October 22, 2024 • 36 mins
Join us for an inspiring episode of The Q-Chat with actress, plus-size fashion model, and advocate Nzinga Imani! Known for her role as Angela in Tyler Perry’s hit BET+ series "Zatima", Nzinga has become a trailblazer in the entertainment and fashion industries. In this episode, Nzinga opens up about: *Her journey in Hollywood and how she landed the role of Angela in "Zatima" *Breaking barriers as a plus-size model and fashion entrepreneur *Advocating for body positivity and size inclusivity *Her fearless motto ‘Do It Scared’ and how it drives her success Nzinga Imani is making waves on-screen and off, and in this interview, she shares her passion for empowering others to embrace their authentic selves. Whether you're a fan of her work on "Zatima", curious about body positivity, or inspired by her advocacy, this is an episode you can’t miss! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering content! Record Date: [Oct 17] Release Date: [Oct 22] www.geauxqueen.com #NzingaImani #Zatima #TylerPerry #BodyPositivity #PlusSizeFashion #GeauxQueen #DoItScared #PlusSizeModel #Actress #Podcast #Fashion #RepresentationMatters #GeauxBold
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(00:00):
Your peace world is the love king of R&B Rahim and this is
the Q chat. Keep a lock right here.
Grab your print or digital copy of Go.
Queen magazine today Stay. Inspired by the incredible
stories and features inside? Visit our website to grab your
copy now. Hey Queen, in this empowering
episode of the. Q chat we.
(00:21):
Sit down with the incredible andZynga Imani actress, plus size
fashion model and advocate for body positivity.
You know her as Angela and TylerPerry's hits the ET series The
Teema. But in Zynga is so much more
than her on screen roles, from breaking barriers in the plus
(00:42):
size fashion world to building her own brand.
And Zynga shares how she embraces fear, lives by her
model Do it scared, and uses herplatform to inspire others.
TuneIn as she discusses her journey in Hollywood, her
advocacy, precise inclusivity, and her plans to continue
pushing boundaries and fashion and entertainment.
(01:03):
This is an episode you don't want to miss.
Working hard on a mission. Thank you guys for joining
(01:42):
another episode of the Key Chat today.
My very gorgeous and beautiful guest is Miss Anzinga Imani, and
you guys may be familiar with her.
She's currently starring as Angela on the Tyler Perry BT hit
series Satima. And she's also a body positive
advocate and a model. And we're going to chop it up
about her career. Also, if we can tear up some
(02:02):
things with her, we can twist her arm.
And it gave us some sneak peeks in the upcoming season of the
team and also our favorite topic, self love.
So how are you doing today? I'm phenomenal.
I'm excited to be here with you.Awesome, I'm so happy to have
you on. So I definitely want to get
started. So I know currently you're
starring and the hit series, butI would like to take it back to
(02:23):
your roots. So can we get some background on
just your upbringing and your childhood?
And what gems did you learn along the way to lead to the
career that you have now? Oh well, if you ask anybody who
knew me when I was young, they'll tell you I was a born
performer. I've always had a big
personality. I've always kind of put on
little shows. Even before I knew really what I
was doing, I was performing. So my mother put us in dance
(02:47):
classes and quiet a chorus and stuff like that.
I was a big singer. I didn't really know I was going
to be an actor, but I always kind of saw my career going in
the direction of singing. So I was always performing in
praise team or whatever the casemay be, always on stage and I
just kind of carried that through.
And although being a first generation American born to
(03:09):
Guyanese parents, the creative and the arts weren't really the
job career they saw for me it was more so we want you to be a
well-rounded person so we'll putyou in these different arts.
But they definitely saw a more stringent career choice for me.
So this was out of the ordinary,but I mean it, I think they
(03:29):
couldn't have been truly surprised because it's always
been within me. It's always been something that
we all do together. My sister is singing and
performed too. So it was embedded in me very
young. And luckily different people
came into my life and kind of pushed that on me and encouraged
me to pursue it, whether it be teachers in school or just
different people in my life who were like, no, you should take
(03:52):
this seriously. And that gave me the confidence
to kind of fight against my parents in that Ave. and really
take it seriously and give it myall.
And that has opened up a world of possibilities I could only
imagine. So I'm extremely grateful for
all the all the things that my parents put me in, but also the
people who weren't in my immediate circle who encouraged
(04:12):
me to try something and give it my all and believe that I could
do it. That's awesome.
So and I know you do a lot. So were your initial thoughts to
go into acting or did you have, because I know you said singing,
performing. So was there one particular
field that you wanted to go in first or did you just know that
you're just going to be like a Jack of all trades or a Jill of
(04:33):
all trades, I should say? I learned a little slowly
because I didn't originally knowabout like musical theater and I
wasn't truly considering myself being an actor until I was a
adult age. But when I got introduced to
acting, it was through my chorusteacher.
I was big in chorus. Anything singing, I was big in
it. My chorus teacher was like, hey,
(04:54):
in Zynga, we need you for this musical.
You need to be in this musical. And I was like a musical.
I don't know. But once I did it, I fell in
love and they couldn't get me off the stage.
I was in every musical at the school after that.
And then we became a part of a musical web series where we were
making in college. I was with a bunch of other
college students. We made a series on YouTube that
(05:16):
was a musical series. And it did crazy numbers, got a
lot of attention. Like people were recognizing me
at my regular job from this, this streamable web series.
And I think I just kind of buildon that momentum and continue to
create content parodies and things of that nature, continue
(05:36):
to do independent films and things like that until I finally
got to break into the big, the big boys and the big industry
Titans and got to see got to seemy work and allowed me to
audition and do the projects that I'm doing now.
So it's been a steady climb. Wow.
Now of course, you're currently playing Angela and Zatima, and
(05:58):
fans of course love this show and your portrayal of her.
So are there some things that you think connect with yourself
and also with Angela's character?
