Meet Nora Moore: Co-Founder & CEO, GigOut

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

Hi Nora, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I hid my creativity until I was an adult.

I grew up during a period where traditional careers (doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc) were the norm and creative fields were viewed more as a hobby. I was an “A” student in high school but I struggled in college. Traditional courses challenged me to fit in a box that suffocated me. I changed my major at least 6 times and went to 5 schools before I graduated undergrad. I went on to work in the medical field for 8 years.

When my first son was born in 2004, I started a new career, stay at home mom. During that time I explored my love for writing and started a blog. Facebook was new on the scene and Twitter followed in 2006. As my blog grew, I incorporated ad campaigns and became an early entrant in the world of digital influencers. I became enamored with this new thing called “social media” and how it could help build my blog. Now a mom of two, creating content provided a much needed outlet for me and also afforded me the opportunity to be hands on with my kids at home. I woke up each day excited to express myself and surf social media. Finally, I found my joy in being creative; digital marketing awakened my soul.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a mom of two creative children (Mo, 16, a rapper, entrepreneur, and influencer, Bronson 12, a video editor and gamer) I realized that current job sites would never serve them. I love my kids, but how would I get them off my couch one day??? Having studied social media for ten years, I knew their generation as the first digital natives had unique digital user habits. That is how GigOut was born.

I began my journey of creating an app for cool creatives. I am a forever student and have enjoyed the process from learning about UX/UI design, building a website, and starting a Discord server. Being a woman new to the tech world I discovered a startling fact, female-led startups received just 2.3% of VC funding in 2020. While this figure disgusts me, I am committed to not letting it discourage me. Fundraising is a big part in creating a new app but I have met some inspiring investors that are helping to pave the way for women in the male dominated tech world. I assure you that my seat at the table will come with luxurious chaise lounges for other well deserving women.

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?
I am so proud to be from Atlanta, the city before everyone called it ATL, A-town, or Hotlanta. I remember Braves games with my dad at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, Hawks games at the Omni, prom at the Peachtree Plaza, weekends at Underground, shopping at Lenox, volunteering at the Summer Olympics, late nights at Waffle House, milking Rosebud at Mathis Dairy, the laser show with my family at Stone Mountain, my first job at Northlake Mall, my first kiss at Golden Glide. So much of who I am and what I believe in comes from growing up in a city rich with tradition, hospitality, cultural trends, and resilience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom is a guiding light in my career journey. While we bumped heads a lot when I was younger, once I had kids I began to understand the sacrifices and standards she made for me. Good grades were expected, not rewarded in her house and that helped set an early precedent for me to strive for excellence. My mom came to the United States as an immigrant. Despite English being her second language she went on to earn a Masters degree, Specialist degree, and a successful 25 year career with the Atlanta Public School system.

After I went through a divorce, I worked towards a long time dream–getting my graduate degree. While in school, I ran out of money to pay for my education. My mom stepped in and said the last thing I needed as a mom of two was student loans. She helped pay for the rest of my classes. But it didn’t end there. She read every course syllabus, research paper, and checked in regularly to encourage me not to give up. My MBA graduation felt like hers too because she was so supportive through the process.

When I told her my idea for GigOut, she was one of my first investors. The support, love, and motivation my mom has provided over the years has inspired me to be a headstrong business woman and fierce advocate for my children.

Website: https://www.gigoutnow.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noramoore/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmoreNora

Other: GigOut is available in the app store

Image Credits
Lanisha Cole photographer for 3 photos: photo with flowers in vase silver shirt with hand in hair black sequin dress with hair in face