Naima Mora's Blog
August 15, 2013
Move Toward the Point of Discomfort
I have honestly had the pleasure of growing up with wonderful women in my life. They are a source of strength and I look up to them for their courage and bravery. One of these women is my sister Ife Mora! She is also a musician.
Her story is my story in so many ways. This is a wonderful blog she wanted to offer to Model Behavior on finding courage, belief and strength within that allowed her to be free without and truly express her creativity. Through this process she has found growth as an artist.
For Ife’s wonderful, kick ass albums you can check out her web site: http://ifesanchezmora.com
- Naima
Move Toward the Point of Discomfort
If there is one thing I have learned about improvement of self is that I must always move into the direction of discomfort with my work, my craft and myself. When it is uncomfortable it usually means growth is taking place. It is then my responsibility to accept the growth in my life and stop resisting it so I can become a better ‘me’ and a better artist.
Ife Mora
I am not referring to adding enormous amounts of stress and extra tasks to your plate in pursuit of your career. No, what I am referring to is releasing the fear attached to a desire to do something new that seems unconquerable. I will give you an example. I am a solo artist now but in the past I could not compose my own songs by myself or play shows alone.
I would have to rely on a partner to write with because I didn’t play a musical instrument well enough to compose solo. My last band SwEEtie was formed with my friend Tecla Esposito and I. We found ourselves in an undesirable position when the guys in our band, drummer, guitarist and bassist, quit.
We now only had one instrumentalist in the band. Immediately we knew that Tecla would have to sing background vocals and play the bass on her keyboard with her left hand while simultaneously playing lead melodies on her right hand. This would give our band a fuller sound without having the other members. We found a female drummer and now it was my turn to step up to the plate.
The Next Hurdle
Something I had been avoiding for a long time is learning to play guitar even though so many people suggested that I learn. I grew up playing violin and studied classical piano but had no idea of how to hold a guitar nonetheless strum chords and sing. I was extremely frightened to begin the daunting task of learning in my late 20′s a new musical instrument.
The anticipation of how much effort I needed to dedicate to this task, how much patience I would have to have and how long it would take for me to get good at playing guitar, scared me to the point of wanting to give up before I even tried. But the thought of sticking it to the guys who left our rock band and said we couldn’t do it without them, excited me.
The image of being on stage with an electric guitar rocking out with my all female band, sent thrills down my spine. It would also be a relief to not have to depend on someone to sit down and write songs with me. The thought of this was not only liberating it propelled me to get off my behind, find a teacher and forced me to believe in my talents and capabilities. I chanted my Buddhist prayers and mediated on finding the right teacher for me.
After asking around I found a good teacher who came highly recommended from my friend and fellow singer/ songwriter Taj Bell. My new guitar teacher told me in my first lesson that I would be singing a song and playing guitar by the end of class. And so I was. Two weeks later I was playing and singing Hotel California and other classic songs.
I practiced everyday and realized that practicing was easy because I really enjoyed playing the guitar. I enjoyed it so much I was sleeping with my acoustic guitar at night. I went everywhere with my guitar and had fun playing songs for people every chance I got.
When it was time to start playing gigs with my band I expressed to my teacher how frightened I was, he told me when you are on stage playing Rock & Roll, it’s all about attitude. I took his advice and gave as much attitude as I could possibly give at our first show as the new power trio all girl rock band.
I was only playing simple power chords but it worked!
People came up to me after the show and told me they thought I was good on the guitar. My teacher was there out of support, which I am eternally grateful for. No one could tell that I had just picked up the guitar for the first time a month before. Now I was leading a rock band singing and playing.
Doing what makes Ife loves.
7 years and two solo albums later, I can accompany myself on guitar both acoustic and electric. I also compose all my songs mostly by myself. The only reason why I don’t compose all my songs alone is because I love a good collaboration. I still struggle at times because I am constantly growing and trying to improve as a guitarist and songwriter.
Moving in new areas of discomfort. For the longest time I avoided learning to finger pick until I decided to push myself to learn, which is what I am working on now. And no matter how uncomfortable it is, I push myself forward.