Absolutely. I think Angela is a fierce
defender of her friends. And I feel like I'm that person
all the time. I'm going to, I'm I'm right or
die. I'm going to, I'm going to
(06:18):
really speak up for people. And sometimes I'll be, it'll be
easier for me to speak up for other people in their situations
than it is for me to confront the things that are going on
with me. And I think a lot of us have
that like, you know, you can seewhat's going wrong there.
But when it comes to your own issues in your own life,
sometimes you want to act blind or you just don't want to
address them. So I feel like some of those
(06:40):
things I've seen happen in my life that we see happening
between Angela and Fatima. But other than that, and I said,
oh, and the devil's advocate, I feel like Angela is always the
person who's going to be like, well, see it from this
perspective. And I do that a lot.
And I get in trouble for it all the time where it's just like, I
just want you to hit my side. But I'm always going to be like,
(07:01):
well, did you consider that maybe this happened because of
this and this and this? So I can see the similarities
there. But also, Tyler gives us a lot
of room to put our own characterinto our characters.
Like he lets us play, lets us have fun.
And during the first season, I've read Angela differently
than how I've grown to work withher now that I've been given the
(07:26):
basically the the charge to, hey, give her your personality,
give her some fun. Like play with her.
She doesn't have to be exactly as written.
She doesn't have to say these exact things.
We want her to be fun. We want you to feel comfortable
to ad Lib and improv. So with those kind of freedoms,
it's hard to not see yourself ina lot of what happens.
(07:46):
Like things that happened that weren't scripted, you'll watch
back and be like, oh, I forgot that happened and that's all.
You can definitely see me when that happens in there.
Now speaking, of course, you mentioned Mr. Tyler Perry, so
working with him, I'm sure it's a dream for many actors.
So what are the some of the biggest lessons that you've
learned from collaborating with him and being on the show, the
(08:08):
team? I mean, I guess to have fun and
he's really good with time management.
I'm always amazed to see how we work and how he creates these
worlds and these entire seasons with a short amount of time.
And we're, I mean, we're going, going, going.
And it's amazing to see that kind of focus, that kind of
(08:31):
drive to be able to write all the different shows that he was
writing for as long as he was and creating movies at the same
time and starring in projects. When you see someone being
pulled in all those different directions while still
maintaining a family life and having a son that they're
raising and things like that, it's like you really can't have
it all. You really can do it.
(08:52):
People are doing it. And these people, you're just as
capable, capable as these peopleif you put your mind and your
attention to it. So I think the biggest thing
I've learned is just like, do more, do more with your time, Do
more, like create more. Don't wait.
Don't be concerned with what other people have to say about
what you're creating because your, your voice is important
(09:15):
and there are people who need tohear it.
So I love working with Tyler Perry.
So nobody can say a bad thing tome about anything.
I love it. And I love how you mentioned
it's important when you're creative to just not worry about
what anybody else is saying. And I think that's something
that he really represents because he's creative.
He's making so many different things and he's putting a lot of
(09:37):
people to work. So that's something that he
deserves, you know, his flowers for that because we've seen so
many people's careers take off and that's always a good thing
in the industry for people of color.
So Speaking of, does all the things he's doing, have you ever
had the bug to get behind the camera?
Oh, absolutely. I've written and I plan to do
(09:59):
more directing very, very, very soon.
But I have been on the back end when it comes to writing.
I was a makeup artist behind thescenes for years, so I've always
kind of had my hands in any way that I can and dip and dabble.
I was an EP on a project that should be coming out soon called
Friend Zone, so stay tuned for that.
(10:19):
And yeah, there will be definitely more.
I think you can't work closely with someone like Tyler and not
get the bug to do more and to create more and to have your
voice and your story told because you see what he's doing
in all these different avenues from shows like All the Queens
Men to, you know, movies. It's it really just puts into
(10:41):
perspective that you can always create.
And then we've got social media that is buzzing and that has so
many viewers. There's no reason to at least
not put something out on social media and have that kind of
drive. There's there's too many avenues
and too many different audience members willing and wanting to
see your content to not do something more.
(11:04):
Right, I most definitely agree. Now I want to dive into some
different things. I know you're so gorgeous and
beautiful, and I know one of your other platforms is body
positivity and advocacy. So I want to ask you about so
you are very big on body positivity and size inclusivity.
So I want to ask you, how's yourpersonal experience?
And like I said, you're gorgeousas a beautiful plus sized woman
(11:25):
influence your career choices. Is that something that you're
conscious of? Like, hey, let me represent that
television and movies is isn't always these than women, you
know, no offense to them, but just to let people know, hey,
beauty comes in all different sizes.
Is that something that is that drives you with the roles that
you choose to play? Absolutely.
I'm, I'm always mindful of choosing roles where I can be
(11:49):
proud of the character and the character is desired and, and
things like that. Because oftentimes I get offered
and typecast and, or they'll tryto typecast me differently
where, you know, it's a less desirable, it's a sloppy roll or
it's, you know, things like thatwhere I know already the way
that people perceive people who are plus sized.
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And I don't want to be attest tothat.
I don't want to further any negative conversation in that I
want to tell true stories and people who deal with ups and
downs when it comes to being plus sized because the reality
is I only have so much control over how things are presented
when it comes to being plus sizeon camera.
I'm an actress, so someone else is writing the stories that I'm
(12:34):
acting in or someone else is, you know, directing it to to put
it across a certain, you know, feeling or whatever the case may
be. And I'm always conscious of
people who will dislike or just decide to not like a character
or think that she's jealous of another character because of her
size. And there's so many million
(12:55):
different things that come from all over the place when you're
dealing with the prejudice that comes with being plus size.
But I'm glad that I can still bean example and be in the
forefront and represent. And I get girls come up to me
all the time, but girls and women, women who are much older
than me, who tell me how much itmeans to them to see me
representing being plus sized, being out there and not covering
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up, not hiding, not being shy ortimid, but taking over, taking
control of of situations, of scenes.
