We’ve made it to 2023! We’re supposed to be full of life, joy, hope; all the newness and renewed energy to push forward. However I found myself in a mood… it started last night but today I’m definitely in a mood. I didn’t want to speak on it through my podcast because I’ve had moments of feeling like I’ve wanted to cry all day. I’ve been on holiday break from work since December 23rd and yet I still feel like I need more time off the clock. These days of peace and freedom to do what I want, kind of when I want, to enjoy my creative side and also just enjoy just being. It took me a while to even sit up to write this, first because I couldn’t even get logged in. I guess I needed to just sit in my thoughts for a second.
So for me, this is how I get it out my head, I write. I’m sure there may be others that may not necessarily be in a “New Year, New Me” mood; crazy enough I was in a decent mood for the most part all while I was on break. As I’m on the brink of returning back to reality and having to go back into the office and after hearing of someone losing their life senselessly after just ringing in the New Year, I’m feeling so down. I rang in the New Year with my son, at home. I love my job, I love the people; however I do miss when I was furloughed during COVID. My mind was free! I was able to create. I could sleep in and get much needed rest. I realized what it felt like to be “wealthy, white people.” This is why I say that; when I was younger, I used to sit as a model for art classes (yes, I was fully clothed). The fact that people just took time out, in the middle of the day to simply just paint. I do not recall any black people in the classes, and I have no idea if these people were wealthy but they had a sense of peace and no worries. They might be eating cucumber sandwiches and sipping on Fiji water, I don’t know but there’s a part of me that wanted that freedom. And for a moment, I had it! I would paint, I would sing, I would write, I’d have more time with my son; yes it was in the midst of a pandemic but I barely had any restraints. SO in 2023, I am pushing to get back to that, and my income being completely as an entrepreneur. My full time is my main source of income, but I want that to switch and/or even be eliminated. Let me be me and make money in my sleep.
I need to travel and LIVE MORE! There’s family and friends that I NEED to see. Life is so short and you never know when it’s your time. It’s hard when you have a connection to someone that’s not in the same zip code but your coins get in the way of enjoying quality time. It’s hard when you have family with ailments, and we’re all not getting younger but you have to consider bills before you jump on a flight. It’s hard when you need to self care and get to somebody’s ocean to get a little sense of peace but you have to make good adult decisions. I have to change the narrative!
Now that I’ve let my brain throw up, I feel a little relieved and had a phone call from a person that helps calm me down. So I hope that this has helped someone in some way, sometimes you just need to write it down or talk it out, get it off your shoulders. Just take a few minutes if you’re feeling down, get it out your head and take the weight off.
I’m already working on my 2023 plans, basically an extension from 2022 goals, still leveling up in business and my personal life. At the end of each year, I recap on what I have accomplished; you’ll be surprised. Sometimes we forget how much can happen in 12 months, yes there may be some heartbreak and pain, but there has also been some amazing experiences with amazing people along the way. Focus on that! Focus on the things you can change. Focus on you and creating the best version of yourself. You have the pen, you have the paintbrush, create the life you want. It may not happen overnight but keep working towards your goals and making YOU happy. Life happens…make the most of each moment!
Love the parts of you that you keep hidden behind the shadows…”
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I’ve been on a hair journey for years. I’ve gone through styles and colors. One thing that is not consistent in my journey… is my hair. For years now, not many people have seen my hair in its natural state unless it was a short, relaxed style. I don’t think I consciously had a dislike for my hair, I just liked my hair better, in certain styles, with hair.
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
My hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
This is a short glimpse of my hair journey, but one thing that is present in the majority of these photos is NOT my hair standing alone. I started doing my own hair, along with family and friends around the age of 16 I believe. So its been a long time, maybe since a child that I’ve gone for a long period of time just wearing my own hair in its natural state. Are you the same way? Do you feel pretty in all your natural glory? Why or why not? These are questions I’ve been contemplating over the last few weeks. In the past, I’d play in different styles and switch up with no problem but never with my own natural hair. It’s funny, I think of Tabitha Brown and her hair “Donna,” like what would my hair really say to me if she has been hidden all these years? What has she been saying? I think I’m starting to listen. Can you be around someone you like with no additional hair or makeup? Can you be around people you don’t know au naturale? Do you feel naked without it all? Why don’t we feel pretty as we are? What has society put in the air that makes us feel that we can’t (or won’t) stand on our own beauty? Because yes, it is a choice, yes it is your perogative what you do with your hair. I just want you to think about it, do you know you or your hair without adding to it?
This loc journey that I am embarking on is going to be hard. It’s been hard and I haven’t even had my appointment, just the decision alone has been tough for me. Feel free to join me, cheer me, share advice, etc.; I’m still working on not talking myself out of the appointment. As I am walking in this self reflection, how can I consider having a organization for young women to aid them in building their self confidence, but not accepting me as I am? I can’t name it ‘Lov’n Me,’ if I’m not. With all these self reflections, I’m taking the jump.