The Discipline to Be Uncomfortable
As an artist if you want to be great at what you do, you have to push yourself toward the areas of discomfort, the areas that frighten you, the places that seem scary and insurmountable. And if you are not an artist you can still apply this for anything you want to accomplish in life professionally, physically, with health or even to become happy. In pushing myself to play guitar I learned that inside of me resided a true singer/ songwriter.
All the ideas swarming around in my head, I could now put into song form by myself. I wasn’t just the front person for rock bands anymore and this made me happy because it fulfilled me. Along the way there was plenty of discouragement.
Band mates laughed at me and said I was an amateur and had no business trying to play guitar in a band with more advanced instrumentalists. When I played simple chords with sloppy strumming, other guitarists turned their noses up to me. Some of the advanced guitarist looked at me condescendingly and would say how cute I was trying to play. And although at times this was very painful and made me question what I was doing, I never gave up. I still kept going.
Because with persistence, every year I got better and better at what I was doing.
When you move in the direction of discomfort with your art, your art will become richer in quality and you will eventually begin to master your craft. In his book Outliers, author Malcolm Gladwell coined the practice rule that it takes 10,000 hours to master your craft. After you put the 10,000 hours in you are still trying to master it. You will keep trying all of your life. And this is what separates the people who do this as a hobby and the folks who can call themselves True Artists.
Keep moving toward discomfort and watch how you become great. You will know it when you show someone your work and it moves him or her to the point of tears.
- Ife Mora
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August 8, 2013
Is There a Connection Between Technology, Fashion and Wellness?
What do you think about fashion and technology?
As I head to San Fracisco August 15th to sit on a panel of experts and leaders in the fashion and technology worlds, I am spending time thinking about how technology, fashion design, love of fashon, and wellness go together.
Clearly technology is everywhere, and in the fashion world, the more we have access to good technology, like the MyRunwayApp, that has the consumer in mind when they designed an app to help people who love clothes and brands find what they’re looking for – I also know that fashion and wellness go hand in hand, and we have to be healthy and strong on the inside as well as beautful and fashion-forward on the outside.
Some of my interests in technology and fashion are about how can we use technology AND fashion to connect consumers with products and services that help them on the inside, too.
Can technology helps us help more people be healthy, and fashion-trending at the same time? What do yo think?
The new “My Runway” app uses real-time analytics to help fashion designers and retailers bring the latest trends to 100,000 consumers. I’ll be talking about this very thing in San Francisco and hope you’ll join me then! You can find out more about their technology at SAP here at this article in their blog.
And if you do, Tweet Live!
You can also join the fun August 15th by participating in the Twitter Contest. Tweet answering the question, “What Do You Want to See in a Fashion App?” by including the #SAPContest to receive a signed copy of my book “Model Behavior.” At the end of the contest, our panel will select the best tweet based upon originality of the idea, buzz, and ease of implementation in a fashion app!
More information can be found here.
DATE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 2013 – 5:30 TO 8:00 PM
PLACE: THE ART UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
ADDRESS: 10 UN BUILDING, 1130 MARKET STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94192
RSVP: HTTP://WWW.MEETUP.COM/FIRST-THURSDAY-SILICON-VALLEY/EVENTS/124096522/
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My RunwayApp Fashion & Tech Event in SF August 15th!
In San Francisco next Thursday, August 15th? Come to this amazing event, and sign books with me afterwards!
My Runway: I am really excited to share that I will be participating in a San Francisco panel next week about the blending of fashion and technology! Event information here and read on…
There are a lot of really great examples of where this is already happening, like mobile cases designed by Kate Spade, Swarovski’s crystal 4GB USB drives and wearable fitness. We’re going to discuss what this means for designers, brands and consumers.
I’ll be joined by some great personalities including Sarah Austin, the Internet’s first “life-caster” for the Justin.tv test runs, and the producer of Pop17, a Web series documenting Internet culture.
Also there is Paul Friedland, senior director of marketing at Levi Strauss & Co, Stephanie Rahlfs, the owner of Stiletto Jungles Enterprises, and Li Gong, vice president of product & head of My Runway, at the software company SAP.
For those of you not yet familiar, My Runway is a great new (and free!) social shopping app that allows fashion enthusiasts to follow the brands they love, and get personalized updates on what’s new, what is trending, and what’s on sale.
I’ve included all of the details below, but be sure to register! Not in the area? No problem!
