Nice to Meet You Dae pka Daeizm • Dare to DREAM Series

My dream in life is to learn more about our existence, to help my people and others with the stresses we go through in our personal journeys. To feel liberated and travel with my art, sharing new experiences with  as many people as I genuinely can. (And of course financially fulfillment, as this is how this world seems to work).

-  Dae D. Lee pka Daeizm
From the Los Angeles area
From Inglewood to  Jefferson Park

• T H E   I N T E R V I E W • 

  Health and Lifestyle Edition

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If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Donald Glover, hands down. I believe he can play the subtlety and chaos in my life seamlessly.

Tell us two things that make you smile.

People laughing and telling me a deep passion or interests of theirs. 

I love to find out about people and what has made them who they are.

What do you love about yourself?

Honestly, I'm a stubborn person. That stubbornness has gotten me into heaps of trouble,

but it also helps with my conviction, my morality, my yearn to better myself. 

I've had plenty of times I've come close to quitting, yet my stubbornness wouldn't let me give in. I believe that there's always another way, even if the reality of it seems bleak. 

So I've come to love it. It's made me the person I am today.

What is your to-go herb?
Depends on what we're talking about, haha.

What is the first thing you grab when you have a cold?
Water! I believe in water being the source of healing.

Name two people who influenced your journey thus far 

My mom.

My mom is one of the most sweetest and introverted souls I know,

she has been my best friend and my best teacher. 

I owe her insurmountably for being willing to share my experiences 

because she taught me to address my emotions with the intent on resolving my angst.

My grandmother, she's been the leader of my entire family. Through her openness and her experiences, she's endured more than most can imagine, 

yet she still finds way to love everyone in her life and share that love with anyone willing to listen. I admire that.

What have you been reading lately?

I've been reading books from James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni.

I've been interested in learning more of the works from my people.

I want to know the plights, the thoughts, the emotions we share.

What are the three destinations of your dreams?

• Lagos, Nigeria.
• Italy.
• Portland/Seattle

How would you describe your fashion style?

Subtle, relaxed. I tend to go with what feels right, rather than what's in.

What are your two favorite quotes of the moment?

"Always becoming, you've never arrived" - Legendary Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski

"A man that knows something knows that he knows nothing at all" Erykah Badu.

Those quotes have kept me hoping in my journey of self love and growth.

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

I love to make people laugh, I'm goofy and facetious, and my humor plays a part in everything I do. People often think I'm shy or aloof, but I'm a people person and I love to be silly.




What are you thankful for?
Life. My Love. My family; I'm thankful for their contribution to my growth.

For you, Art is...

Life; liberation.

I know no better freedom than the freedom we encapsulate with art.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

To love. To explore. To search for the wonder within every piece of our lives;

from the mundane to amazing, it all can inspire us, warm us. I wish we expressed the yearn for that more earnestly.

Connect with Daeizm here: @daeizm | Website
Photos, courtesy of Dae

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The Nice to Meet You Interview is Aile Rėve's signature. It is our way to soulfully connect with the artist and visionary. The NTMY allows us to take off for a voyage into the furthest reaches of their mind, with love, humility, and poetry.

Anaëlle Naná Moon Oyå
Mermaid-in-Chief @AileReve 

Nice to Meet You Goblin from the boogie down Bronx • Dare to DREAM Series

I think my overall dream is to remain happy, peaceful, and continue connecting with fellow 
artist through my art. Being able to make a living while living. 

- Goblin, Photographer
The Boogie Down Bronx, NY 

• T H E   I N T E R V I E W • 

  Health and Lifestyle Edition

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If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?
Zoë Kravitz, I feel like we resemble one another ... She is just beautiful. 



Tell us two things that make you smile.

1) Seeing friends or fellow creatives succeeding in the things they thought was limited to a dream.

2) Photography and its ability to give me memories and connect me with people from around the world... Take a picture it'll last longer they said. 

What do you love about yourself?