My hair
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click HERE to schedule a what day works best for you or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Throu6gh the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast
So some of you may know, I’ve been a lil MIA. Well, I was on a west coast tour traveling for business and pleasure. I was in Newport Beach and San Diego, California; then finished it off in Vegas with my sister. So here’s how it all went down… (make sure you click the hyperlinks throughout to get connected).
It all started on April 15th, packed up and headed to the west coast to be the lead makeup artist for my cousin, Leota’s wedding. This trip was full of firsts. First time having to consolidate my makeup kit for flying purposes, and boy did I learn a lot (thats the sound of the price going up).
April 16th- Newport Beach
The plan was to fly with my makeup kit as a carry on, however the flight was so full that I had to check my bag. I prayed really hard that it all made it to my final destination, as I had 3 flights just to get there (in and out of airlines from about 10am-9pm) and then the time difference. So I had to get some rest since I had an early morning of bridal makeup; and then my first wedding on a yacht. I met an amazing makeup artist that assisted me with my cousin’s bridal party. Thank you so much Joanna for helping to beautify the majority of the bridal squad (we did not provide makeup services to all that participated).
The IconMy first time on a yacht
The sisters (my cousins)
I had the chance to see some family that I haven’t seen since I was a child; and now NiSi is all grown up. Thanks to my cousin, Leota for insisting that I be apart of making her memories flawless.
April 17th- San Diego
The morning after…
It was another early morning, as my sister came to pick me up so we could head back to San Diego. I got to see my sister play the lead role in a really good play (I think it was better cause she was in it but I may be a bit biased) called “The OtHer Place.” Here’s a little overview via Wikipedia: Juliana is fifty two years old and a brilliant drug-company scientist. She is giving a speech to a neurological convention. As she speaks we cut away to scenes with her doctor, phone calls from her estranged daughter, and arguments with her husband who may or may not be divorcing her. Through it all she constantly refers to “the other place”, a cottage on Cape Cod that the family once owned, and a place where Juliana feels she may reunite with her missing daughter and find some peace of mind. Juliana becomes argumentative with everyone around her and appears increasingly confused. The phone calls from the missing daughter may be a delusion. Juliana believes that she has a brain tumor and says that her mother and other relatives all died of brain tumors at an early age. Eventually Juliana actually visits the other place and encounters the current owner whom she mistakenly believes to be her daughter. The woman is initially hostile and has problems of her own. But soon the two women find mutual comfort as Juliana’s husband arrives to take her home. In a poignant closing monologue she finally confronts what is really going on.
The cast of The OtHer Place
I spent a few days in San Diego experiencing the sunshine and blue skies, the crazy parking situations and sight seeing. It’s nothing like spending time with your best friend, who happens to be your sister. We realized that we were finally having our Sister’s Trip!!!
After a few days, we headed to Las Vegas!
April 22nd- MY BEARTHDAY!!!!
We took a quick flight and I started my bearthday at Griddlecakes, they even gave me a cute birthday pancake even though the rain tried to make an appearance (as usual).
I finished the evening support my good friends, CJ Williams and BL in “Soul of Motown (Vegas).” It was an amazing show, they are currently the #2 show in Las Vegas, so make sure you check them out. #SoulofMotownVegas
#SoulofMotownVegas
#SoulofMotownVegas
I thought the night was over, little did I know; there was more in store. I ended up at a lovely venue called The Nomad Library, it was Brian Newman After Dark. He is the bandleader and arranger for Lady Gaga’s Jazz & Piano show. Now listen here, one thing that I am learning as I continue to grow in my craft and artistry; is to be personable. This man knew my name from being introduced to him prior to the show starting, after it ended and a day or so after… that’s impressive. Brian, thanks for a great show full of many guest performances; some of which were your amazing band, JayR Beat Box, Ronny Foster, Angie Pontani and Tyriq Johnson. Listen, the time difference most definitely caught up with me. If I had been in NC, I would’ve been going to sleep at about 5am.
This venue was dope.
To command attention without saying a word…
You may not know Ronny Foster, but his music has been sampled by J Cole, Kanye West, and A Tribe Called Quest (to name a few)
Be sure to check out Tyriq Johnson’s original music and his Serpentine Fire show
The Human Beatbox
Thee Brian Newman….
April 23rd- Las Vegas
This was the day where things began to get a little interesting (stay tuned). I got a chance to sight see a bit and got in a lot of steps. I got a chance to see some beautiful artistry, met some talented people, and connected with some amazing artists. Of course we saw the Venetian, the Bellagio, The Mirage, the MGM, etc. but the best parts of the day was connecting with other artists. We went into the Forum Shops at Caesar and happened to meet a beautiful artist, Naneth Peterson at Blu Fine Art ; she definitely poured into me and gave me some things to think about (she was also connected to my sister for her work with Afro Latino Travels with Kim Haas). We met the amazing Marcus Glenn and his beautiful wife, Yolanda (Princess Yo has been added to her nicknames- inside joke), it was great talking with them and soaking up some of their knowledge, please go check them out and support them. Y’all better be prepared to be sick of me after talking to them.
We found ourselves at the Golden Nugget.
A little bit of history I learned, my grandparents always stayed at the Golden Nugget anytime they came to Vegas. I was the young one of the family, so I didn’t know about my grandparents escapades before I made my grand entrance.
