Nice to Meet You KEISH | #DareToDream Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

Art by KEISH

My dream in life might be something along the lines of helping others realize the beauty in things they were not able to notice before, through my art. I was born and raised in Montreal, currently living in Toronto. 

- KEISH | Toronto, Canada

People can imitate your style but they can't imitate your creativity. The beautiful thing about creating is that you put your unique stamp on whatever it is you're doing, so "different" is what you truly do. Keish is an ambitious, determined, intelligent, and refined young woman who gracefully brings to life one creation a week. She reminds us that a dream is a blank page, a blank canvas, a blank space. Like a thought, a dream without action is useless. Simply get going, and when you face the blank canvas of your life, believe in possibilities for they are infinite. Indeed,  It's really nice to meet you Keish!

Art by KEISH

The Interview 

Two things that make you smile

- Seeing an elderly couple still in love with each other. 

-  Large spicy vegetarian roti.

What is your favourite spot in Toronto?

I enjoy walking down Queens street (Downtown, Toronto)

Your three dream destinations.

- Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt

- Mamanuca Isouslands in Fiji

And

- Venice, Italy

What music have you been listening on repeat lately?

Whether I'm painting, chilling with friends or by myself Im obsessed with 'Soulection' on sound cloud. Their 3 hour playlists are so exhilarating. Never fails to give me goosebumps.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I don't pay much attention to fashion it really depends on the day and how I'm feeling. I can say that comfort comes first for me, and uniqueness is a must. I dislike wearing the latest fashion fad, I don't enjoy dressing like everyone else. I usually shop in vintage shops &/or boutiques and am often told that I dress/look like an artist, whatever that means. (laughs)

Art by KEISH

Two things you could never leave home without. 

- My BPA free water bottle

-This is such a conventional answer but like most of us in this day & age, ill have to say my celly.

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

-Life imitates art.

-The mind is everything. What you think you become.

Tell us one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

I can play the electric guitar.

For you Art is...
Art is poetry, drawing, painting, writing, dancing, creating music, spoken word...any form of self expression that emits beauty to be appreciated.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

That's a tough one. All I know is that living in negativity, stress and misery is definitely not the way life should be lived. I feel the purpose of life should be to grow and share your knowledge & experiences with one another, helping build each other up while spreading positivity, peace and love. All in all, everyone's purpose is different but they all trickle down to a similar positive result.

Art by KEISH

___________

DEFEND. You don't have to defend or explain your decisions to anyone but you must defend your beliefs. You must stand up for yourself even if nobody is on your side. REVOLUTIONIZE your world. Question things. Question everything. Break free from old restraints. ELEVATE. As in lifting others. ATTRACT what you expect. Reflect what you desire. MANIFEST your dreams into reality. The time is right to raise your glass to dreamers who never give up and manifest their dreams into reality.

Naná Moon Oyå

@AileReve

Nice to Meet You Ludmila Ondjila | #DareToDream Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

Ludmila Ondjila

I live in Lisbon (Portugal) but I also represent Luanda (Angola). My dream in life is to work for the United Nations to make some changes in the world. 

- Ludmila Ondjila a.k.a Lud. | Lisbon, Portugal

Roses are red, violets are blue, smiling is contagious, good vibes for religion too. We met with Lisbon-based DREAMER Ludmila Ondjila for a virtual coffee and instantly fell in love with her good energy. She quickly reminded us how powerful our mind is. When you feel it with a positive outlook on life, the Law of Attraction naturally kicks in and manifestation begins. Here's to a dreamer who fills her brain with true HIP HOP (High Infinite Power Healing Our People) and reading power thus gracefully keeping her feet on the path of higher learning. It's always nice to meet a woman of style and substance. Peace, Light, and Love.

The Interview 

Two things that make you smile. 

I'm always smiling (laughs). I think that I am a "smile addicted" but there are two things that really make me smile. Seeing my mom and siblings, and seeing others smiling automatically makes me smile. 

What music have you been listening on repeat lately?

Well, well... it's kind of difficult to respond because I am a "music addicted"...
The music I've been listening on repeat lately is " White Man'z World" by Tupac Shakur and the other is "Sové Lanmou" by Zouk Machine. 

What is your favourite spot in Lisbon?

The mall. (Laughs)

Without much hesitation, what are your three dream destinations?

-Jamaica
-Ethiopia
-Georgia, Atlanta (USA)

Ludmila Ondjila

How would you describe your fashion style?

Original. Unique. 

Two things you could never leave home without. 

Hum. My keys and my iPod. If I have them with me, I'm cool. (Smile)

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

"Who laughs last, laughs best" and "Each one reaps what they sow".

For you, a ART is...