And I'm just glad that I can represent that and that I can be
that for somebody. Because I know the people who I
watched growing up who wore thatfor me and open up doors and
possibilities and made me feel like I can pursue this and I can
do this. So I'm grateful to be there for
(13:38):
the next generation. Absolutely.
And I know it's definitely has to touch people and influence
them in such a great way becauseyou're showing, like you said,
you're not typecast. You're showing that you can be
plus size and be beautiful. You can be plus size and be sexy
and be plus size and be confident.
And I think that's something that is extremely important,
especially for like, as you say,older women are looking up to
(14:00):
you, even the younger girls, especially them, because they
need to tune in and see something that's like, wow, this
makes them feel like they matterand that someone is representing
them. So what I think what you're
doing great and which is what you stand for.
So I wanted to ask you too aboutthe plus strut.
So I was reading up some information about you.
So can you please tell us all about the plus strut and how did
(14:21):
this start? Sure well shout out to Joy
tribble. She's the creator and founder of
the plush strut. It is a 5K for plus size women
in North America and it has beengoing on five years strong.
We come together it's in May every year, but the first week
of may registration is open now so you guys can check it out and
if you want to see more it's at the plush strut.com.
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But we come together and we complete a 5K and as plus size
women in the world, oftentimes even when we enter into a
fitness spaces, we're judged andpeople have negative things to
say. And there's all this negativity
that can come when you walk intoa gym or you do anything like
that and you're surrounded by people who don't look like you.
So to come together with a groupof people who are all dealing
(15:06):
with the same judgment when we could step into these spaces and
just to be able to come in, feelcomfortable, feel represented,
feel that level of community, there's nothing like it.
And this will be the 5th year, so I know it'll be the biggest
year yet. And it's always so magical.
It really is to see those women,I mean, crying, finishing this,
(15:27):
this, this 5K, coming across this finish line, tears in their
eyes. We stay there until every last
person has finished and we support another one another.
And you know, sometimes you got to push somebody across the
finish line, but we're going to make sure that everybody feels
seen, represented and accomplished at the end, end of
the day. And when I tell you, people come
from all across the world to come to this event.
(15:50):
So I'm just I'm so happy that it's been able to continue.
It started pre pandemic and we had to pause for a little bit.
So that's why now it's going to be the 5th year, even though
it's been in existence a little bit longer than five years.
But to be able to come back postpandemic and come back even
bigger and stronger has been phenomenal.
So now we have to come representthis year and I'm hoping it'll
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be an even bigger crowd and a bigger community of people and
we can take this thing and grow it and make it bigger and bigger
every year. Awesome.
Now, one thing that you did mention is just about being seen
and I think that's like you said, that's so important and I
just love what you're doing. So I want to ask you something
super important. So I actually mentioned like
what you're doing, your advocacyis to help people plus size
(16:34):
women feel seen, number one, andlet them remind them that
they're beautiful and that beauty comes in all different
shapes and sizes. So I want to ask you, what's one
piece of advice that you give women who may be struggling with
their body confidence and they need some reassurance and they
need that reminder like, hey, you are beautiful just the way
you are. So what's a piece of advice you
(16:55):
would give someone that's struggling with that confidence?
That's always such a hard one for me because I really feel
like you just have to make the decision to, to love yourself in
the space that you're in, to give yourself grace because
we're all working towards something, you know, and, and
some of that can be physical, some of that can be something
(17:17):
else. But at the end of the day, you
have to love yourself while you're on the journey.
There's no reason and no benefitin judging yourself harshly and
being mean to yourself and to, you know, getting yourself into
the state of depression over theway you look when you're capable
of so many things, you're, you're still beautiful.
(17:38):
You're still able to do these things and, and move through
life in a beautiful way. So it's so don't sit there and
let yourself hate on yourself orjudge yourself.
Give yourself grace, the same grace that you extend to other
people. Love on yourself.
And while you're doing that, youcan work on whatever you feel
like you need to, but embrace who you are now because time is
(18:00):
fleeting. We only have so much.
And there are too many people who are leaving this earth not,
not feeling like they are fulfilled, mainly because they
are suppressing their own light,because they feel like they're
not ready or can't be put in front of people or who are they
to represent? No, no, live your life fully to
the best of your ability and everything else will come to
(18:23):
pass. I mean, you'll, you'll realize
how insignificant little things like that are when you're
walking in your purpose and you're letting those things not
be a hindrance to what you need to accomplish.
Right. Walking in your purpose really
truly is a key. And I know that it's not to just
make things slightly because we all have a cross to bear.
Everyone deals with their own personal, you know, things where
(18:46):
you may not feel when you look in the mirror, you may not see
what you really, truly are. That's something I think that
everyone may have struggled withOnce Upon a time, whether
they're at a better stage in their life now where they can
acknowledge and truly love themselves.
But everyone I think is at some stage where it's like, OK, I may
not really be comprehending thatreflection that's coming back to
me because we all have our different struggles.
(19:07):
So I definitely do agree with once you walk into your purpose,
it really does help transform how you be yourself, not just
physically, you know, but on theinside too, so that you can grow
and be better and just have peace.
And I just really love that too.So I want to ask you, of course,
with everything that you're doing, like you have a lot going
on. So I know you also have a
(19:28):
fashion line. You've also partnered with
Fashion Nova. So, can we hear more about your
entrepreneurial journey? Sure.
So it's it's funny because I never saw myself as a fashion
girl growing up. If, if my, when my sisters
discovered that I was like an influencer, they're like how I'm
the least fashionable of my family, they'll definitely say,
(19:51):
but just getting ready, feeling cute, taking pictures, posting
them got me the visibility from certain brands where they
started to reaching out, Hey, we're interested in sending you
clothes. Hey, how much would it be for
real and things like that. So my influencership grew and
grew and grew to the point wherepeople really kind of came to me
(20:11):
for fashion trends as plus size women.