TWITTER CONTEST TO WIN SIGNED COPY OF MODEL BEHAVIOR!
You can still join the fun by participating in the Twitter Contest. Tweet to @Myrunwayapp answering the question, “What Do You Want to See in a Fashion App?” by including the #SAPContest and #ToryBurch hashtags to win a Tory Burch bag or receive a signed copy of Naima Mora’s book “Model Behavior.”
At the end of the contest, our panel will select the best tweet based upon originality of the idea, buzz, and ease of implementation in a fashion app! More information can be found here.
Getting ready to head to SF!
A very special thanks to SAP and Li Gong the app maker for their genrous and kind invitation to participate. I am thrilled to be in San Francisco with my tech and fashion friends! See you al then…
-Naima
My Runway Event Details
DATE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 2013 – 5:30 TO 8:00 PM
PLACE: THE ART UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
ADDRESS: 10 UN BUILDING, 1130 MARKET STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94192
RSVP: HTTP://WWW.MEETUP.COM/FIRST-THURSDAY-SILICON-VALLEY/EVENTS/124096522/
The post My RunwayApp Fashion & Tech Event in SF August 15th! appeared first on Naima Mora Online.
MyRunwayApp Fashion & Tech Event in SF August 15th!
In San Fracisco next Thursday, Aigust 15th? Come to this amazing event, and sign books with me afterwards!
MyRunwayApp: I am really excited to share that I will be participating in a San Francisco panel next week about the blending of fashion and technology! Event information here and read on…
There are a lot of really great examples of where this is already happening, like mobile cases designed by Kate Spade, Swarovski’s crystal 4GB USB drives and wearable fitness. We’re going to discuss what this means for designers, brands and consumers.
I’ll be joined by some great personalities including Sarah Austin, the Internet’s first “life-caster” for the Justin.tv test runs, and the producer of Pop17, a Web series documenting Internet culture.
Also there is Paul Friedland, senior director of marketing at Levi Strauss & Co, Stephanie Rahlfs, the owner of Stiletto Jungles Enterprises, and Li Gong, vice president of product & head of My Runway, at the software company SAP.
For those of you not yet familiar, My Runway is a great new (and free!) social shopping app that allows fashion enthusiasts to follow the brands they love, and get personalized updates on what’s new, what is trending, and what’s on sale.
I’ve included all of the details below, but be sure to register! Not in the area? No problem!
TWITTER CONTEST TO WIN SIGNED COPY OF MODEL BEHAVIOR!
You can still join the fun by participating in the Twitter Contest. Tweet answering the question, “What Do You Want to See in a Fashion App?” by including the #SAPContest and #ToryBurch hashtags to win a Tory Burch bag or receive a signed copy of Naima Mora’s book “Model Behavior.”
At the end of the contest, our panel will select the best tweet based upon originality of the idea, buzz, and ease of implementation in a fashion app! More information can be found here.
Getting ready to head to SF!
A very special thanks to SAP and Li Gong the app maker for their genrous and kind invitation to participate. I am thrilled to be in San Francisco with my tech and fashion friends! See you al then…
-Naima
MyRunwayApp Event Details
DATE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 2013 – 5:30 TO 8:00 PM
PLACE: THE ART UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
ADDRESS: 10 UN BUILDING, 1130 MARKET STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94192
RSVP: HTTP://WWW.MEETUP.COM/FIRST-THURSDAY-SILICON-VALLEY/EVENTS/124096522/
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Jacqueline Carrion: Fan Profile of the Week
Thanks, Jacqueline, for sharing the story of your journey! We’re re-sharing it this week again as I head to San Francisco with other fashion-focused people to explore technology and fashion! – Naima
My name is Jacqueline Carrion, and this is my story.
Jacqueline Carrion
Growing up in a single parent household is difficult for anyone. Especially if the parent who is raising you relied on their marriage to be the steady income. Being the youngest of three children and raised by my mother with the help of my older siblings, I had to grow up fairly quickly.
I was born and raised in the military town of Fayetteville, NC. However, I do not consider myself a “military brat” because I was two when my parents divorced and there we stayed. Seeing the struggles that my mother had to go through made me realize just how amazing this woman was and to the great lengths she would go to putting a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our back, and getting us toys to play with.