..the most beautiful and powerful way to express feelings, whether positive or negative feelings.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

Well... According to me, life is a cycle and  the main purpose of life is for us to give continuity to what God has created!

Ludmila Ondjila

___________

DEFEND. You don't have to defend or explain your decisions to anyone but you must defend your beliefs. You must stand up for yourself even if nobody is on your side. REVOLUTIONIZE your world. Question things. Question everything. Break free from old restraints. ELEVATE. As in lifting others. ATTRACT what you expect. Reflect what you desire. MANIFEST your dreams into reality. The time is right to raise your glass to dreamers who never give up and manifest their dreams into reality.

Naná Moon Oyå

@AileReve

Nice to Meet You I'Asha Jackson | #DareToDream Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

I'Asha Jackson

My dream is to live a life that I can truly say makes me happy; to be surrounded 

by people that love not only me, but also all of  “God’s” children, so I can maintain 

my positive energy and ultimately share that love and inspiration with the world. 

- I'Asha Jackson, Pittsburgh & Washington DC

I believe that the essence of a DREAMER is to be free. When you label yourself as part of a particular group, it will soon or later lead you to blind conformity. Let's take religion versus spirituality for instance. Morality has no religion. Love has no religion. God has no religion. Divinity is in you as it is in me. When you seek out answers for yourself, you are not afraid to question. Just like a child who questions every single thing around him, you realize that it's not about what to think but how to think. L'Asha Jackson is living proof that the time is always right to reconnect to our Inner Child and be free to live our dreams.

The Interview 

Two things that make you smile. 

My cat Star makes me smile. Whenever I need a break from things I play with her. She is so fat and so clumsy, I’m always laughing at her.

I recently read that adults don’t use their imagination enough. I know it sounds super corny, but I like to imagine and pretend. You know, fantasize. I can really fall victim to stress. So to keep a smile on my face I fantasize about what it will look like, how it will feel, to accomplish my goals, instead of ALL the things I have to do to get there. 

What is your favourite spot in Pittsburgh and/or Washington DC?

Home.

Without much hesitation, what are your three dream destinations?

-Egypt, for the ancient history.

-Rome, for the beautiful architecture.

-Las Vegas because it is the ‘NYC’ (my favorite city) of the west coast, and I have never been to the west coast.

What music have you been listening on repeat lately?

I have been listening to “La Vie Boheme” from the musical “RENT”. That is my absolute favorite musical/movie and I love the ‘bad-assness’ of breaking out in song and dancing on top of tables in the middle of a restaurant.

Two things you could never leave home without. 

My iPhone for three reasons: selfies, music and Google Maps and money because I can never return home without making at least one impulse purchase.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I think I dress how I feel colorful, comfortable, feminine... I HATE keeping up with the ‘trends’ I don’t like people knowing exactly, what season I bought my clothes, from what designers, at what price. I would much rather shop at a thrift store.

I'Asha Jackson

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

One of my favorite quotes is a quote by Audrey Hepburn. 

“I believe in pink. I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” I love this quote so much; I actually have a tattoo that reads ‘I believe in pink…’

Another favorite of mine is “A diamond is a piece of coal that handled stress exceptionally well.” I’m not sure who said that one.

Tell me one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

Wow, I’ve never put this out there in this fashion but I might as well… I am no longer a Christian. 

For you, a DREAMER is...

someone willing to make that itty-bitty idea in the back of their head, that no one else can understand, a reality by any and all means, because it is that important to HIM/HER.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

The purpose of life is to create your OWN purpose. Create a new one everyday if you choose as long as it is centred in love.

I'Asha Jackson

___________

DEFEND. You don't have to defend or explain your decisions to anyone but you must defend your beliefs. You must stand up for yourself even if nobody is on your side. REVOLUTIONIZE your world. Question things. Question everything. Break free from old restraints. ELEVATE. As in lifting others. ATTRACT what you expect. Reflect what you desire. MANIFEST your dreams into reality. The time is right to raise your glass to dreamers who never give up and manifest their dreams into reality.

Naná Moon Oyå

@AileReve

Nice to Meet You Leyda Figueroa | #DareToDream Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

Leyda Figueroa

My dream in life is to never stop dreaming.  

- Leyda Figueroa | Mother, Lover, and Massage Therapist, San Diego, USA

Motherhood is a choice, and what I call a D.R.E.A.M. job. There is no magic manual to guide us through it but when I look at Leyda Figueroa, I can't help but think: this could be it. I admire women who love themselves enough to turn away from a traditional set of beliefs toward one that better suits their personal philosophy of life. Leyda is a rare quintessential feminine essence with visionary tendencies and absolute joie de vivre. Just like our June celebration, she naturally encourages the committed love and joy of living. It is truly nice to meet such a soulful Mother who gracefully guide her child, also known as her teacher. 