And this allowed me the the space and the opportunities to
also create designs for other brands like Fashion to figure I
did. Did a four piece collection for
them where I was able to take a picture that I drew and they
were able to manufacture it and sell in the stores and sell it
out. So this kind of gave me the
(20:33):
confidence and and just the backing to feel like, OK, I can
take this a step further. And that's where Shop Nnamani
was born. Nnamani is the boutique I
created with my older sister Akila that encompasses basically
my style. We bold prints things that show
you off and not don't make you feel like you have to cover up
(20:55):
or hide. It's all about just bold, curvy
fit. So I'm really excited.
This is probably going into the third year of its existence.
And so I've learned so much, thecompany's grown so much, and I'm
interested to see what's next. There's a lot of competition out
there with the new brands and with, you know, brands that sell
(21:19):
things much, very, very cheap where it's hard to compete.
But we're holding on strong because I feel like we still
there's still a space for boutiques that have that cater
plus size women, while more and more brands are starting to
limit what they supply or shut down their plus size department
altogether, despite the fact that majority of women in
(21:39):
America are plus size. So it's interesting that Despite
that you can't walk into a storeand just pick up a plus size
gown, it's very difficult to do so with to to not have to order
something or have something customized.
It's very difficult. So there's definitely a lot of
space and room in our fashion industry for more plus size and
(22:01):
inclusivity when it comes to these brands having things in
store. And I'm hoping that we can help
mend that gap. Yes, definitely.
And I know it's a team, you guys, your style was definitely
on point for sure. Are there any challenges that
you have sometimes on sets are just in general in the drama
field with, you know, fashion? Finding the right style is
(22:23):
finding clothes that, like you said, not only fit but flatter.
I think that's one thing that's important with fashion too,
especially when you're curvy. And I think being a curvy woman
of color, whether you're a curvy8 or a curvy 24, it's just hard
to find the right fit of clothes.
So are there any challenges thatyou've come across?
(22:44):
Just saying, hey, you know, likeI want to wear something that
looks good. So are there any challenges that
you've had? On that, absolutely like that,
absolutely I, I am, I am a big advocate when it comes to my
clothing on sets. I learned pretty early on that
that's something that I could not be timid about and that I
(23:04):
had to speak up about. And very grateful that the team
at TPS is, is always very willing to accommodate me and
very open to my suggestions. If I'm rolling up in there with
a suitcase and giving them options like I, I like to be
solution oriented too. So I'm coming in and I'm, you
know, letting them know, hey, the reason why I put that on my
(23:26):
no rack is because of this. So that they don't then bring in
other, you know, pieces that have that same issue or
something like that. Because I'm, I'm just super
aware of my body type and what'sflattering on me.
So it's been an interesting collaboration, but I have a team
at TPS that is super helpful andthey customize even things that
I bring in that aren't necessarily like tailored to me.
(23:49):
They're snatching it in, pinningit where it needs to be and all
of those things. So it's been a great experience
at TPS. I have to say.
There have been several other situations that I've been put in
in different scenes and sets where I'm I'm bringing my
clothes most of the time, and mainly because I don't really
have a choice. It's hard to find people who
(24:10):
know how to shop for plus size or who care enough to take the
time to put the time and energy into finding things for plus
size because like I said, it's much more difficult.
And if that's not your specialtyor your lane, you really won't
know who to go to. So, you know, if you're trying
to find something and the project is in three days, you're
not going to be able to run intoa store and find something for a
(24:33):
plus size person. You really do have to order most
of these things. So it's it's been difficult
because it's hard to relay that message.
So oftentimes I just have to come with a solution, which is a
lot of the time bringing my own looks.
And I'm never opposed to that. But at the same time, as an
actor, you want to focus on yourcraft, you want to focus on what
you have going on. So you don't want to have this
(24:56):
this whole other job in the backof your mind and this whole
other responsibility that you have to always be thinking
about. But on the other hand, I could
be putting something that I'm not comfortable in and that I
don't feel like represents the character.
And that would be a much bigger distraction than me just
bringing an option that will work.
So that that's been my solution to the issue in the industry.
(25:20):
But there are so many different ways that being plus sized in
the prejudice against plus sizedpeople has shown up, whether
that be being nearly dragged outof an award show because they
didn't believe that I should have been sitting where where I
was seated, where my ticket saidto sit.
Like security guard physically pushed me back.
(25:42):
Like you can't be here meanwhileletting other people through and
things like that happen. And you know that it's because
of a certain thing, but it's hard for people who aren't
experiencing the same kind of prejudice to understand.
Like, he let you through, You were with me, he let you
through. The only difference there is I'm
(26:03):
plus size. He didn't believe that I was
qualified or should have been sitting where I was supposed to
be. And it's heartbreaking when I
experience these things because I know the position that I'm in,
being known and having, being recognizable and things like
that. There is privileges that come
with that. So I know that there are women
who deal with these kinds of prejudice all the time.
(26:23):
And there is no leeway. There is no, you know, way
around it. It's just what it is and how
they're treated. And it breaks my heart because
nobody deserves that. Nobody deserves to be seen or
pushed aside because of their size.
But it's happening. So all I want to do is be a
voice to that, bring attention to it and hope that it doesn't
continue to happen. Or at least let people know
(26:45):
these are things to be aware of so that people aren't constantly
experiencing these things. That's very unfortunate and I
just, but I love still how you still have that confidence, that
light about you because unfortunately there's people in
the world, not everyone's going to see our light, but as long as
we know that we have it, that's what can keep us going.
(27:07):
So that's one thing that's trulyimportant.
I want to ask you too, which kind of falls into the same
subject, but what are some of the things that you do to cater
to your mental health? You know, because I'm sure
there's things that you deal with outside of, you know, the
cameras and things, you know, that you have to work on and
just to keep you going. Like I said, you're beautiful,
you're gorgeous, but I know there's things that you doing
(27:27):
the work at building this career, you're breaking
barriers. So what are some of the things
that you do? And even also, I'm sure you have
a very busy schedule sometimes. So just what are some things
that you do to cater to your mental health and also your
Wellness so you can have that balance of self-care mentally
and physically? One of my favorite things to do
is I go on these nature walks with my sister and my nephew.
