Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nakia O. Shy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nakia O., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

As a public speaker and minster of movement (liturgical dance), meeting face to face was a normal practice. Covid changed the landscape of howe we connected. No longer were we able to gather but we the need for connection and instruction still remained. Many of us were caught without a plan in place. Covid taught me the power of the pivot. Thankfully I already had systems in place to teach virtually but many of my peers did not. The need for connection grew along with the market. We are finally starting to gather again in person however there is still a portion of my target audience who flourished during Covid. They enjoyed the freedom of meeting in their homes and on their terms. The landscape of gathering is forever changed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Nakia O. Shy is a native of New Bern, North Carolina, and currently serves as the founder and director of Covenant Praise Ministries International. Covenant Praise Ministries International (CPMI) is a commUNITY based ministry where ministers of dance can come together to build relationships, grow spiritually, and learn from each other. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…..for there the lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (Psalm 133:1, 3b) It is all about building unity and through this, producing more effective ministries to impact the Kingdom. With a focus on unity and equipping, CPMI seeks to bring all ministers of movement together on one accord to impact the Kingdom of God. This is done through workshops, conferences, fasting and corporate prayer, as well as traveling with dancers from different churches to spread the gospel through movement.

These commUNITY events are meant to foster a spirit of unity among the Levitical community. Many understand that musicians and singers to be aspects of the Levitical Priesthood but don’t realize dance was part of the foundation of the world as in Genesis 1:2 the spirit hovered over the deep. If dance is movement, then the spirit moved/danced over the deep. We know most certainly that Satan would wish to destroy the church as well as the music that God created, don’t you know that dance is part of his desire to destroy. With that the spirit of competition is prevalent in the ministry of music, dance, song and mime. Dare I expose it but CPMI is here to serve that spirit notice and call the warriors of dance to unify, united we can and will take the land.
Through our travels we have encountered such a desire to go deeper in God through movement but often this void has been unmet. As sight carriers there is a level of excellence required by God but often many dancers fall short, not for a lack of desire but because of a lack of teaching and equipping. This ministry desires to bridge that gap.
What we are NOT about is bringing division or dissention in the local assembly or the body of Christ as a whole. We seek to be transparent with pastors and leaders and encourage those who participate to keep their leadership aware of anything CPMI is doing. We welcome leaders to attend all functions, practices, workshops etc. We do not teach a rebellious doctrine as God is not an author of confusion. Each workshop, seminar, conference etc. is based solely on the unchanging word of God. Our focus is on God and His Kingdom.

Nakia is the author of “When Praise Meets Worship,” a manual and its companion workbook designed to teach ministers of movement the effective way to incorporate dance during worship. Also created a 6 week course based on the book and workbook.

Because I have a sincere desire to see that everyone she comes in contact with walk boldly in their purpose, Nakia has developed, and is currently facilitating, Press into Purpose, a six-month mentoring program designed to unlock one’s buried potential. Additionally launched The Purpose Institute

Co-Owner of The Word-Stained Quill book editing services. The Word-Stained Quill supplies effective writing services at affordable rates. We provide editing and proofreading services as well as content creation. Our writers are top-notch and write to a native level, ensuring we offer top quality work at all times.

John Maxwell certified facilitator and public speaker. Emphasis on empowerment, leadership, purpose.l

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

This is a tough questions as all of it is ultimately rewarding however, helping people actualize their potential is at the top. Being a creative means nothing if you are unable to share that with others. I enjoy helping speakers finding their natural delivery dancers finding their place and authors their voice.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to see unity amongst all creatives and a safe space to grow. When I began my journey many felt that sharing would somehow create competition instead of collaboration. While that might be true in some instances I’ve found that helping others has opened many doors for my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nakiaoshy.com
• Instagram: @nakia_o.shy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nakiaoshy/
• Other: https://the-word-stained-quill.ueniweb.com/#about_us

Image Credits
Ivy Obasi Photography Perfect Snap Photography