I love everything about myself. I spent most of my life letting individuals plant seeds of insecurity in my head. Allowing opinions to ruin my life until one day, I woke up and told myself it was time to find peace and self love.

I admire how open to love I am but how I have no in betweens... Meaning either I fuck with you or I don't.

What is your to-go herb?

Herbs!? *sponge-bob meme* 

What is the first thing you grab when you have a cold?
I don't usually get sick *knocks on wood* but I would probably go with some jell-o made from my mom 

Name two people who influenced your journey thus far 

Naming two people who have influenced my journey would be unrealistic and unfair. Everyone I encounter in my life I feel has come to my life for a reason. Whether these people stay for a few days or years. Small or big everyone has had an impact on my journey. 

People say these beautiful things that just click in my head and I'll remember them forever. 

What have you been reading lately?

I am currently re-reading one of my mindfulness books called "Wherever You Go, There You Are." I am into reading about peace, happiness, and ways to meditate. Not too long ago I finished the "Four Agreements" and will be going back to Barnes and Noble to purchase the other three books.

What are the three destinations of your dreams?

My three C's. 

Connecting. Creating. Cultivating. 

How would you describe your fashion style?

College student dropout meets runway or what my friends like to call urban OR what I like to call idgaf Ima wear this though.

What are your two favorite quotes of the moment?

"The axe forgets; the tree remembers", my collar bone tattoo. 

"I would die for you, but I won't live for you"

I do have a third one that's been playing in my head lately "This too, shall pass". This quote had never been so clear to me. 

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

Ahhh you know I'm going to tell you more than one right lol. I feel like ethnicity is something people are usually surprised about now a days. People never guess that I'm Dominican and the youngest of three. 

For you, Art is...

Art is self expression, it is a place we go to disappear and forget all about our sufferings. A place of colors, creativity, love, and no judgement. 

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for life and all of those who have stopped by. 

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

The purpose of life is to wake up and stop dreaming within a dream. The sky isn't the limit, life goes on beyond that point. The purpose of life is to find our purpose and help others find theirs.

Connect with Goblin here: @nycgoblin | Website
Photos, courtesy of Goblin

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The Nice to Meet You Interview is Aile Rėve's signature. It is our way to soulfully connect with the artist and visionary. The NTMY allows us to take off for a voyage into the furthest reaches of their mind, with love, humility, and poetry.

Anaëlle Naná Moon Oyå
Mermaid-in-Chief @AileReve 

Nice to Meet You Emilie alias Emi On Fleek • Dare to DREAM Interview Series

My name is Emilie alias Emi On Fleek. I'm an 18 year old student and blogger from the suburbs of Paris. My blog is about beauty, fashion and lifestyle; it's my universe. I dream of travelling, liberty and equality. My dream in life is to develop and flourish to my full potential, and enjoy what I have and will have."

-  Emilie aka Emi on Fleek
Paris, France

• T H E   I N T E R V I E W • 

  Health and Lifestyle Edition

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If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Definitely Alicia Keys ! I think she's a natural and authentic woman. I've been listening to her songs and watching her videoclips since my childhood, and I wanted her same hairstyles. She looks nice and pleasant. I like the values she conveys in her songs and the woman that she is.



Tell us two things that make you smile.

I love that moment when I come back home and my dog is happy to see me, like I was gone for the longest time ever. He jumps everywhere and follows me throughout the house. It's really pleasant to get all this love after a long day. 

The other thing that makes me smile is making people happy. Sometimes just a smile or a sign of attention suffice to change an expression on someone's face. 



What do you love about yourself?

I don't know, I don't love speaking about me. I think the thing that make me grown everyday is my determination. When I have a goal, I do my best to reach it despite difficulties. I believe that everyone needs to have motivation and determination to give the best of themselves.




What is your to-go herb?

I love basil. I eat bread with cottage cheese and basil; it's delicious. It has a fresh and light taste, just perfect for summer ! 

What is the first thing you grab when you have a cold?

