We had the good fortune of connecting with Gigi Armani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gigi, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
This past year has been one of the busiest in my life thanks to the arrival of my daughter. I’ve gone from working out in the world to working exclusively just for her lol. My focus and priorities have changed drastically. Being a new mother I am not able to do as many projects at the drop of a dime so it allows me to be a lot more selective when I do have to choose. There will be “No big kicking it without a clear vision!” Multitasking many things at once can be very tiring but is needed to succeed. As my great grandfather used to say “We have to keep the ball rolling!” I tend to get distracted easily so I use calendars, dry erase boards and planners to my advantage to stay on track. As a creative It is important to make time to relax and release to get the juices flowing. I tend to have my best ideas in the evening and am a nocturnal being. I use my quiet time to meditate and journal. I literally live in a house of a thousand notebooks so ideas are always floating around. Jotting and writing things down helps me to stay sane. Having a great support system also does help as we work around each others schedule to make things happen. Also, being in the entertainment industry allows me to collaborate with a lot of familiar/similar energies so sometimes work doesn’t even feel like work. For example, I’ve recently started taking my daughter and niece to the studio with me when I record, which they really enjoy. I also just recently featured in the movie “Bama Girl” alongside some of my closest friends. I’m extremely blessed to be able to blend everything all together!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
You know how the saying goes “Art imitates life”. I tend to find beauty in all things whether worn, tattered or torn. Everything and everybody has a story behind it. I want to know what that story is and if I cant find out I will create my own. Perception is the great thing about art because it is based off of feelings and not facts. I think that my P.O.V is what sets me apart because I wont allow myself to be boxed in to any particular musical sound or fashion trend, Whatever my shcmood is at the time is what we are gonna go with! I am very excited about dropping my first single “I’m Flyer”, which is now available on all major streaming platforms. it has a 70’s retro vibe to it and is definitely rewind worthy. I am now in the process of shooting the visuals for it. it hasn’t always been easy because I never believed that it was possible for me to establish myself as an artist without a lot of people to push me. Now that I have matured I realize that it’s not how many people but the type of people that I had around that mattered the most. I’m constantly learning about the music business and the technicalities as I go because I am no where near as great as I could be. “Gold Halo” clothing is still one of my main outlets for me to display my creativity through apparel design. In addition to getting more familiar with pattern making and operating my sewing machine. I have also been dabbling my pinky toe into the acting field and am looking forward to improving within the craft. My story has truly just begun and there is a lot more in store so stay tuned…

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?
Oh, You didn’t forget we are in the A right? lol, that’s a hard one but I will try my best not to be allll over the place. First after they land, we are going to grab some fresh smoothies from “Arden’s Garden” before we head to “IModel Beauty Bar” to get pretty and pampered by my girl Q. We will drive through the historic West End, go to the “Afro centric Network” to get some natural soaps and waist beads. We could stop past the mall to find a pair of sneakers and a cute cheap outfit to match .We are definitely going to take a full day to visit “Little 5 Points”, an eclectic community of small shops and eateries. Throughout the week we would hopefully spend some time outdoors, “Centennial”, “Piedmont” and “Grant” Parks are beautiful. “The Botanical Gardens” and “Sweetwater River” are also two of my favorites. The “High” and “Trap” museums are great spots to pop up at. As far as food, “Pappadeauxs”, “Juicy Crab” and “R. Thomas” are some of my favs. “J.R Crickets”, “Spondivits” and “Waffle House” are good for the late night tip. “Edgewood Pizza”, “Fellini’s” and “Fire Pit Pizza” off of Memorial drive have the best pies. There are a ton of places to party at, it just depends on what vibe you are looking for. “Perfect Note” is grown and sexy with live music, “Boogalou” or “Suite Lounge” if you want to be a bit Boughetto lol and “Lacura” if you are trying to get litty! I also enjoy dining at “Batsi” and “Pasha” where the vibes are not to be denied. I know a lot of performers, party goers and promoters so i’m always in the mix. One can also follow my promo page on ig @queensofthenytelyfe for upcoming events in and around the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My great grandfather Edward Brown, who raised me with a lot of guidance and wisdom. My partner Vance Vision, who is a Master Engineer, Producer and the Owner of Solar Sound Studio. He inspires and motivates me daily.
My best Friend Zenya and my extended family, who have always embraced me with unconditional love.

Instagram: @gigidabeast @mirrormibygigiarmani @queensofthenytelyfe

Twitter: @gigidabeast

Youtube: @gigidabeast9420

Image Credits
@twrphotography @vancevision @larryisthewhiteguy @vs1atl @soofficialshowout_ @elephationmagazine

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