Build a Family Business and Reclaim Love - Episode 52

Nia & Ness are a Black, out-lesbian couple and performance-art duo whose work serves as a visual-auditory diary of their daily lives. They believe that it’s necessary for their specific stories, as Black lesbians, to be shared, and it is their responsibility to share them. Since officially starting their company in 2016, their work and love have transformed into something greater than their initially dreamed of art and lives.

They’ve toured two evening-length pieces, given speeches about their activism, and shared their love at universities, colleges, conferences, festivals, churches, parks, bars, and homes nationwide. They have been featured on multiple radio shows, TV, and written news outlets. Taking their work beyond performances, they’ve recently launched their podcast, Reclaiming Love with Nia & Ness on Spotify, iTunes, and iHeartRadio. Nia & Ness are currently based in Rosendale, New York. Follow their journey on social media @niaandness and visit their website at www.niaandness.com. 

[00:01 – 02:21] Opening Segment

• I introduce our guest, Nia & Ness

[02:22 – 03:00] Amplify Black Businesses and Entrepreneurs

• Today’s spotlight is Farrells Daughter, a digital consulting company. Check them out and avail their free 30-minute consultation at https://www.farrellsdaughter.com/ 

[03:01 – 03:48] Wellness Tip of the Week

• Dip your hand in some soil. Get out there and try to get on your green thumb, or if you have a brown thumb, get a cactus or succulent.

[03:49 – 12:04] Introductions

• Nia & Ness introduces themselves
• They talk about their backgrounds
• • How the two of them met

 

[12:05 – 25:35] The Performance Art-Duo

• Nia & Ness shares the story behind their company
• • Producing and performing their own dance-poetry pieces that express the story of their lives as a Black, out-lesbian couple living and loving in New York.

• They talk about the people that make their lives incredible
• They discuss the pros and cons of working with your other half

[25:36 – 32:10] Reclaiming Love

• We talk about their podcast Reclaiming Love with Nia & Ness
• • What inspired them to start their podcast

• Nia & Ness talks about the transition in their work because of the pandemic
• •  How you can support them. Links below

[32:11 – 37:36] Black, Out-Lesbian Couple Living and Loving in New York

• Being open about their relationship with the public
• •  Be true and authentic
  •  The challenges

[37:37 – 42:17] The Manifestation Segment

• Nia & Ness talk about where they see themselves in the next 5 years
• Follow and support Nia & Ness. Links below.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

“I feel like I found not only my life partner in a romantic self-sense…I felt I found my life partner artistically too.” - Nia

“I would say, probably the thing to focus on the most would be the emotional aspect of the relationship.” – Ness on working with your partner

 

You can support Nia & Ness through https://www.niaandness.com/. You can also follow them on Instagram and other social media platforms: @niaandness

 

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