We were lucky to catch up with Moriah McDaniel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Moriah, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am overjoyed! The fact that I get to be able to act, dance and write full-time is a blessing! A lot of up and coming artists/creatives don’t get the privilege to only focus on the craft. I get to put my all into it, and I get to take the opportunities that come my way. My creativity is where I breathe and thrive. I’m constantly thinking about my work and what I can create next. I thank God I am able to be in this position. The last time I had a regular job was in 2018. The very beginning of 2019 I resigned from my job and moved to Los Angeles to attend the New York Film Academy, where I received my masters in fine arts. I haven’t worked a regular job in five years. Although, as an upcoming artist/creative, who still has bills to pay, the compensation from the gigs I book vary and are inconsistent.
When I had a regular job, I was always spending money on any and everything I wanted; because I had the funds to do it. Now, there are a lot of sacrifices I have to make; some nights I can’t go out with friends, some days I can’t go on shopping sprees, I don’t make time for self-care days; like the spa or getting my nails done, because there are more important things I have to pay for. I have to be more mindful about what I’m spending money on. It’s during these times that I do think about having a regular job, where I would make a consistent amount every couple of weeks, where I can spend however much I want because I know I’m gonna make it right back.
However, I do not plan on getting a regular job. The 9-5 life is not for me, It’s not my world. I feel like if I work a regular job, I won’t have time for my craft, there will be offers I have to decline, and I’ll lose focus of my dream. A regular job, for me, feels like giving up and that’s not something I do.

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.

I grew up in a household of artists, creatives, entertainers, etc., I was born into this, it runs through my blood. So it’s not surprising to me that I have gravitated towards the entertainment industry. I am an actress, dancer, writer, and the founder of MOUNT MORIAH FILMS, LLC. My first passion is dance. I grew up doing stage performances and talent shows. I learned numerous styles and techniques; dance is where I am free. I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelors in fine arts, “Performance and Movement”. I studied various styles of dance, music development and theatre. After finishing college, I thought my dance career would take off. I even made the move to Los Angeles and trained at the different dance studios I’ve dreamed of going to. My dance dreams were shattered when nothing happened for me and I had to move back home. In my household, it’s either “go back to school or get a job”, you can’t sit around the house. I chose to get a job and cried everyday at my desk. The cubicle life was not for me. I’m a creator, it’s what I do, it’s who I am!
After a couple of months, I quit my job and was accepted into the New York Film Academy in Burbank, California. I packed up my life and made the move to CA once again. I graduated with my masters in fine arts with a specialized focus in “Acting for Film”. Not only did I study the many different forms and techniques of acting, but I also had hands-on experience with producing, editing, directing and screenwriting. Through this masters program I found my love for acting and writing. Acting was not new for me. I have always wanted to be in films, but I thought dance was my doorway into making it “big”. As an actress, people found out that I knew how to dance, and began collaborating with me not only as an actress, but as a dancer too.
In 2020, covid snatched a lot of opportunities and the entertainment industry shutdown. During my abundant amount of down time, I began writing. I wanted to create a world where the possibilities were endless and where I could inspire creativity in others. As a result, I ended up creating a fantasy, action-packed, feature film franchise, and I got my LLC, MOUNT MORIAH FILMS. As more people found out about my business, I’ve helped with writing short films, trailer dialogue, episodes and features.
What sets me apart from others is what I create and how I create it. I have the gift of vision and execution. I am able to bring anything I can see in minds-eye to life; whether it’s through drawing, writing, dancing, acting, filming, etc. I can bring it to life so that my audience can see what I see.
What I am most proud of is that I have been able to take the life lessons I’ve learned and the critiques I’ve received and apply them if necessary, instead of letting them break me. It’s easy to let the constant “No’s”, rejections and doubts fill your mind, and I refuse to get to that age where I look back at my life and wonder if “I should of, could of would of”. The only person who can stop me is me.
As far as my business, MOUNT MORIAH FILMS mission is to create fantastical worlds for the old, young and new generations to come. A world that invites everyone in and allows them to ride on the backs of foreign winged creatures, magic carpets, possess powers of the unknown, and travel as far as the heart wills. I will bring magical worlds to the big screen, inspire creativity in others and touch the hearts and souls of many!

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

When I entered the world of film, I wanted to be a part of adventurous, action-packed, franchises. For instance, Marvel, Avatar, John Wick, Underworld, Star Wars, Fast and Furious, etc. These films had such an impact on individuals, including myself, which is why I am committed as an actress to be a part of such groundbreaking franchises. However, while I work my way towards being a part of these worlds, I have created a franchise of my own. A world that I could fit in and be a part of, a dimension where my creativity and imagination run wild, a universe that would welcome millions of others, and a place where what we’ve always wanted, we can have. Among many of my goals, I plan to create and produce films that transport viewers into a new world and resonate with people through the use of storytelling.
Creating this fantasy, action/adventure, franchise has been my escape from reality and is what has been driving my creative journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is inspiring others. As an actress, writer and dancer, I have freedom in my work. When it comes to other careers in society there’s structure; a particular or specific way of doing things. In visual and performing arts there’s freedom of expression, freedom of speech, I’m able to put myself, my voice, my life experience into my work. I don’t have to hide, I get to share a piece of me with the world, and for those who admire, appreciate, or feel inspired by my work is very rewarding. Just by being me I become an inspiration for others around the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moriahmcdaniel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__riahcouture/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@__riahcouture?lang=en