[ad_1]
A means of creative expression in a satisfying, liberating fashion is a satisfying yet satisfying experience for oneself. Actress and creative powerhouse Nzinga ImaniVersatility across various creative mediums is not only the self-given “norm” but the standard it has been supporting for some time.
Acting on BET+ shows, for example All the Queen’s Men and CpeaksNzinga Imani has managed to have a solid acting career while practicing her craft as a beautician and fashion designer.
Nzinga Imani shared the details with The Curvy Fashionista in a virtual chat from her airy yet serenely decorated home (TCF) about his versatile career, daily life routines and future prospects.
In Conversation with Nzinga Imani
TCF: Get me through Dawn’s mindset. What was your favorite part of playing him in “All the Queen’s Men”?
Nzinga Imani: “I have to say my favorite thing about Dawn is that she has that moment of freedom and she’s just free. To me, she seems like a character with a lot of things. She was in an unhappy marriage and eventually came out. She’s a little shy and a little scared at first.
With the help of his friend, he lets everything flow and he has a lot of fun in that episode. I can’t wait to see where the story takes him. I hope they (BET+) bring him back and I can’t wait to see what they do with his character!”
TCF: What are some standard structural concepts you would like to see in your “Nimani” clothing brand?
Nzinga Imani:For me, it’s about things that can flatter different body types. I like products with peplums. I like things that show off the assets I know most plus-size women have, such as highlighting the bust area or the waist. I like things that are fun and not simple. I really want to push the idea of staying away from a lot of black clothes or a lot of clothes where you have to be very modest. I want the brand to represent me and the things I love.
I know many other girls like me who feel limited when we go to the typical plus size stores with what the options are. Always the same thing. Same patterns. Same flowers. They are everywhere. You don’t dress like that when you’re a younger, plus-size girl, you know? Church is not every day of the week.
You may want to be a little more fun, creative and bold on the rest of the week. That’s what Nimani means to me. It’s about creating these pieces for when you want to be the center of attention. You can be this! There are clothes that fit you and your personality.”
TCF: You’re a woman who wears a lot of creative hats. What was your inspiration behind becoming a beautician (emphasis on make-up and natural hair in your case)?
Nzinga Imani: “Before I became a makeup artist or started doing hair, I was almost a tomboy. I never would have imagined my life would go this way in terms of fashion, makeup or hair. My upbringing taught me that if you have to do something, you have to learn how to do it. I’ve always been an artist. Theater One of the curriculum requirements was to take a stage makeup class.
I took a stage makeup class and we were turning people into old people and people into animals. [with special fx makeup]. I realized it’s an art form and it’s fun. The course professor said, ‘You’re really good at this and you should probably keep going. I was like, ‘Yeah, okay. Anyway.’
However, I realized that these skills are necessary for many other things. If I wanted to be in front of the camera and look my best, I had to learn how to do it for myself. Otherwise, I would have to either pay someone else or entrust it to someone else to create the vision I wanted, which is terrible.
As a makeup artist, there are times when other makeup artists do my face. I love sometimes. Sometimes I want to go to the bathroom and cry. Sometimes I went to the bathroom and wiped my entire face to start over.
I know how to fix these and create the look I want, and I’ve taught myself. So it wasn’t necessary for me to go more into beauty and hair, because it had to be taken seriously. Unfortunately. With plus size women, they’re going to try to “make us ugly” a little bit, if you know what I’m saying. They will not show us the care and time required. So, however, I knew that if I wanted my beauty done right, I had to do it myself.”
TCF: “Curves” is a program that feels truly revolutionary in the way it puts storytelling at its center. How important was it to portray Maya and tell more stories about curve/plus size people in the mainstream media?
Nzinga Imani: “First of all, I love ‘Curves,’ I love having a group of three leaders of plus size women who all represent a different side of the coin, you know? Some plus size women are more reserved and more reserved about how they dress. Some women like their sexuality. She is like the character Janae, who discovered and lived that life.
My character Maya is in this artistic world where she is a singer and I really am. I could identify with him on so many levels. He’s wanted by a professional ball player (something I can relate to), but they don’t want to take him out. They don’t know how people will perceive it.
They don’t know how to look at them. They are in an environment where society is constantly following them and telling them that their significant other has to look a certain way. They should have this fabricated body and everything else. Therefore, even if they like you, they may have reservations about putting you in front of the masses.
Just to bring this to light and bring it to the attention of the masses and show that there are various bodies desired by various men. At the end of the day, we’re wanted, so there’s no reason to sugarcoat it. I like that they brought it to the fore because “Oh, this guy is totally in love with him!” Then all of a sudden it changes and you’re like, “Oh, wait. Is he in it? What is going on here?”
I know a lot of people who have had this experience in real life. To me, the point was to tell our true stories and get the other side of the coin to be told. We are often put in a pigeonhole where we become “funny friends” and “unwanted friends.” It’s very important to see these three characters in one story because that’s the truth. Most of my friends are plus size. I hang out with other plus size girls so this role really resonates with my experience. I really hope BET+ gets ‘Curves’ for a full season.”
TCF: What are some of your favorite apps that apply joy and relaxation in your life?
Nzinga Imani: “I can say my number one thing is music! I like all kinds of music, but I’m a theater kid. I listen to musicals and sing to the top of my lungs. It keeps me going when I’m not feeling my best or when I need to stay awake. during drive. Whatever the case. I know that if I sing a few musicals, I will find the energy I need. I’m going to get into all the characters and that will make me happy… Music is number one.
I don’t consider myself a dancer, but I do. Movement in general can be a lot of fun. If we could remove the stigma of the need to look a certain way and let the music do what it does. Move with it. React how you feel. I think the world would be a better place.”
TCF: Where do you see the very favored empire you’ve built over the next five years?
Nzinga Imani: “I am seeking a global takeover. To be honest, I want to be a name that everyone knows. I want to represent my community. I want my music to be there. I want my clothing line to be big. I want it in big stores and I want to design more. I hope to be in big movies and television in the next five years. I see this very clearly. It needs to happen soon, but I definitely feel like I’m on the right track as I work as hard as physically possible to get there.
I think if I keep that up and keep doing the work, then that’s what’s waiting for me. I believe this is what I need to believe is in store to achieve this. I think that’s what motivates me.”
TCF: What is your definition of “success” in your journey?
Nzinga Imani: “My definition of success would be happiness and wealth for generations. I want my whole family to be well. I want to make sure my mom never has to work again. I want to make sure my sisters and their children, and hopefully my children someday, are stable and not going through the struggles I had growing up. I am very lucky to be in the position I am in now, but that was not always the case.
For me, it’s like making sure the next generation doesn’t have to go through what the previous one did or what we did. We are constantly growing, creating and creating opportunities for more people like us.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Digital Cover Details: Cover Model: Nzinga Imani. Photographer: Jeno Uche. Makeup: Amazing MUA Done. Set: Christian Omeshun
[ad_2]
Source link