(27:50):
My nephew is like the cutest, most intelligent little boy
you've ever met. He's 3, but he's going on 30.
Like the conversations that you can have with this 3 year old,
it's incredible. But I think just having that
time to really decompress and take a nature walk, talk about
anything, put phones away and just kind of have that family
(28:11):
time, that is so important. And I feel like it's so
grounding for me. So making time to do things like
that. What else?
Oh, I love a beach. So I'm often times on trips
somewhere where there is sand and a beach and I feel like
taking that time once again to be away from your phone, be away
from media, be away from people who know you and just be one
(28:33):
with nature, Quiet everything. Sit in the water and pray.
Oh, I love to sit in the water and pray because then I feel
like there's a whole different kind of connection when you're
fully immersed and nothing else is around you or distracting
you. And you can just have that time
with the creator. Like that is my number one.
I feel like self regulating moment.
(28:54):
That's something that I try to make sure that I do pretty
often. I, cuz I, I have to say, I take
a lot of trips, take a lot of trips and going back to Jamaica
next week and for, to do something similar.
So I feel like those are my 2 main ways of getting myself
centered and keeping myself calmand you know, just in touch with
(29:15):
my family and myself. And I love the water too.
I think the water is that just ahealing?
Absolutely. You know, like I really just
really I think people that are into and are impasse.
I think water is just something that's super special.
So I want to ask you again too, You have a model that is a model
that I saw during researching you that said do it scared.
(29:35):
So definitely tell us about that, because I definitely think
too when you're a trailblazer, you got to do it scared.
You know, we can't, like they say, your dreams are supposed to
frighten you and just working through fears, just doing
something that even we think it's impossible sometimes we
have to make it possible. So I want to get some more
insight on your model of do it scare.
Yeah. I mean, you basically said it.
(29:59):
Things, things come at me a lot that I don't necessarily feel
qualified to do. However, I won't just outright
say that I can't do it because alot of times it is just fear.
It is just, I'm trying to think of that word that they use, but
there's a, there's a term for imposter syndrome where you feel
(30:21):
like, you know, should I be doing this?
Is this for me? Like whatever the case may be,
that comes up and you have to just squash it because typically
when these opportunities come, it's because you are you're
qualified, you're ready. You just have to stop letting
yourself doubt yourself. You have to stop getting in your
own way and you have to do it. You may not be amazing at it
(30:42):
that first time, but you're going to learn and grow.
And the reason the opportunity was presented to you is because
someone felt like you were goingto be great for it.
So I've learned through all of my various career choices,
whether that be even for a briefa moment, I was a preschool
teacher, all types of things where when I was put in the
(31:03):
position, it was like how, how did this happen?
How did I get here? But by the end of it, you know,
I was excelling in it, Teacher of the year and things like
that, even though I was there for a short window of time.
So things like that where you feel like, I don't know how I
got here. I don't know if I'm qualified,
but they'll turn around and giveyou the knowledge that you need
for the next endeavor or the thing that you really want to
(31:25):
do. Or you'll just be surprised at
how many qualifications you havebased on little things that you
do or based on your personality or your God-given gifts.
You know, to me, being a preschool teacher wasn't
something I learned being taught.
It was something that I was blessed with that God put in me,
that I knew how to communicate and teach these children.
(31:46):
It came so naturally. It was so easy for me.
And I feel like when things likethat happen, it just kind of
confirms that you're capable of more than you know.
And if you do it scared, you've done it.
And then you don't have to be asscared and you can do it again
and again and get better and better.
So I've I've loved it so far. It's helped me in every Ave. of
(32:07):
life because you never know whatyou're capable of until you try.
Right, that's definitely a fact you'll never know unless you
try. So I do love that.
So I want to ask you, one of themain important things of our
platform is self love. Self love for Go Queen means you
can go be fearless, you can go be bold, you can go queen.
(32:28):
Whatever that queen wants to do,you can do it with the proponent
of self love. So I want to ask you what role
has self love played in your life and how do you define self
love personally? I think it's, it's a constant,
it's, it's shifting all the timebecause I'm learning the new
ways to love myself and learningwhat I'm in need of and the way
(32:50):
to cater to myself. So it's ever growing and I think
it's just being in tune with yourself and learning what you
need at that time, whether it's quiet, I love stillness.
I'd, you know, I'd, I love for there to be no music, no nothing
to tap out and just really meditate.
That is important. So little things like that,
learning about what your body needs and taking the time to
(33:11):
listen and cater to it, getting in tune with yourself and
figuring out what you need in that time, whether it's
stillness, whether it's to push yourself harder, whether it's,
you know, time with family or, you know, whatever the case may
be, figuring out and listening to yourself and, and just, you
know, making the time to cater to yourself and really pour back
(33:34):
into yourself because we do so much when, especially when
you're in the limelight, I feel like you're, I feel like I'm
always on. I feel like I, whenever I'm
around other people, I know thatI'm being watched.
I know that things that I say ordo will not just be here.
If they'll, you know it, it'll go with someone or someone will
kind of take it or, you know, reconstruct, reconstruct the the
(33:57):
story and tell it to a friend. You just never feel like you can
really just relax. You're always on.
So taking that time to be alone and unwatched.
And I'm, I'm a big proponent of that.
Love it. Love it.
This is an amazing conversation.Before we end everything, can
you leave us with a positive affirmation for our listeners?
(34:20):
Positive affirmation. I felt like I should have had
one in the chamber ready to go and it.
Doesn't have to be deep, but just anything that's on your
heart. OK.
Huh. I mean, I simple enough to just
(34:42):
tie back into doing it scared, but you're capable of
everything. You're capable of anything.
Love. It.
I love it. This has been a great
conversation. Before we do go away, can you
tell everyone what how they can follow you on social media and
what can I expect next? Is there anything else on the
books that we should be looking out for?