A big cup of tea and a good night's sleep. If it's not enough, I apply Vick's balm on my chest to help me breathe better and have a good night. I prefer to rest and relax rather than take drugs. 

Name two people who influenced your journey thus far. 

I know it may sound childish but I think superheroes influenced me. I always loved superheroes characters because they are courageous, strong, charismatic, they know how to see straight in every situation. The stay in control of everything; their life, their career, their identity,.. One of my favorite hero is Batman because I really like his personnality. He's dark and really smart. Nobody knows his real identity, for people he's just Bruce Wayne, an eccentric billionaire, but not at all. 

The second « people » who influenced me is  actually not a real person. It's more a picture. that I really admire. It's the picture of a self-made woman. A girlboss who sees her dreams  come true and who fights to have whatever she wants. 

What have you been reading lately?

My last reading was a book that I didn't really like. It was like a diary, and the narrator was talking about her life, her couple's problems, her job, her fears. It was « Chroniques de la débrouille » by Titou Lecoq. I didn't really like it because I felt that the end was sloppy. 

What are the three destinations of your dreams?

I would like to go to Los Angeles. Maybe because I have this idea  of a city of dream in my mind. In LA, they've got a much different vibe : the sea, the hills, desert, etc. 

Greece is a pretty destination too. When I see the white and blue houses, I just want to go there. 

My last dream destination is somewhere in Asia. I don't know exactly where but just a heaven of peace with animals like tigers, elephants, apes and amazing flora.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I think I have a casual style. I choose comfortable clothes with a feminine touch like accessories and materials. My go-to outfit look is black jeans, a blouse, some accessories, sneakers and a leather jacket. I love wearing neutral color like black, white, grey and beige. 

What are your two favorite quotes of the moment?

"Aim High" is my mantra because I think in life, we must always aim ever higher and surpass ourselves. That's my philosophy, always be better than yesterday. 

My second  favourite is a quote from Spinoza « Il y aura des vices tant qu'il y aura des hommes ». It reminds me that we can't change people and the society is what it is. It's a way for me to see things in perspective.

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

There is one thing that people are always surprised to know about me and it makes me laugh. I've done judo for 8 years. I did competitions and I got some trophies. I stopped 3 years ago, just before black belt.

For you, Art is...

Art is self-expression. Expression of thoughts and personality, and it can be translated in so many different ways; through painting, writing, fashion, cooking or whatever. It is a way to say "I exist" as an individual and stand out from the crowd.

What are you thanful for?
I'm thankful to have the life that I have. I have a great family and good friends. I feel comfortable in my studies and it allows me to succeed. When we find our own way, our own voice, we can't fail.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

There are so many answers to this question. For me, the purpose of life is to achieve our goals. It's important to me to make my wishes come true. I don't want to be frustrated for not living the life that I want to live. I know that sometimes we feel that our objectives are to high and impossible to achieve but that's why we need to aim high and give ourselves the means to succeed. Let's be dreamers and live our dreams !

Connect with Emilie here: @emionfleek | Website
Photos, courtesy of Emi On Fleek


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The Nice to Meet You Interview is Aile Rėve's signature. It is our way to soulfully connect with the artist and visionary. The NTMY allows us to take off for a voyage into the furthest reaches of their mind, with love, humility, and poetry.

Anaëlle Naná Moon Oyå
Mermaid-in-Chief @AileReve 

Nice to Meet You Sonia Aicha • Dare to DREAM Series

"It’s not easy to figure out what we want in life; personally it took me years to figure it out. 

Today I know that my dream is to achieve something that will be remembered 

so every day when I wake up I focus on making a step in that direction."

-  Sonia Aicha
Montreal, Canada

• T H E   I N T E R V I E W • 

  Health and Lifestyle Edition

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If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

It would be Sonia Rolland the French actress. She is everything I admire. As the first African-born winner of Miss France pageant, her dedication to show that an African woman can accomplish big things outside of the continent is an example for all African women in Europe and North America. She is a living proof that beauty is not everything. She took acting classes and built her own career.  She stood against violence done to women and took kickboxing classes to defend herself. She embraced her black skin color and her African hair and she is very engaged in the black community. She is a real motivation for me and I would definitely be honoured if she plays me.

