Falana Q&A
Aqua Falana: My name is Falana Iman aka Aqua Falana and I am an aspiring model, podcaster , chef and business owner.
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Falana! Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to showcase not only your work as an artist and creator, but as an activist within your community. These questions are based upon personal, career, and creative viewpoints of your experience(s). *photos are all under the ownership of Aqua Falana
Interviewer: Besides modeling, what other avenues have you explored and are currently venturing?
Aqua Falana: I am starting my own podcast called “On the Porch” and it will feature guests. I plan to discuss topics of mental health and music. You can check out the first episode on my YouTube channel “Flourishing Falana”. My main passion is cooking and baking. I have been a chef for about 6 years. Over the past 3 years I have had a business “Falana’s Flourishing Flavors”. My goal is to own my own food truck. I am also a part time student at Seminole State College , majoring in Communications.
Interviewer: What or whom inspired you to explore the mediums of the artistry that you participate in? In addition, who/what has kept you grounded in your work, preventing you from experiencing “artistic burnout”?
Aqua Falana: I am a very busy person and I get bored very easily but I also burn out a lot and having family keeps me grounded. I’ve always been surrounded by strong women and a good support system. Having friends and networking keeps me creative and willing to meet others like me.
Interviewer: Describe your creative process in how you merge your creativity with your photoshoots with the messages that you try to invoke. What is it like behind the scenes? Do you ever experience creative differences when it comes to the intent of your shoots?
Aqua Falana: My creative process starts with my wardrobe and music. I come up with a concept, collaborate with a photographer, and find a location. When I am at a photo shoot, there is never any creative difference because I communicate how I want everything. I also enjoy learning and going with the flow. The hardest part is finding a time to shoot with my busy schedule. Finding an outfit is the easiest part, and I enjoy putting looks together.
Interviewer: When was there a time that you felt like you were at the end of the road with either your craft or with your activism? How do/did you overcome the mental and emotional stress that it leaves you?
Aqua Falana: A time where I felt I was at the end of the road in my activism was when it coincided with my personal life. I did a Black Lives Matter photo shoot and I ended up going through a traumatic experience with white supremacists during the pandemic. 2020 was the most life changing year of my life and now I see that experience as something I survived mentally. It inspired me in so many ways with my business , my photoshoots and now my podcast.
Interviewer: What is a message that you have to women, especially black women and/or women of color when it comes to self care in whatever road their passion takes them, career and/or artistry?
Aqua Falana: My message to black women is to always fight for what you believe in and to not always have to be yeh strong friend or person. Know that you can educate yourself and create from the ground up. Always focus on your vision and your goals. Use your experiences to create however you please. Never give up. Crave peace , create happiness , make playlists , practice self care and be a baddie!! Aqua Falana out thank you for the opportunity.
Interviewer: Where can people follow you and keep up with the progress in your career and life?
Aqua Falana: If people want to follow up with me on my personal accounts, they can follow me at: INSTAGRAM : @flourishing.falana, YOUTUBE : @Flourishing Falana, TWITTER : @Aqua_Falana, FACEBOOK : Falana Johnson . If you would like to follow my business platforms, you can follow me at: FACEBOOK: Falana’s Flourishing Flavors FACEBOOK : On The Porch Podcast INSTAGRAM : @falanas.flourishing.flavors INSTAGRAM : on.the.porch.podcast
