We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Rashida Inez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Rashida, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Well, I came on the scene defying the rules and regulations of the church and religion that “man’ had set in place. The traditional church taught us that if we didn’t wear long skirts or if we painted our finger nails or had tattoos that we were not saved and doomed for Hell. As I began to study the Bible at my own merit I was shocked to learn that none of that was true. I get a lot of “heat” from church folk about the way that I dress and wear my hair because my dress code doesn’t comply with the traditions of the old church. In addition, I am often criticized about my interactions with secular music artists, non-church goers, the LBGTQ community as well as other things. However, being a student and steward of the Word of God, I intentionally do what YESHUA did. I go to the people that have been ridiculed and excommunicated from the church. I remind them about the Most High’s love and requirements for them. Thats what Jesus did and I have absolutely no intentions on changing that.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a Pastor, I am often referred to as Mrs. “Not Your Average Preacher” LOL. I am the Senior Pastor of The Jesus Encounter Churches – United. We are different from most ministries because we don’t repel “sinners” we welcome them with love. Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ community, a prostitute, a thug, a gangster or a loner WE WILL NOT JUDGE YOU UNRIGHTEOUSLY. Everyone is welcome at The Jesus Encounter Church. As a Pastor, I believe that it’s my job to not only serve my congregation but also to protect them. With that being said, You mess with them, you mess with ME.

As a photographer, I will do whatever it takes to get a dope shot. I’m known to crawl on dirty floors, stand on squeaky chairs, squeeze my body into tight areas, lay in polluted water and run into moving traffic just to capture the best of my client. In 2021, I did a photoshoot for a male model in New York. He wanted to shoot in high traffic right in the middle of Times Square for his catalog. I remember by-standers, pedestrians, and even him yelling at me saying, “Get out of the street! You’re gonna get hit!” My response was, “I’m good. I see the cars.” lol. I’m the photographer that takes risks. Again, I’ll do whatever it takes to get that perfect shot!

As a recording artist, I don’t allow anyone to restrict me to one genre or one particular style of music. No one will ever have permission to limit my creativity. If I want to rap, I rap. When I want to sing that’s what I will do. Again, I’m a pastor but I don’t restrict my musical gift to just Gospel music. I rap not only about God but life in general. Last year, I released my debut single “Ain’t I Blessed”. I received lots of love and support from that one release. It’s available for download on all musical platforms. My next single is intended to be released next quarter.

My name, Rashida Inez, is now branded. On my birthday, I launched “The Rashida Inez Brand”. This brand is the new dwelling place for my cosmetic line (Here I Am Cosmetics) as well my apparel and probably the most talked about and verified product that I’ve become known for: The Anointing Oil. People have used the anointing oil and have been set free from cancer as well as other illnesses and diseases. I am always receiving testimonies from people (both that are saved and unsaved) about them using the oil and experiencing almost immediate relief from chronic pain, migraines and so much more. I tell them, “Its all God!”

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

Give us a chance! Especially with black business owners and independent musical artists. Give us a chance to become your favorite. Before I released my cosmetic line, I had my product tested and compared to major cosmetic companies. I had MUAs, athletes, preachers and normal people wear my products to test the quality, duration and ease of use because I wanted to be sure that my customers would get what they paid for. Needless to say, my cosmetics out lasted some of the most well known brands. From sweat testing and water testing The Rashida Inez Brand of cosmetics LASTED! Hallelujah! LOL.

As it relates to independent music artists. Please don’t overlook us because we haven’t sold a million records…yet. We may not be signed to a major label but we can relate to your reality. Our music will capture every aspect of your life. Again, just give us a chance.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Resources? No. That is the problem with most people who sit on their dreams and goals. They are looking and/or waiting for resources (help) and connections. I made the same mistake until I learned that God is my resource! Everything from ideas, finances, promotions, marketing and branding God had already placed it all in ME! I just had to quickly accept that no one was going to help me be successful. No one, not friends, not family not even agencies. I say this often, “People will purposely not help you because they feel that you will do it better than them… and they are right.” LOL You will do it and you will do it better than them. In addition, if you are waiting for friends and family to support you then you will wait for the rest of your life. Just get up and do it BUT when you do it, DO IT BIG!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rashidainez.com
• Instagram: Rashida Inez
• Facebook: The Rashida Inez Brand and Rashida Inez
• Twitter: Rashida Inez
• Youtube: Rashida Inez
• Other: TikTok: Rashida Inez