We were lucky to catch up with Nadia Sharif recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nadia , appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve made a full time living from my art since 2012. I’ll be transparent by saying my story is not the norm nor is it something I feel I could have made happen with discipline alone. I was a competitive pole dancer through most of my college years and once I graduated, I figured my “little dance time” was over. However people were posting me on YouTube and then comments were inviting me all over the world to teach. To make a long story short, I had a mental breakdown at my engineering job, was put on 6 weeks mental health leave and then never returned. I used those 6 weeks to envision the future I really wanted and then put in the logistical work to make it happen.

Nadia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Twisted Movement began as a movement intensive offering a range of styles from pole dance to break dancing. It’s what took me from an individual dance teacher to a small business owner. This then evolved into a clothing brand that supported the style/vision of my movement intensive. The style is a mix of club-wear, festival fashion, swim and performance wear. I take so much pride in the fact that we have HANDMADE thousands of pieces over the years and each one is unique! Something else that many brands do not like to discuss openly is sustainability. We do not care about our fashion being fast, we care about our fashion honoring the human in us all. Using our hands to make intricate designs and one of a kind designs. There is something so meaningful and powerful when you make things yourself for your clients. The love and energy is felt in believe ✨️

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can make a huge impact by shopping small. Choosing to spend money on individuals instead of corporations. Recognizing the power of your dollar is the act of solidarity we so desperately need as a society. It’s revolutionary to pay attention to where your dollar flows. If money is tight, comments, likes and shares are free and appreciated

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My overall mission is to allow my art to evolve over time as we are all meant to do. Most career paths can feel restrictive and linear but I hope my path is a winding road of exploration and service in the right direction. Keeping true to myself, my expression and my desires is the ultimate goal. I hope to see more additions and cross over into the more unseen side of our existence. The energy, the internal flow, the vibrations of oneself being allowed to express in full authenticity and then eventually harnessed for a better tomorrow.

Contact Info:

• Website: Twistedmovement.com
• Instagram: @twistedmovement
• Other: Tiktok @twistedmovement

Image Credits
Kerry Jones. Randy Bodal. Victor Aguilar. Black Light Sydney.