Tell us two things that make you smile.

When I see a rainbow I smile and get excited. For me it’s a sign of life’ timelessness, a new day to come and positive perspectives to embrace.

I can’t resist to red roses, I know..I’m such a girl sometimes ☺

What do you love about yourself?

From a very young age I knew I had good observations skills, just like a sixth sense. I can feel someone energy and most of the time I know if his or her intentions are good or not.

What is your to-go herb?

Thyme. It’s full of vitamins and it’s also a great option to reduce pimples and acne. It helps to lower blood pressure and to relieve coughs and sore throat, it’s a must have!

What is the first thing you grab when you have a cold?

My favourite old turtleneck sweater. My dad gave it to me 12 years ago and I always feel better when I put it on.

Name two people who influenced your journey thus far 

With no hesitation, my parents.

My mother has a very strong personality. Life has not always been easy for her but she never gave up. Her strength and her faith in a better tomorrow influenced me in being less pessimist in life and she always has my back. 

My dad is a man with strong values, he believes in honesty, responsibilities and hard work. He has always encouraged me to be the best in everything. He has never treated me like a little girl and when I was a child he used to tell me that I can do better than a boy, be smarter than a boy and become more successful than a man. He taught me to be independent at a very young age and this education influenced it me in school, in the way I carry myself and in every decision I take. I could never be grateful enough for their support and guidance.

What have you been reading lately?

"Me Before You" – by Jojo Moyes. 

It’s about two random persons with nothing in common who at the end will mean everything to each other. I think love is not predictable, that’s what makes it special. 

This love story was also made into a film.

What are the three destinations of your dreams?

Greece, Brazil and Angola. 

I’m very passionate about these countries’ history, culture and traditions.

What cities do you represent?

With my parents traveling a lot for work, I had the chance to discover different countries and cultures. If you ask me where I feel like home, I will say Dakar, Niamey, Paris and Montréal. Each city represents a part of my life and I deeply believe that the person that I am today is a mix of my experiences in these cities.

How would you describe your fashion style?

My style is very versatile, it depends on my mood. I love to match pieces, different fabrics and I’m obsessed with structured clothes. No matter what I wear, it must be comfortable and feminine. I have never been a girly-girl, when I was a teen I was a tomboy and as I aged my style evolved to a more womanly style. You know what they say, the older the better ☺

What are your two favorite quotes of the moment?

• "If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." - Napoleon Bonaparte
• "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C. S. Lewis

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

• I have a master degree in international relations and political sciences. People are always surprised to know that beside Fashion and art, I have strong political views and I’m socially engaged.
• I travel a lot for pleasure and work but I fear crashing. I’m scared of turbulences; I can’t do anything when the plane shakes. I always call my whole family before take off ☺

For you, Art is...
Perception.

What are you thankful for?

My life. It has not always been easy or exactly what I want but I certainly can’t complain. God blessed me with so much love, happiness and good health. He never gave up on me when it was hard for me and I know he watches over me.

According to you, what is the purpose of life?

I think it’s to find the way to become the best version of you and to be happy with it. It’s easy to be envious of others and think they have a better life than us. We focus so much on the negative sides of our lives, on our imperfections, we forget that nothing and no one is perfect. Most of the time what stops us from being happy is that envy. As soon as it stops being oriented on others and becomes oriented on us, we realize that the only competition we really have is ourselves.

Connect with here: @sonia_aicha
Photos, courtesy of Sonia Aicha

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The Nice to Meet You Interview is Aile Rėve's signature. It is our way to soulfully connect with the artist and visionary. The NTMY allows us to take off for a voyage into the furthest reaches of their mind, with love, humility, and poetry.

Anaëlle Naná Moon Oyå
Mermaid-in-Chief @AileReve