My sister Vanessa was a great role model for me growing up. She always stressed that we needed education to better ourselves before we settle down in a serious relationship and that’s exactly what she did. She worked three jobs while in college to pay for her tuition and still managed to help out my mother when she could.
Our family took another hard hit in February of 2000, when my sister Vanessa was killed in a car accident. I can remember that day like it was yesterday and I still cannot believe how much time has gone without her here. I was 10 at the time and my brother about to be 15 the next day. As I saw my mother go through a loss of a child, I knew that I had to put on my big girl pants and be the strength that she needed to keep it together. It was a very difficult time for us, but we manage to continue on day by day.
I had always had a knack for performing when I was little, so when I got to be around 12 or 13 I started to model and act. I quickly found out that these were things that I enjoyed and wanted to do for the rest of my life. All throughout school I would do little modeling things here and there but mostly acting at my schools and the local theater.
I would watch Top Model every season and learned so much about the modeling world that they don’t show us and hoped to get a chance on the show, but never did. Graduating from high school, I followed my sister’s footsteps and became a Charlotte 49er at UNC Charlotte.
Adapting to Charlotte, I concentrated on my studies, campus activities, and tried to get the most out of the college experience as I possibly could.
My modeling and acting career had to be put on hold, but it still remained a big part of my heart. I did shoots with local photographers and tried to break in the Charlotte scene but didn’t realize how much time I would have to commit to ait nd how much that would take out of my studies.
So, I graduated in December of 2011 and began working in radio. Still in the entertainment industry, I realized that I did not want to be the person interviewing the celebrity, I wanted to be the one being interviewed! I decided to take my life by the horns and do what I wanted to really do with my life, and that’s entertain.
I have started getting into the Charlotte fashion scene and just recently signed with a talent agency in Charlotte, so we shall see where these next roads will take me. I have realized that you must have tough skin to make it in this industry, and I believe that I do. My sister always told us to “Never give up” and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.
What’s your story? YOu can share it here, too, at Naima’s Fan Corner.
The post Jacqueline Carrion: Fan Profile of the Week appeared first on Naima Mora Online.
August 3, 2013
OpenSea: Journey Across the Pacific – The Documentary
Along the way…
I wanted to share the extraordinary journey of my sister, Nia Mora-Moynihan and her husband Jonathan Moynihan who with more than 3 islands under their belt are at the first leg of their journey to travel thousands of nautical miles in the open ocean to visit 20 islands in remote places of the world.
Their’s is not a dangerous adventure motivated by self-interest; their’s is a dangerous expedition driven by their respect and admiration of different cultures and their intense purpose of capturing the truth about the human spirit.
Nia designed my book Model Behavior and she also shot the beautiful cover photography. She is my twin. She is my friend. And she has taken a leap into the unknown, having never sailed before, committing to a journey few will ever experience. She shares this sailing, explorer’s journey with her husband in a small sailboat, in the open ocean to visit the remotest places on Earth. I am so inspired by what she is doing.
She said it has already changed her as a person, and I can attest to the fact that what they have already documented will change you, too.
You can visit her Kickstarter page to see the footage so far, to hear their story, and to follow her journey forward. I hope you will support them by donating whatever you can to support the costs of equipment replacement and basic necessities, and share their story with others. I will be sharing her stories from the sea as share shares them with me.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know Nia and to support her great mission of shining a light on the truthful things we all share as people of the same human race, even if we do live 7,000 nautical miles away from each other.
-Naima
July, 2013
“I’m not sure what triggered me to cast off my dock lines…I met Nia as I traveled, and she shared the same passions for travel and photography.” – Jonathan Moynihan
“Living on the ocean has taught me to be stronger.” – Nia Mora-Moynihan
“OpenSea: Journey Across the Pacific Ocean”
by Nia Mora-Moynihan
The Beginning
Jonathan and I both left the United States almost three years ago in search of the world. We were jaded and fatigued by the superficialities of daily living, and sought out a new way of life to better enrich ourselves as photographers, as artists, and as human beings. We both looked to the Pacific to spark that inspirational fire within us.