All right, well, you guys can follow me at Nzinga Imani,
(35:03):
that's NZINGAIMANI, and you can follow my boutique at Shop
Namani, that's SHOPNINANI. And what's next on the books?
Well, we have Friend Zone comingout.
I will tell you more once I knowmore about where that will be,
but that's the feature film thatI'm in that I was also a EP 4.
(35:23):
So look out for that. Right now.
The Teema is on BET plus the third season is streaming now.
Episodes 5 and 6 just were released today, so you guys
check that out. It's going to be great.
And yeah, that's that's what's going on here.
Awesome, so you guys heard it. Please make sure you follow in
Zynga Imani and you think it's so beautiful.
(35:44):
So just make sure that you follow her and support her and I
hope you guys take away several things for this interview.
But one of the main things that she mentioned do it scared.
We can't expect everything to bethe way we want them to.
But as we mentioned in this conversation, you will never
know unless you try and just putit in that effort into your
dream. You deserve a Gold Star just for
(36:05):
that. You owe it to yourself to try.
You don't have to be the Super we start, but just try.
There's so many things that people have aspirations, they
have dreams, they have visions that are just sitting on the
shelf because they're too scaredto go ahead and do it.
You're too concerned on what people think.
What if it doesn't work out? Throw all of that out the window
and do it scared, but most importantly, do it right now.
(36:28):
So thank you guys for tuning in to the key chat.
You can catch this episode and more www.goqueen.com.
Make sure you guys be safe, do it scared, and go love yourself.
Your peace world is the love king of R&B Rahim and this is
the Q chat. Keep a lock right here.
Grab your print or digital copy of Go.
Queen magazine today Stay. Inspired by the incredible
stories and features inside? Visit our website to grab your
copy now. Hey Queen, in this empowering
episode of the. Q chat we.
(00:21):
Sit down with the incredible andZynga Imani actress, plus size
fashion model and advocate for body positivity.
You know her as Angela and TylerPerry's hits the ET series The
Teema. But in Zynga is so much more
than her on screen roles, from breaking barriers in the plus
(00:42):
size fashion world to building her own brand.
And Zynga shares how she embraces fear, lives by her
model Do it scared, and uses herplatform to inspire others.
TuneIn as she discusses her journey in Hollywood, her
advocacy, precise inclusivity, and her plans to continue
pushing boundaries and fashion and entertainment.
(01:03):
This is an episode you don't want to miss.
Working hard on a mission. Thank you guys for joining
(01:42):
another episode of the Key Chat today.
My very gorgeous and beautiful guest is Miss Anzinga Imani, and
you guys may be familiar with her.
She's currently starring as Angela on the Tyler Perry BT hit
series Satima. And she's also a body positive
advocate and a model. And we're going to chop it up
about her career. Also, if we can tear up some
(02:02):
things with her, we can twist her arm.
And it gave us some sneak peeks in the upcoming season of the
team and also our favorite topic, self love.
So how are you doing today? I'm phenomenal.
I'm excited to be here with you.Awesome, I'm so happy to have
you on. So I definitely want to get
started. So I know currently you're
starring and the hit series, butI would like to take it back to
(02:23):
your roots. So can we get some background on
just your upbringing and your childhood?
And what gems did you learn along the way to lead to the
career that you have now? Oh well, if you ask anybody who
knew me when I was young, they'll tell you I was a born
performer. I've always had a big
personality. I've always kind of put on
little shows. Even before I knew really what I
was doing, I was performing. So my mother put us in dance
(02:47):
classes and quiet a chorus and stuff like that.
I was a big singer. I didn't really know I was going
to be an actor, but I always kind of saw my career going in
the direction of singing. So I was always performing in
praise team or whatever the casemay be, always on stage and I
just kind of carried that through.
And although being a first generation American born to
(03:09):
Guyanese parents, the creative and the arts weren't really the
job career they saw for me it was more so we want you to be a
well-rounded person so we'll putyou in these different arts.
But they definitely saw a more stringent career choice for me.
So this was out of the ordinary,but I mean it, I think they
(03:29):
couldn't have been truly surprised because it's always
been within me. It's always been something that
we all do together. My sister is singing and
performed too. So it was embedded in me very
young. And luckily different people
came into my life and kind of pushed that on me and encouraged
me to pursue it, whether it be teachers in school or just
different people in my life who were like, no, you should take
(03:52):
this seriously. And that gave me the confidence
to kind of fight against my parents in that Ave. and really
take it seriously and give it myall.
And that has opened up a world of possibilities I could only
imagine. So I'm extremely grateful for
all the all the things that my parents put me in, but also the
people who weren't in my immediate circle who encouraged
(04:12):
me to try something and give it my all and believe that I could
do it. That's awesome.
So and I know you do a lot. So were your initial thoughts to
go into acting or did you have, because I know you said singing,
performing. So was there one particular
field that you wanted to go in first or did you just know that
you're just going to be like a Jack of all trades or a Jill of
(04:33):
all trades, I should say? I learned a little slowly
because I didn't originally knowabout like musical theater and I
wasn't truly considering myself being an actor until I was a
adult age. But when I got introduced to
acting, it was through my chorusteacher.
I was big in chorus. Anything singing, I was big in
it. My chorus teacher was like, hey,
(04:54):
in Zynga, we need you for this musical.
You need to be in this musical. And I was like a musical.
I don't know. But once I did it, I fell in
love and they couldn't get me off the stage.
I was in every musical at the school after that.
And then we became a part of a musical web series where we were
making in college. I was with a bunch of other
college students. We made a series on YouTube that
(05:16):
was a musical series. And it did crazy numbers, got a
lot of attention. Like people were recognizing me
at my regular job from this, this streamable web series.
And I think I just kind of buildon that momentum and continue to
create content parodies and things of that nature, continue
(05:36):
to do independent films and things like that until I finally
got to break into the big, the big boys and the big industry
Titans and got to see got to seemy work and allowed me to
audition and do the projects that I'm doing now.
