Why the name Rakia Ari when everyone calls you Shanise?
When I started, I simply was not sure how this would work out. If I would really be any good at it or even like it. I did not think about making myself 'my brand'. Later, I proved to myself this was for me and that for business reasons I needed to create myself as a 'brand'. I created the 'Rakia Ari' from my son's middle name and my first name. My son is a great influence in my life, so I wanted him to be apart of this.
What kind of 'model' are you?
I am a muse, not a model. I pose to inspire, not influence. I am not interested in being an example to be imitated or compared. I prefer to inspire people to embrace who they are. Even as a plus size or full figured model, there is a certain shape and build that is being pushed in mainstream. I don't fit that 'model' either, like most women. That is why I prefer to label myself as a muse and instead of a model.
Who is inspires you? When did you start? Where do yo see yourself growing from here? Asked by The Legendary Lacey Celebrate U Clark
Among many, YOU. You were the first person in my Life celebrate the value of my self worth. Being apart of what you are doing played a great part in my coming into my own. You made me appreciate the value in my talents. I love you deeply for being you and the celebration it strengthen in my Life. No gas, just truth.
My first official art muse work was with The University of the Arts. I have remarked I thought I did horrible, I was nervous and sweating like I was a rain cloud. When I got the call to come back for another class, I was floored. Unfortunately, I have not been able to model for them since the Spring semester of 2012...I will never forget it.
Aside from loving to be apart of a gallery piece, I am looking to try my voice as a Voice-Over Actress. I had abandon the thought after getting really sick and my vocal range had changed greatly. I have not sung since it happened. But way overdue to kick the dust off of my vocal chords and see what is out there I can be apart of. I will continue modeling until I no longer have the endurance for it.
Why did u decide to become a muse? Whom inspired you to do what you love to do? Where do u reside now? What advice can you give another one whom want to be one a model or muse? Why did you move? Asked by Sena Sebuabeh
I decided to embark on this solely because I needed to mark a sharp change in what I was doing to support myself, I was not happy with it and wanted to do something that added to my happiness.
My Grandmother told me as a child do what you love, I did not really follow it until now. Also my son, we can tell our children what to do all day but what they SEE us do is what they are more likely to base how they live their lives.
I am presently in Philly, but looking to relocate maybe to New York. I have lived in Philly all my Life, I figured new career why not new home.
The best advice I can give you have to get out there and make yourself visible. The internet being what it is, you have to get out there to Live Life. Networking is key. This means you really have to love yourself, beyond the surface. You are your product. The best Sales people are those that know how to use their passion to support their product. No, it is not easier to sell yourself. It is what you have to do to get noticed. By no means is this type of modeling easier than any other, no matter your size. Modeling will quickly show you where your self-esteem is in my opinion.
Where were you raised? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What is your favorite thing to do on your down time? Asked by Kc Hawk
I was raised in Philadelphia, PA. I have lived in numerous sections of the years. My favorite thing to do is to talk with my son. He is at an age where we have more in-depth conversation and he is not afraid to ask me blunt questions or share blunt thoughts. It makes for very interesting moments.
In the next five years, I want to be very settled in my home and preparing to help my son get ready to find his own. I want to have at least two voice over projects finished successfully. I want my craft business to begin supporting itself. I want to be preparing for my first oversea pilgrimage. I want to still be modeling.
When did you know this was for you? - asked by Ms. Jontay Watson
Wow, after my first class. Of course, it was not my best showing. It is one thing to practice at home, but the real deal is totally another experience. At I was done, I was going over all of the mistakes I made in my head. I noticed the other young lady I was modeling with was walking around looking at the work of the students. She rushed over and said I had to come see. I looked and was floored. I truly thought I had not picked one pose that was 'good'. After that, I was hooked. Being a muse, really is not about 'me'...it is about the art. When I see what the artist has created, dare I say it is like giving birth in the since of Life passing through me.
When was the first time you asked posed a nude muse? How did you feel after that experience? Asked By Kenyetta Chinwe
The very first time I was asked to pose nude was in 2000. It was after a long walk of learning to love all of me. A young man wanted me to pose for some photos, so he could create a paint assignment for a class. He was an acquaintance of sorts, so I did not get paid. I was just doing a favor.
Even though I said I had graduated from non-self acceptance and love, it was hard to take my clothes of. I broke out into a horrid sweat. Afterwards, I felt free. I was truly no longer ashamed of my body.
What advice would you give to a young, curvy woman coming into her own as far as self esteem, image, etc.? Asked by ZaidahNicole.
The advice I would give to a young curvy woman coming into her own as far as self esteem, no more TV. Honestly, before I answer this question...I am not a medical and psychological professional...the following is my honest opinion. The hardest thing for anyone to do is listen to their own voice and when you are young it is even harder. With so much outside noise, some times it is hard to discern your true voice from everyone else's. Learning to take time to oneself, quietly is key. I was in the late twenties when I truly came into my own about my size. It was not until I truly tuned out the outside world on the subject (good or bad) that I truly saw and appreciated the beauty in my exterior which strengthen how I felt about my interior.
What advice do you have for other muses about modeling? Ask by Phyllis Rawley
While being genuine and personable are very important, don't forget you are your business and it is important to know to run yourself as such. My advice to any model, be sure to set yourself up as a business as soon as possible. Not only to take advantage of business benefits, but also to avoid getting caught with your business pants around your ankles. If you have no head for setting up a business, then see someone that does. Can you operate with being recognized as a business, of course you can. The more important question is that going to be the best thing for you in the long run?
Where have you modeled?
The University of the Arts - Philadelphia
Dr. Sketchy - Philadelphia
Tyler School of Art, Temple Universary - Philadelphia
School of Visual Arts - New York City
Pratt Institute - New York City
Arcadia University - Philadelphia
What motivates you to do all that do? Asked by Ragni Lee
What motivates me to Live as I do is the knowledge that I am Learning and Teaching. I am always learning something new about myself and just as important someone is learning from me that is okay:
- To be different;
- To try something new;
- To fail;
- To succeed;
- To be seen;
- To value your self worth;
- To Love honestly;
My favorite self quote is Live, Love and Learn in 360 degree way. Life is a cycle. I want to be a positive part of it while it is being a positive part of Me.
As a muse who inspires not only myself, but others, what inspires you? Asked by LaRunce Taylor
Thank you for making me blush. What inspires me is just Life around me. Really being apart of it and appreciating. When you feel that you are an estranged thing from Life, you don't think of yourself as a part of it. You treat Life as a spectator. Some times an unwelcome spectator. The freedom from that mentality, shows you are Life. Your presence has an effect on it, you matter and in the most delightful way because you are different. I am inspired by the effect my Life has on the Life of the Artwork.
I want to take this opportunity to share a piece that Mr. Taylor worked on with Me. It is a Photoshop rendering of a photo that I took of myself that did not come out to my liking and then under a pen name, LaRunce added new Life to it. I have always cherished this and him.
Who else have you worked with?
I have done a Student Photo Shoot with Diana Johnson in 2011.
I have also worked with Kim Mintzer of Kim Mintzer Images in 2011 and 2013. She is the photographer of the background pic and header pic of my blog.
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| Kim Mintzer Images, June 2011 |
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| Kim Mintzer Images, May 2013 |
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| Kim Mintzer Images, June 2011 |
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| Kim Mintzer Images, May 2013 |
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