We had the good fortune of connecting with Nakiyah Alizé and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nakiyah, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“The best things in life are on the other side of fear” – a mantra for my creative life. Fear comes with exploring new avenues and expressing myself through art. There is so much vulnerability in artistry. But this quote reminds me that growth lies beyond that fear. It’s where I discover new depths, push boundaries, find my truest artistic voice & not wait for the fear to vanish — because it won’t.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My world blends STEM and creativity. A cybersecurity engineer by day, I credit my love of learning to my educator mom. Attending a performing arts high school fueled my artistic side, but a conference with astronaut Buzz Aldrin ignited my passion for STEM. George Mason University’s cybersecurity program was intense, but I balanced it with competitive a cappella (choreographer and co-vocal arranger!). This balance became my key to success.
Now, I’m a published author of poetry & an Actress in Atlanta’s studios. My book Miry Clay: The Devoured Soul Who Conquered is sold at Nakiyah.com, Barnes & Noble online, & will be sold at the Barnes & Noble, Cobb Pkwy Atlanta, location July 1st! My poetry explores love’s many faces – platonic, romantic, and the journey of self-love. How can you love if you don’t love yourself first, you know? And what kind of things will you accept as love if you’ve never encountered it from within? Miry Clay explores just that! Check it out, and let me know what you think!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a nature lover and hiking enthusiast, I highly recommend checking out Tallulah Gorge and Stone Mountain. Tallulah Gorge is especially stunning in the summer – pack a bathing suit for a refreshing dip in a natural pool along the hike!
For foodies, Atlanta has a lot to offer. While I tend to eat healthy at home, I also enjoy exploring the restaurant scene in Ponce City Market and The Battery Atlanta. Ponce City Market is great for shopping too – who doesn’t love browsing unique stores? And The Battery Atlanta has an awesome VR experience that I can’t get enough of – definitely worth checking out!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Overflowing with gratitude to a few incredible people. First and foremost, my mom. Her guidance and the go-getter spirit she instilled in me are the foundation of who I am today. A huge thank you to celebrity vocal coach, Natalie Weiss. She has not only equipped me with solid vocal techniques but also the art of stage presence through her amazing masterclasses. And let’s not forget the unforgettable opportunities to perform live – memories I’ll forever cherish! To my incredible inner circle, my closest friend, D, and my better half, A, – your unwavering love and support fuel me every single day. And lastly, a shoutout to myself for taking the leap and believing in my abilities.
Website: https://Nakiyah.com
Instagram: Nakiyahofficial