blessed to do music full time! I love performing and collaborating with other talented musicians to create an amazing set. There is something really special about making something from nothing. Lyrics in my head became a song that others can enjoy and facilitate conversations towards progression. The why is more important than the how, so doing what I love is all the reason I need to keep creating and helping others heal. This year I performed at the Georgia Aquarium, Aisle 5, Birmingham smooth jazz fest, and Vinyl at Centerstage twice. These are just a few iconic venues in my hometown that have been a dream come true!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The top 3 things I would tell artist just starting, like myself, would be to do what you love, show people what makes you special, and use what you have! If your heart isn’t in what you do people can tell. You have to be honest with yourself about your goals for the future. There is no one in the whole wide world like YOU and that is your superpower. Don’t be scared to be the first to do something if it makes sense to you. Most importantly, use the resources you have! There are infinite ways to create. Don’t let lack of finances or time discourage you from making things happen.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
At our core we are all creators. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you don’t have any form of release. This year I started Art Muse Management as a space for all types of artist to come together for the purpose of creation. When you feel stressed my advice would be to write down why and then create something from that feeling and make it beautiful

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@eye.0f.hvbris @creativedemands

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