We had the good fortune of connecting with Xolah Gebor (Geborah) and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Xolah Gebor, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I discovered and explored my creativity starting at the age of 4. When I won my first contest at that age a light-bulb went off. At that time my family and I were homeless living at a shelter in New York ( we left my birth place Dimona Israel). It was art and creativity that brought light into my spirit and I loved it more and more.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets my work apart from others is the desire to share and uplift others artistically through my work. My journey to this present time wasn’t easy. I’ve experienced many emotions and hard times with my creative career. Oddly enough, during some of my hardest times I was always blessed with another opportunity to express my creativity and I’d grow more. It was faith in my value that would help me overcome every challenge.
I’ve painted & shown my work in a gallery setting/created fashion art, explored fitness training/danced many genres (Latin, Hip-hop, Reggae & Modern to name a few) and (2011) owned a studio, (2010)worked in photography/media & publishing for my magazine (1InclusionMagazine.com), became a licensed Barber Stylist (2008), instructed fashion models and walked the runway (styled & created it) + written poetry (performed, published and (2018) produced a short film).
The lessons I learned:
Be thankful for every opportunity (big, small, good or hard)
Be patient with yourself, flowers grow with grace.
My creativity is not going to run out. I’d complete a project and wonder how I can do it better.
I want the world to know that I always believed that being creative is a special gift. You have a duty to give and share it with the world. Being an artist/creative is not your blessing to keep to yourself. Love your gift and it will love you back!
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?
We would have brunch at the Republic Social House, Pizza at Edgewood Pizzeria, visit MLK historical site, go to the Aquarium, get turned up with burgers at Slutty Vegan, hang out at Centennial park, play pool at The Independent, Tybee Island & eat at The Deck beach bar and kitchen.
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?
I’d like to thank EVERYONE that was part of the first chapter of Inclusion Magazine when I launched in Ohio as a Fashion, Art & Lifestyle publication in 2010. The talent and commitment and support of artists was a beautiful experience. My absolute amazing two lead photographers were Francisco Castro Photography, Pam Jones (Photographer). Tonda Mingus and Ronyai Hawkins were my empowerment lead columnists. They all brought great energy, artistic value and focus every step of the way. Their time with Inclusion Magazine will never be forgotten.
Website: http://1inclusionmagazine.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xolah_gebor/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InclusionMagazine
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM5lKQxeXP1Qr1nYKWv-3rw/featured
Other: https://www.instagram.com/1inclusionmagazine/?hl=en
Image Credits
Nicholas Berdysheff Roy Stephen