So it's been a steady climb. Wow.
Now of course, you're currently playing Angela and Zatima, and
(05:58):
fans of course love this show and your portrayal of her.
So are there some things that you think connect with yourself
and also with Angela's character?
Absolutely. I think Angela is a fierce
defender of her friends. And I feel like I'm that person
all the time. I'm going to, I'm I'm right or
die. I'm going to, I'm going to
(06:18):
really speak up for people. And sometimes I'll be, it'll be
easier for me to speak up for other people in their situations
than it is for me to confront the things that are going on
with me. And I think a lot of us have
that like, you know, you can seewhat's going wrong there.
But when it comes to your own issues in your own life,
sometimes you want to act blind or you just don't want to
address them. So I feel like some of those
(06:40):
things I've seen happen in my life that we see happening
between Angela and Fatima. But other than that, and I said,
oh, and the devil's advocate, I feel like Angela is always the
person who's going to be like, well, see it from this
perspective. And I do that a lot.
And I get in trouble for it all the time where it's just like, I
just want you to hit my side. But I'm always going to be like,
(07:01):
well, did you consider that maybe this happened because of
this and this and this? So I can see the similarities
there. But also, Tyler gives us a lot
of room to put our own characterinto our characters.
Like he lets us play, lets us have fun.
And during the first season, I've read Angela differently
than how I've grown to work withher now that I've been given the
(07:26):
basically the the charge to, hey, give her your personality,
give her some fun. Like play with her.
She doesn't have to be exactly as written.
She doesn't have to say these exact things.
We want her to be fun. We want you to feel comfortable
to ad Lib and improv. So with those kind of freedoms,
it's hard to not see yourself ina lot of what happens.
(07:46):
Like things that happened that weren't scripted, you'll watch
back and be like, oh, I forgot that happened and that's all.
You can definitely see me when that happens in there.
Now speaking, of course, you mentioned Mr. Tyler Perry, so
working with him, I'm sure it's a dream for many actors.
So what are the some of the biggest lessons that you've
learned from collaborating with him and being on the show, the
(08:08):
team? I mean, I guess to have fun and
he's really good with time management.
I'm always amazed to see how we work and how he creates these
worlds and these entire seasons with a short amount of time.
And we're, I mean, we're going, going, going.
And it's amazing to see that kind of focus, that kind of
(08:31):
drive to be able to write all the different shows that he was
writing for as long as he was and creating movies at the same
time and starring in projects. When you see someone being
pulled in all those different directions while still
maintaining a family life and having a son that they're
raising and things like that, it's like you really can't have
it all. You really can do it.
(08:52):
People are doing it. And these people, you're just as
capable, capable as these peopleif you put your mind and your
attention to it. So I think the biggest thing
I've learned is just like, do more, do more with your time, Do
more, like create more. Don't wait.
Don't be concerned with what other people have to say about
what you're creating because your, your voice is important
(09:15):
and there are people who need tohear it.
So I love working with Tyler Perry.
So nobody can say a bad thing tome about anything.
I love it. And I love how you mentioned
it's important when you're creative to just not worry about
what anybody else is saying. And I think that's something
that he really represents because he's creative.
He's making so many different things and he's putting a lot of
(09:37):
people to work. So that's something that he
deserves, you know, his flowers for that because we've seen so
many people's careers take off and that's always a good thing
in the industry for people of color.
So Speaking of, does all the things he's doing, have you ever
had the bug to get behind the camera?
Oh, absolutely. I've written and I plan to do
(09:59):
more directing very, very, very soon.
But I have been on the back end when it comes to writing.
I was a makeup artist behind thescenes for years, so I've always
kind of had my hands in any way that I can and dip and dabble.
I was an EP on a project that should be coming out soon called
Friend Zone, so stay tuned for that.
(10:19):
And yeah, there will be definitely more.
I think you can't work closely with someone like Tyler and not
get the bug to do more and to create more and to have your
voice and your story told because you see what he's doing
in all these different avenues from shows like All the Queens
Men to, you know, movies. It's it really just puts into
(10:41):
perspective that you can always create.
And then we've got social media that is buzzing and that has so
many viewers. There's no reason to at least
not put something out on social media and have that kind of
drive. There's there's too many avenues
and too many different audience members willing and wanting to
see your content to not do something more.
(11:04):
Right, I most definitely agree. Now I want to dive into some
different things. I know you're so gorgeous and
beautiful, and I know one of your other platforms is body
positivity and advocacy. So I want to ask you about so
you are very big on body positivity and size inclusivity.
So I want to ask you, how's yourpersonal experience?
And like I said, you're gorgeousas a beautiful plus sized woman
(11:25):
influence your career choices. Is that something that you're
conscious of? Like, hey, let me represent that
television and movies is isn't always these than women, you
know, no offense to them, but just to let people know, hey,
beauty comes in all different sizes.
Is that something that is that drives you with the roles that
you choose to play? Absolutely.
I'm, I'm always mindful of choosing roles where I can be
(11:49):
proud of the character and the character is desired and, and
things like that. Because oftentimes I get offered
and typecast and, or they'll tryto typecast me differently
where, you know, it's a less desirable, it's a sloppy roll or
it's, you know, things like thatwhere I know already the way
that people perceive people who are plus sized.
(12:12):
And I don't want to be attest tothat.
I don't want to further any negative conversation in that I
want to tell true stories and people who deal with ups and
downs when it comes to being plus sized because the reality
is I only have so much control over how things are presented
when it comes to being plus sizeon camera.
I'm an actress, so someone else is writing the stories that I'm
(12:34):
acting in or someone else is, you know, directing it to to put
it across a certain, you know, feeling or whatever the case may
be. And I'm always conscious of
people who will dislike or just decide to not like a character
or think that she's jealous of another character because of her
size. And there's so many million
(12:55):
different things that come from all over the place when you're
dealing with the prejudice that comes with being plus size.