Nia Mora-Moynihan
I flew to Kauai after living ten years in NYC. The first thing I remember was the smell of Plumeria as I walked off the plane and took my first steps in Hawaii. Jonathan’s approach was far less whimsical, he had made his first open sea voyage to get there, and after two weeks at sea he made land fall in Big Island.
Months later we met working with the artist community of Maui, and decided to further our talents by working together. The Polynesian spirit was calling us south to further depeen our understanding of life in the Pacific.
For visual artists, Hawaii is eye candy, but we had to continue. So only after two weeks of knowing each other, we left Hawaii together on Jon’s 35 foot sail boat to cross the ocean on the longest trip we have ever completed in one stretch of time. We crossed the equator and 28 days later, we arrived in The Marquesas, French Polynesia.
Sure, I’ll Sail Around the World With You
Jonathan Moynihan
We had heard stories of cannibals and of people completely covered in tattoos. Upon meeting a local man on the island of Ua-Huka, he jokingly said he would eat our eyes out. He was to become one of our best friends and also gifted us with traditional Marquesian tattoos before we left his island. We were welcomed by the Polynesian people, sheltered by them, fed by them, and befriended by them. Our voyage was educating us about the warm nature of the people of Polynesia.
And in turn, the people of Polynesia were teaching us about the true nature of mankind – to be communal, giving, and sharing.
We sailed to island after island. Crossed thousands of miles from the most eastern archipelagos of the Tuamotus, all the way to New Zealand. We crossed beautiful blue seas that glowed yellow in the twilight and deep red at sunset. We crossed dark grey water under thunderous clouds, rain, and winds, which instilled a fear that one only knows as an adult, but which makes you brave and helps you endure and overcome anything.
We ran nude on the beaches of uninhabited islands. We ate coconuts, tons of coconuts, gigantic wild crabs, reef fish, urchins, tuna, mahi mahi, squid, and many other nourishing treasure of the sea. We bathed under waterfalls, swam with dolphins, wales, manta rays, and sharks. We saw rainbows by moonlight and the Milky Way almost every night.
How Things Began to Change
Things that were important before didn’t matter anymore. Material things slowly lost their importance to me. I realized that after having looked through my new wardrobe, which consisted of only broken flip flops, bikinis, torn t-shirts, and salty sarongs, things like water and food, solar power and warm showers became the most important possessions in our life – essentials I took for granted before because they were always so available.
I realized I hadn’t even had a cell phone in almost two years. But I felt happier than ever before in my life! I felt a sense of completion, especially within myself, a feeling that I had been longing for for so many years while living in the city.
The people we met, the experiences we had; we never want to forget.
It was a leap of faith on a one-way ticket and a belief in ourselves that we could cross an Ocean. We think we are truly living and seeing the world, its lands, its oceans, and its creatures.
When I think about it, it seems as though the planet breathes, in the movement of the waves, in the passing of the wind, in the blossoming of the flowers. I have never felt more connected to the place I call home – earth. Traveling and seeing the world has made us realize our own humanity.
We’ plan to share our experience and our photographs that we have taken along the way. We want to inspire people to follow their dreams!
This life is about living – about reaching your potential, as a human being, and doing your very best to do something positive for yourself and for others. We thought it would be compelling to others to make a documentary that show cases the emotional experience of this type of travel and the personal achievement of what it feels like to sail over the largest body of water in the world.
Learning About the Magnitude of the World
Along the way we have learned so much about the Ocean’s ecosystem, its islands, its people, and the circumstances they face in today’s world. We feel it so important to show people the planet they live on; to show them its beauty and that it’s worth fighting for, above all else how the Earth’s beauty can also transform the human spirit.
I’d love to know what you think. And if need be, I’m obliged to send you more info. We’re currently in New Zealand, living at a boat yard and making repairs before we sail to Vanuatu to deliver medical supplies for a non-profit called Oceanswatch. Any plug or mention about the Kickstarter would be great though. It would go a long way to help us finalize our documentary project.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1734636997/opensea-journey-across-the-pacific-ocean
To See Our Work
Sincerely, Nia Mora-Moynihan.
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July 23, 2013
Pride to the Side and Evolving Dreams by Isis King
Several years ago I had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting fellow alum from America’s Next Top Model, and now good friend, Isis King.
Isis King. Photo provided by Isis King.