The Interview 

Two things that make you smile. 

My son and THE sun.

What is your favourite spot in San Diego?

Ocean Beach (lots of hippies and lots of love).

Your three dream destinations.

The love tunnel in Ukraine, South Africa, and New Orleans. 

What music have you been listening on repeat lately?

I made a station on pandora under "common" and I can't get enough of what it plays. (A lot of old school Kanye, Erykah Badu, India Arie, and Mos Def. 

Leyda Figueroa

How would you describe your fashion style?

Some things old, some things new, some things borrowed, some things blue! ;)

Two things you could never leave home without. 

A positive mindset and sunglasses (even if it's rainy). 

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

"Happiness is an inside job" and "When the power of love overpowers the love of power, the world will know peace". (heart)

Tell me one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

I was in an opera. (My sister was the lead role, as always because she's seriously amazing, but I sang a few words and walked around the stage a bit).

For you Art is...

Love and passion displayed in a unique way to the world .

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

"Birth" is what my 6 year old son just answered when I asked him this question... and I couldn't agree more. If it's birth to a child, art, or anything! I feel like the purpose of life is to "birth" something beautiful enough that when you're gone, it can still give birth to something beautiful for centuries to come.  

Leyda Figueroa's son aka teacher, Kai

___________

DEFEND. You don't have to defend or explain your decisions to anyone but you must defend your beliefs. You must stand up for yourself even if nobody is on your side. REVOLUTIONIZE your world. Question things. Question everything. Break free from old restraints. ELEVATE. As in lifting others. ATTRACT what you expect. Reflect what you desire. MANIFEST your dreams into reality. The time is right to raise your glass to dreamers who never give up and manifest their dreams into reality.

Naná Moon Oyå

@AileReve

Nice to Meet You Adriele Conceição | #DareToDream Interview by Naná Moon Oyå

Adriele Conceição for Aile Rėve

My dream is to expose my feelings and my desires, and defend my cause, freely. 

- Adriele Conceição | Salvador de Bahia, Brazil 

Sometimes we feel as if we're marching to a different drummer, and like Adriele Conceiçao, we probably are. The moment we close our eyes and carefully listen to that drummer, we innerstand that the drummer is simply the beat of our authentic self, trying to get our attention. No matter where we are in the world, it's all the same for everyone. Good vibes. Love. Pain. Struggle. Faith... The intense desire for freedom is truly a universoul language. Simply embrace who you are. Embrace your freedom. Nice to meet you Adriele Conceiçao, and thank you for your confidence of youth. 

The Interview 

Two things that make you smile. 

Being with my friends. Listening to good stories. 

What is your favourite spot in Salvador, Brazil?

A place called "Rio Vermelho" (which means Red River). 

What are the three destinations of your dreams?

I would really-really love to visit New York, but also England, and São Paulo which is a major city in Brazil.  

What music have you been listening on repeat lately?

I'm very eclectic but I listen to Beyoncé, Rihanna, Azealia Banks, and I have a passion for this Brazilian rapper named Karol Conka. 

Adriele Conceição for Aile Rėve

How would you describe your fashion style?

What I wear definitely describes the stages of my life. Right now, I would define it as a mixture of soft ghetto and afro punk. I find what I need in popular thrift stores. 

Two things you could never leave home without. 

Right now, sunglasses and a head scarf. 

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

1. “Do gueto ao luxo, do luxo ao gueto
Gueto é luxo, luxo é gueto” from Karol Conka

(Translation: Ghetto to luxury, from luxury to ghetto. Ghetto is luxury, luxury is ghetto)

2. "Você tem que ser o que você é independente do que as pessoas vão pensar." Something my mother always tells me.

(Translation: You have to be who you are no matter what people will think.) Shoutout to the mother!

Tell me one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

I am willing to suffer, fighting for the oppressed so I can live my freedom. 

For you Art is...

Freedom. 

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

I believe we are here for a reason. So the purpose of life is to make our mark in some way. 

___________

DEFEND. You don't have to defend or explain your decisions to anyone but you must defend your beliefs. You must stand up for yourself even if nobody is on your side. REVOLUTIONIZE your world. Question things. Question everything. Break free from old restraints. ELEVATE. As in lifting others. ATTRACT what you expect. Reflect what you desire. MANIFEST your dreams into reality. The time is right to raise your glass to dreamers who never give up and manifest their dreams into reality.

Naná Moon Oyå

@AileReve

Nice to Meet You Afua Aidoo | #DareToDream Interview Series by Naná Moon Oyå

Afua Aidoo

My dream is constantly changing! At the moment I think after University I would love a career in fashion, and to inspire people to be comfortable in their own style, and to not be pressured by the dominant ideologies in today's society about what a person should look like! For me, it took a long time to be completely comfortable in the kind of clothes I wear because it didn't fit the girly stereotype. I'm still adjusting but being more confident in my own choices has made it easier to be me, and this is something I'd like to share with people. I'd also love to get my blog running again and get somewhere with that.