April 24th
We just chilled the majority of the day, but I began to feel extremely tired no matter how much I slept. Y’all I played pool for the first time in like 15-20 years. I didn’t win but I hit what I was supposed to hit and they sometimes went in the pocket. After the tiredness, the cough and scratchy throat came in with the congestion after that to join the party. I thought it was just a cold, so I took a couple vitamins and Ginseng.
April 25th
Last day to play, but not much playing took place. I was exhausted and the more and more I thought about it, it had to be the lady that coughed without covering her mouth while my sis and I were walking down the strip. She literally was sitting on the side of the walk way and let out a huge, deep down within cough. Yes, it could’ve been someone else but that was the most outwardly presentation of COVID on display. I had a red eye flight but first, we were going to see Tyriq Johnson sing with Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns. I was so exhausted but loved every minute of the live instrumentation.
April 26th- I’m Goin Home
The exhaustion really hit me prior to and on the 4 hour flight home. Thank God for good friends that keep me awake while waiting in the airport and checking on me throughout my journey. My flight took off at 12:30am (basically 3:30am NC time), it didn’t take long for me to fall asleep; I slept through the snacks too. There was a medical emergency on the plane but we didn’t have to land. After an Uber ride to my car (thanks to the bestie for keeping an eye on it) and a hour drive home, the bed was most definitely my friend. However, the realization came as soon as I got in the house and I took my at home Covid test.. it was positive. So as I sit here in bed, feeling a little better with tissue stuck up my nose and an occasional, yet frequent cough; I am glad that you stayed around for the finale of Sliding into 40 journey.
HEAR MUSIC FROM THE AMAZING ARTISTS I GOT TO EXPERIENCE IN VEGAS
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Mr. Voight’s art class- Keefe Ave. Elementary school
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I have always been creative, mostly in singing and acting as a child, more talents showed up as I matured. I believe this was one of my first drawings I did that looked like something. I was in Mr. Voight’s class in elementary school, I also did a drawing of DeLeon Richards- Sheffield. She was one of my favorite singers when I was younger, it was great seeing someone as young as me with a record contract. I believe I sent it to her as well, sorry couldn’t find any old photos. My brother was the artist in the family so I stayed to the singing and acting most times. Just like now, I paint when I feel led to; I can’t paint just because.
Betty Boop drawn 12/14/02
I dibbled and dabbled throughout the years, this Betty Boop was drawn on a break from college I think, you know thats been about 20 years ago so I can’t remember. However my mother is a huge fan of Betty Boop. The crazy thing is my mother still has this drawing and the self portrait.
I stayed away from art until my besties, Amie and Betty celebrated my birthday with a sip and paint with Victorious Visions in 2018.
My first 3 paintings at the start of being furloughed due to COVID-19
In June 2019, my sister came to visit me in NC and we decided to do a Sip & Paint with my son. We pulled up a YouTube video, laid out some newspapers and painted (my paining is in the middle). I was furloughed in March 2019 due to COVID-19, so I had nothing but time and space. I decided to get some paint and canvases and pull up YouTube University and painted the 2 other paintings you see above. From there, people started asking me how much and I had to figure it out. With so much stuff going on in the world, I definitely had inspiration, so paintings that came after were geared towards #BlackLivesMatter. The more I practiced; the more I began to try new things.
One of my paintings caught the eye of Sarah Norman all the way in New York. She reached out to me and requested a particular painting or one similar. Sarah was a very integral part in Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi leveling up and realizing my worth. She purchased 2 new paintings and featured them on her show, as well as through her social media platforms. Since May 2020, I have painted over 20 paintings and still going… and still learning. My most recent painting is entitled, “Say His Name.”
Here’s a sneak peek:
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On today’s show, we discussed my new, best selling book, ‘Yonitry.’ I read snippets from the poems, ‘SHE‘ and ‘MOTHER TO SON.’
I am among 30 or so other amazing women sharing their experiences through poetry. Most times women hold everything in; and sometimes in our culture, a lot of things are swept under the rug or not talked about because its family business. We as women are so strong, so resilient. However, by not taking time to talk and listen to our truths, history repeats itself daily (sometimes good, sometimes bad).
In Yonitry and my forthcoming book, I am opening up about life as NiSi. Poetry is my therapy. If you know me, I don’t put my business out in the streets unless it has something to do with my actual businesses. So between this book and upcoming projects, you’ll learn more about me; even some things that my family may not even be aware of. I am learning to be comfortable with me and my experiences, that are my testimony. Everyone’s experiences make them who they are, they operate based on those experiences. So when you say, ‘I don’t know why he/she is acting that way,’ keep in mind that there may be a traumatic experience behind it.
Feel free to let me know you tuned in/stopped by/took up space; share your thoughts on my poetry and/or the poetry in Yonitry in the comments below. If you feel the need to speak privately, you can email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com.
NEXT SHOW (Artist Spotlight)- DECEMBER 29TH AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com
Make sure you check in next week when we discuss Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi- how it started vs. how it going?
Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show?
Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show
To educate, beautify and empower one canvas at a time.