Having both had the experience of being on ANTM and being fan favorites, we shared a lot of similar experiences. I know the difficulties of finding your way through such a competitive world as the fashion industry and building a career. Some way or another, Isis and I both fell into the career path of becoming motivational speakers while pursuing our passions for fashion, art and life at the same time.
I believe Isis has a heart of gold, works super hard, and has an important message to give young people dealing with the same struggles in life. I see a lot of myself in her and am proud to call her my friend! I am honored by her agreeing to share her wisdom with you!
-Naima
***
Pride to the Side and Evolving Dreams
By Isis King
When I decided to break into the fashion industry, I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be. America’s Next Top Model was a show I watched as a teen and young adult, but never thought I would have a chance to win, let alone become one of the most memorable contestants ever.
My dream was to always become a “World Renown Fashion Designer,” but with my tiny frame, fierce walk, and “knowing my light,” I became what felt like a model over night.
After the show I found it very difficult to find modeling work. I did test shoots and appearances as a Top Model, but never really had the urge to go on go-sees. I realized just because I was on a reality modeling show that it didn’t mean my door wwould be knocked down with gigs and opportunities.
I realized that I didn’t have guidence, nor did I have anyone’s career to look to as a blueprint for what to do and how to take my career to the next level.
Isis King: photo provided by Isis King.
I started to travel the country and to speak at colleges as my main source of income, trying to go back to a “Normal Life,” which was more complicated then I thought. I always looked up to other models and reality stars who I thought had similar lifestyles with my own: the daily hustle of trying to find work in maybe one of the most competitive industries ever.
I soon learned that many of those ladies had sugar daddies, wealthy families or boyfriends who took care of them. They had a support system and hence the ability to take their time and coast.
I’m a strong willed young woman from a low income household and have always done it on my own. I learned early on that there is so much pride in that; it’s tough, but rewarding. Recently I embarked on the next chapter of my life – Makeup! I am a new Artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics and I LOVE IT.
As an Artist I have a background in Illustration and fashion design, a facet of the many things about me I have to leverage. I get to be creative, free, fashionable, and most of all – me.
I got over the pride aspect of working a regular job as a popular reality star and realized that everyone has to work. Not everyone is privileged, or wants someone else to take care of them. I want to continue to be an inspiration to others and will continue to design, model, act, and do motivational speaking. Now I can add M.A.C. Artist to the list.
I have found a way to be creative, and to keep financial stability in my life…..
Now that’s real Model Behavior.
***
For more about Isis King at her website at www.kingisis.com
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July 19, 2013
TEDX Talk: by Naima Mora “Everyone is a Buddha”
Sharing with you the YouTube video of my TEDxSacramento talk: Inspiration’s Potential to Change the World.
My new friends and talk alumni! TEDxSacramento 2013: Convergence
This was such an amazing experience, and I want to give special thanks to my TEDx coach Binh Thuy Do…and to all the amazing fellow speakers and new friends I met that day, to every person who volunterred their time and talent to make TEDx happen and support this experience for all of us.
I hope you will share my talk video from YouTube with your friends and family and spread the fire of inspiration with me! Click on the photo below to view the talk or this link.
INSPIRATION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD: EVERYONE IS A BUDDHA
…as described in the TedX program.
“Naima Mora reached international fame and broke into the world of high fashion modeling after winning the title of America’s Next Top Model (2008). She remains an all-time ‘fan favorite’ and has landed on the covers of many high profile magazines around the world. She has walked the runway for some of fashion’s top designers and been the face of globally known cosmetic lines such as Cover Girl.This is only part of the story.
Naima is a published author and an emerging singer/songwriter. She is the front woman of the band Galaxy of Tar. Through her music, her literary pursuits, and social media endeavors, Naima has taken on the challenge of connecting with young people and their stories about overcoming great adversity and achieving impossible results. She has made it her intentional life purpose to share that wisdom with others, thus, making herself the voice of a generation.
Naima works to help others find their “model life,” that is, the model qualities of a global citizen who hopes to change the landscape of their own limitations and of a human race in need of healing.”
