Meet Nauticah | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Nauticah, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is by Marilyn Monroe “I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I’m out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you don’t deserve me at my best.”

I feel like so many people are able to love you and help you after you’ve received all the awards and after all the hard work has been done. You rarely meet people that are happy to be apart of the process. You rarely meet people that are looking to build with you.. not just be around, but actually get their hands dirty, love you when you’re frustrated, and build with you regardless.

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.
I am an entrepreneur, singer, model, influencer, and mother. I was born in the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina to a family of West African, Jamaican, and Irish descent, and I would say my biggest influences that have had a huge impact on the person I am today are Tina Turner, Madonna, and Janet Jackson. I became extremely passionate about my craft at an early age, and I began singing, dancing, and acting in local theater plays around 5 years old. While in high school, I competed in pageants and accumulated multiple accolades that led to my local popularity; such as, Homecoming Queen, Vice President, and Cheerleading Captain. After attending a community college, I moved to Georgia shortly after to pursue a career in entertainment and begin an internship at Quality Control Music, while working as an assistant for Socialite, Venita Mccullom, better known as mother of superstar, Lil Yachty.

I released my first single, “COCA,” featuring Dababy’s BDB artist, Rich Dunk, followed by a project titled, “Nauti, If Ya Nasty” in 2020. In late 2021, I released my single “Who Raised You,” starting a meme and tiktok sensation that included many young adults participating in the #WhoRaisedYouChallenge. The attention gained from the viral moment on top of the local hometown following gained helped to push my Instagram to over 300,000 followers within 3 months. As of Today, “Who Raised You” has accumulated over 2 million streams on Soundcloud, and I’m currently at about 900k followers on Instagram.

I’ve founded multiple businesses under the Lareine Corporation Campaign, from Lareine Records, Lareine Management, Lareine Films, Lareine Investments, Lareine Interiors, and Lareine Shops, a clothing and hair boutique, to Lareine Foundation, a charity created for single mothers and children living in the Carolinas and Georgia. I’m also currently working on my second mixtape, while simultaneously building my son’s own personal brand. Nothing worth having is ever easy, so I never expect handouts.. I work hard and push past challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing to do is eat, especially desserts and fruity drinks. I love to try new restaurants, but when I like a specific dish, I get it every time I go back. I am a low key foodie when it comes to restaurants, but outside of eating I would have to do something adventurous. I love the goo to the aquarium, park, and even the zoo, I always take my son with me wherever I go so if I’m not occupied with rehearsals, interviews, or photoshoots, I would have to start with a breakfast or brunch spot, followed by a walk around the city, shopping, or trip to the aquarium, then lunch with some cute fruity drinks, and ending with us going to the studio until the morning.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d have to give my hugest shoutout to my mother, Mia. My mother has been such a dominate figure in my life and career. She’s the one handling all of the business behind my brand and even dipping into the public relations and marketing tactics. A lot of people use the term “mom-ager,” but we really don’t see it that way. She never tries to step into the manager role, unless I’m having to go places by myself or on the days when I don’t have my team with me. We have a mutual understanding of this is just what needs to get done today, no one is above the ultimate goal. She stays with my child often when I’m busy, and she’s made it so easy for me to continue pursuing my career while being a mother myself.

Website: nauticah.com

Instagram: instagram.com/nauticahmonae

Twitter: twitter.com/nauticahmonae

Youtube: youtube.com/nauticahnow

Other: nauticahmerchandise.com

Image Credits
Yyelli S. M (@yyeli_lens)