- Afua Aidoo, UK

I never realized how dreams do change constantly. We tend to think we are lost but no matter what people say, nobody has it all figured out, and that's the beauty of life. Dreams change as we grow, evolve, and create, and I think that's exactly how it's supposed to be. The power to vibe with unseen forces and bring them into manifestation is within us. Whatever you want, you can get. Afua's essence shows that it is possible to be out of sync with the rest of the world, but in a positive way. It is a beautiful feeling to fearlessly offer yourself to the unknown and pay more attention to your inner world of D.R.E.A.M.S. It is truly nice to meet Afua Aidoo, a young woman of substance who sees possibilities everywhere. 

The Interview 

Two things that make you smile. 

So many things make me smile so this is hard. I think my friends are the top people who make me smile at the moment, especially as we're going through our exam season. I think it's so important to have fun at a stressful time, otherwise everything would just pile up and everything will get you down. The other thing that makes me smile is food (I am sorry, I am so sad), there's nothing like a creamy bar of chocolate or a bacon sandwich to boost my mood. 

What is your favourite spot in County of Essex / London?

Living so close to London there are so many places I love and many more I wish to explore. At the moment I love going to Liverpool Street, particularly on a Sunday as there's always a market and it's so easy to find a good bargain on clothes. The plan this summer is to go to a London theatre and the National Art Gallery (which I always walk past but never go in).

Your three dream destinations.

I have a serious desire to travel at some point in my life as I think it is very important to discover new things and to get a sense of different cultures and ways people live. China is a place I'd love to visit (mainly for the food), especially the Summer Palace in Beijing. I also would love to do a road trip across America, particularly to visit New York and, of course, Walt Disney World. My top place I have to visit is Ghana. I've never had the chance to go there, and seeing as that's were I am from, I think it is important for me to go.

What music have you been listening on repeat lately?

My absolute favourite band at the moment is Twenty One Pilots, a duo (Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph) from Ohio. Their recent album (Blurryface) is all I've been listening to since its release a couple of weeks ago. All the songs are so different but all have a strong meaning behind it which I love. It also helps that they're all so catchy. I also like 'Somebody' by Natalie La Rose ft. Jeremih because it's such a tune.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I honestly don't even know my own style sometimes. I say I don't like something, but when I see it I love it and vice versa. My style has often been called 'quirky' which I guess could be seen as a positive or a negative, but I always take the positive. I love bright colours, but I don't get many opportunities to experiment so that is my plan over the summer. I think my favourite eras of fashion are the 20s and 80s. The 20s was when fashion was starting to break to conventions of society, and brought in a more relaxed style of clothing for women. As for the 80s, fashion and styles were so colourful and bold and I love it. I aim to incorporate these eras of fashion into my own style.

Two things you could never leave home without. 

I never tend to leave my house without my phone and headphones. I always have to listen to some sort of music on the way to where ever I'm going.

What are your two favourite quotes of the moment?

One of the quotes I love is by the late Yosef A.A. Ben Jochannan- “Dipped in chocolate, bronzed in elegance, enameled with grace, toasted with beauty. My lord, she's a black woman” because it's such an empowering message for black women.

My other quote is a little less joyful and is from a song by Twenty One Pilots (Car radio)- "sometimes quiet is violent". In my mind, this just reminds me not to keep emotions bottled up and to myself, otherwise it becomes hard to handle and that's when things start to go wrong.

Tell me one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

I don't think I have any qualities people will be surprised at...I can sing in tune.

For you Art is...

Art is an expression of ones self. Art helps people to express and let go of emotions and I believe can be a good medicine for some. It can come in the form of literally anything, be it fashion, painting, dancing, sculpting etc. as long as it brings joy to you and allows you to be you, it's art.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

I think life is for discovering yourself, finding out what you can do and what makes you happy and experiencing as much of the world as possible.

Bonus
"Hopefully I will be able to study fashion marketing at university come September (wish me luck)."- Afua

Afua Aidoo

___________

DEFEND. You don't have to defend or explain your decisions to anyone but you must defend your beliefs. You must stand up for yourself even if nobody is on your side. REVOLUTIONIZE your world. Question things. Question everything. Break free from old restraints. ELEVATE. As in lifting others. ATTRACT what you expect. Reflect what you desire. MANIFEST your dreams into reality. The time is right to raise your glass to dreamers who never give up and manifest their dreams into reality.

Naná Moon Oyå

@AileReve