Naima Mora @ TEDxSacramento, June 28, 2013
VIEW MY TALK/ABOUT TEDX
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW MY YouTube Video.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
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June 25, 2013
@Naimamora at TEDxSacramento, and in Benicia and Guatemala
Event Coming Up: June – Sept 2013 Naima Mora
Naima Mora will present her powerfully inspirational TEDx talk “Everyone Is A Buddha” during the Friday, June 28th TEDxSacramento event taking place at the Performing Arts Center, Sacramento City College, Sacramento, California.
To see Naima’s appearance live, tickets are still available for TEDxSacramento at their website.
About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED- like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event.
The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. We appreciate any press coverage, and kindly ask that all journalists and bloggers be respectful of the difference between the TED and TEDx brands. Any headline or text which implies “TED” is coming to Sacramento is misleading. This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED. For more information on TEDx, visit TEDx’s website @ http://www.ted.com/tedx.
Any inquiry regarding TED should be sent to: Melody Serafino, TEDx Media Liaison TEDxPR@groupsjr.com
Benicia Fashion Runway Event
Friday September 27-Sunday 28
Friday night at thsi Bay Area fashion event Naima will be there for Q&A featuring also designer Richard Hallmarq. Part of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Benicia State Parks Association and the Downtown Business District.
Guatemala Sept 24 – 27th
Led by designer Maximiliano Reyes, a group of emerging talent are hosting events to donate pieces from their collections as well as the proceeds to the Foundation for children with HIV / AIDS in their country in September. Naima has bee invited to showcase, sign her books, and support locals designers.
Stay tuned for more details…
The post @Naimamora at TEDxSacramento, and in Benicia and Guatemala appeared first on Naima Mora Online.
For Immediate Release: June 28th TEDx Talk @NaimaMora
Sacramento, CA, June 27, 2013 – Naima Mora will present her powerfully inspirational TEDx talk “Everyone Is A Buddha” during the Friday, June 28th TEDxSacramento event taking place at the Performing Arts Center, Sacramento City College, Sacramento, California.
Naima Mora, 2013. Photo by Kaboo Vang
Having experienced early pop culture notoriety on America’s Next Top Model, now turned musician and serious writer (her new book is Model Behavior), Naima Mora won’t hesitate to tell you that winning America’s Next Top Model isn’t what most people imagine it might be.
During her revealing and intimate talk at TEDxSacramento, we will discover that this “Cover Girl” is not what we expect, either.
The opportunity to give a TEDx talk is yet another way to reach out and inspire young people with her own personal narrative few have publicly heard, about the painful, private experiences behind her successful public persona, her growing up years, many traumatic experiences people will resonate with, yielding a woman who possesses wisdom beyond her years, and illuminating her deeply held spiritual beliefs and path.
Naima hopes that sharing revealing insights she’s gleaned from a path from Detroit to celebrityism, to a music and literary career, will inspire others to do the same, and to turn their stories of survival into lives lived in triumph, equipped with new tools and optimism, committed to live a life of purpose.
For the first time on the TEDx stage, Naima is not a novice to performing in front of the camera or in front of hundreds or thousands live. She will resonate with young people in ways that shows us all how vulnerability, courage, and compassion are the new “pop culture” qualities that are most valuable, over fame, over money, and over success that is empty of substance or impact in the lives of others.
She was thrilled to be invited by TEDxSacramento to the stage, considering Sacramento a second home and a place where she has many friends and fashion industry and creative relationships.
“Who I really am,” says Naima, “is just like every other young person in the world, pursuing my passions in a life experience made harder by the harsh realization we all are born into a complicated, uncertain existence.
I was held up at gunpoint for the first time in my life, when I was 15 years old. Metal detectors and police squad cars met me when I entered school. One high school in our neighborhood was even dubbed “Murder High.”
A few of my good friends were murdered due to gun and drug violence before we even graduated high school. I knew from the very beginning, however, that my life and purpose in the world was greater than an image on a page, because of these experiences and what has happened to me in the course of finding my own way.
My life has meaning, and much of that meaning has to do with helping others.”
To see Naima’s appearance live, tickets are still available for TEDxSacramento at their website: http://tedxsacramento.ticketleap.com/tedxsacramento2013/.
Following is additional professional background information on Naima Mora.
Social Media For Naima
Blog and to Buy Her Book Model Behavior: Naima Mora Online - http://naimamoraonline.com/
Facebook Writer’s Page: https://www.facebook.com/NaimaMoraModelBehavior
Official Twitter: @Naimamora
TV - Naima has made cameos on hit television shows (Veronica Mars, 2005; The Tyra Banks Show, 2005, 2006); Jensen!, 2006; E! True Hollywood Story, 2006, and more). IMDB Link: .
Recognition - Her awards for exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of life include: ‘The Spirit of Detroit’ Award, ‘The California Legislature Assembly’ Certificate of Recognition, and the prestigious ‘Key to the City of Cincinnati, Ohio.’ She is also an avid supporter of Willie Mae Rock Camp For Girls.
Her Literary & Performing Career Intention - With Naima Mora Model Behavior and her future books, including Model Citizen (due out 1st QT 2013 including fan/reader stories collected from 7/18/2012 – 10/19/2013), Naima hopes to inspire others to recognize their true potential and achieve their hopes and dreams. Naima continues to model and perform on television, and she is currently the lead vocalist of the rock band ‘Galaxy Of Tar.’
Naima’s Blog Community – Become a Model Citizen by submitting your story, follow the latest events of her music and literary adventures, get Naima’s weekly posts and expert and celebrity guest posts in your in-box, and be profiled online and in her upcoming digital eBook “Model Citizen.” The public can subscribe free and submit their story for publication at http://naimamoraonline.com/.
Naima’s Music: Her band Galaxy of Tar - http://galaxyoftar.bandcamp.com/
Quotes Attributable to Naima Mora
Why she wanted to write Naima Mora Model Behavior: “I wanted to write something both encouraging and inspiring for young people. Something simplistic and beautiful to remind them that success and confidence lies within the simple idea that you really can achieve your dreams – with hard work and belief in your own potential and inner beauty.”
Not Just Another Model-Turned Author: “Reality Television has become a Pop fad in our culture, allowing many people to become famous overnight. A person’s self worth is often determined by whether or not they are famous via television or have otherwise become a viral sensation.”
“I want to offer something real behind a reality TV experience, as in how to be true to one’s self once the lights are off and the camera is no longer rolling. It is my desire that young people have a reason to believe in themselves based on their own individual beauty from the inside out.”
Related Links
http://naimamoraonline.com/bookings/
http://naimamoraonline.com/press/
https://www.facebook.com/NaimaMoraModelBehavior
http://galaxyoftar.bandcamp.com/
Suggested Tags: #SacLovesNaimaMora, Naima Mora, Naima Mora Model Behavior, Model Behavior, Naima Mora Online, TEDxSacramento, TEDx, TED, Everyone Is A Buddha, health and wellness, inspirational book, youth, music, eBook, Galaxy of Tar, positive self-image, personal potential, healthy relationships, personal power, success, mind and body, overcoming life challenge.
About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED- like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event.
The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. We appreciate any press coverage, and kindly ask that all journalists and bloggers be respectful of the difference between the TED and TEDx brands. Any headline or text which implies “TED” is coming to Sacramento is misleading. This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED. For more information on TEDx, visit http://www.ted.com/tedx. Any inquiry regarding TED should be sent to: Melody Serafino, TEDx Media Liaison TEDxPR@groupsjr.com.
Media Representative/Publisher: About Possibility Media Group, Inc. (Possibility Books, Creative & Enterprise) is a Sacramento-based new media company providing local and global content, web and mobile, publishing, and 360-degree profit-driven social impact marketing, sales, and product solutions. PMG drives new media approaches to helping brands, creatives, and traditional companies, organizations, and charitable or social enterprises – doing good while doing well.
Naima Mora provided the impetus for PMG to find it’s place in the world, and is committed to telling the stories she feels strongly about, to helping young people redefine what healthy living and socially conscious intentions look like. Naima Mora changes the world every day, and PMG is proud to support her in this mission to help others achieve their dreams. For more info: www.possibilitymediagroup.com .
Media Contacts:
Drisha Leggitt
Director, Public Relations
Possibility Media Group
Drisha.Leggitt@PossibilityMediaGroup.com
1.916.206.2553
The post For Immediate Release: June 28th TEDx Talk @NaimaMora appeared first on Naima Mora Online.
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