But I'm glad that I can still bean example and be in the
forefront and represent. And I get girls come up to me
all the time, but girls and women, women who are much older
than me, who tell me how much itmeans to them to see me
representing being plus sized, being out there and not covering
(13:17):
up, not hiding, not being shy ortimid, but taking over, taking
control of of situations, of scenes.
And I'm just glad that I can represent that and that I can be
that for somebody. Because I know the people who I
watched growing up who wore thatfor me and open up doors and
possibilities and made me feel like I can pursue this and I can
do this. So I'm grateful to be there for
(13:38):
the next generation. Absolutely.
And I know it's definitely has to touch people and influence
them in such a great way becauseyou're showing, like you said,
you're not typecast. You're showing that you can be
plus size and be beautiful. You can be plus size and be sexy
and be plus size and be confident.
And I think that's something that is extremely important,
especially for like, as you say,older women are looking up to
(14:00):
you, even the younger girls, especially them, because they
need to tune in and see something that's like, wow, this
makes them feel like they matterand that someone is representing
them. So what I think what you're
doing great and which is what you stand for.
So I wanted to ask you too aboutthe plus strut.
So I was reading up some information about you.
So can you please tell us all about the plus strut and how did
(14:21):
this start? Sure well shout out to Joy
tribble. She's the creator and founder of
the plush strut. It is a 5K for plus size women
in North America and it has beengoing on five years strong.
We come together it's in May every year, but the first week
of may registration is open now so you guys can check it out and
if you want to see more it's at the plush strut.com.
(14:42):
But we come together and we complete a 5K and as plus size
women in the world, oftentimes even when we enter into a
fitness spaces, we're judged andpeople have negative things to
say. And there's all this negativity
that can come when you walk intoa gym or you do anything like
that and you're surrounded by people who don't look like you.
So to come together with a groupof people who are all dealing
(15:06):
with the same judgment when we could step into these spaces and
just to be able to come in, feelcomfortable, feel represented,
feel that level of community, there's nothing like it.
And this will be the 5th year, so I know it'll be the biggest
year yet. And it's always so magical.
It really is to see those women,I mean, crying, finishing this,
(15:27):
this, this 5K, coming across this finish line, tears in their
eyes. We stay there until every last
person has finished and we support another one another.
And you know, sometimes you got to push somebody across the
finish line, but we're going to make sure that everybody feels
seen, represented and accomplished at the end, end of
the day. And when I tell you, people come
from all across the world to come to this event.
(15:50):
So I'm just I'm so happy that it's been able to continue.
It started pre pandemic and we had to pause for a little bit.
So that's why now it's going to be the 5th year, even though
it's been in existence a little bit longer than five years.
But to be able to come back postpandemic and come back even
bigger and stronger has been phenomenal.
So now we have to come representthis year and I'm hoping it'll
(16:12):
be an even bigger crowd and a bigger community of people and
we can take this thing and grow it and make it bigger and bigger
every year. Awesome.
Now, one thing that you did mention is just about being seen
and I think that's like you said, that's so important and I
just love what you're doing. So I want to ask you something
super important. So I actually mentioned like
what you're doing, your advocacyis to help people plus size
(16:34):
women feel seen, number one, andlet them remind them that
they're beautiful and that beauty comes in all different
shapes and sizes. So I want to ask you, what's one
piece of advice that you give women who may be struggling with
their body confidence and they need some reassurance and they
need that reminder like, hey, you are beautiful just the way
you are. So what's a piece of advice you
(16:55):
would give someone that's struggling with that confidence?
That's always such a hard one for me because I really feel
like you just have to make the decision to, to love yourself in
the space that you're in, to give yourself grace because
we're all working towards something, you know, and, and
some of that can be physical, some of that can be something
(17:17):
else. But at the end of the day, you
have to love yourself while you're on the journey.
There's no reason and no benefitin judging yourself harshly and
being mean to yourself and to, you know, getting yourself into
the state of depression over theway you look when you're capable
of so many things, you're, you're still beautiful.
(17:38):
You're still able to do these things and, and move through
life in a beautiful way. So it's so don't sit there and
let yourself hate on yourself orjudge yourself.
Give yourself grace, the same grace that you extend to other
people. Love on yourself.
And while you're doing that, youcan work on whatever you feel
like you need to, but embrace who you are now because time is
(18:00):
fleeting. We only have so much.
And there are too many people who are leaving this earth not,
not feeling like they are fulfilled, mainly because they
are suppressing their own light,because they feel like they're
not ready or can't be put in front of people or who are they
to represent? No, no, live your life fully to
the best of your ability and everything else will come to
(18:23):
pass. I mean, you'll, you'll realize
how insignificant little things like that are when you're
walking in your purpose and you're letting those things not
be a hindrance to what you need to accomplish.
Right. Walking in your purpose really
truly is a key. And I know that it's not to just
make things slightly because we all have a cross to bear.
Everyone deals with their own personal, you know, things where
(18:46):
you may not feel when you look in the mirror, you may not see
what you really, truly are. That's something I think that
everyone may have struggled withOnce Upon a time, whether
they're at a better stage in their life now where they can
acknowledge and truly love themselves.
But everyone I think is at some stage where it's like, OK, I may
not really be comprehending thatreflection that's coming back to
me because we all have our different struggles.
(19:07):
So I definitely do agree with once you walk into your purpose,
it really does help transform how you be yourself, not just
physically, you know, but on theinside too, so that you can grow
and be better and just have peace.
And I just really love that too.So I want to ask you, of course,
with everything that you're doing, like you have a lot going
on. So I know you also have a
(19:28):
fashion line. You've also partnered with
Fashion Nova. So, can we hear more about your
entrepreneurial journey? Sure.
So it's it's funny because I never saw myself as a fashion
girl growing up. If, if my, when my sisters
discovered that I was like an influencer, they're like how I'm
the least fashionable of my family, they'll definitely say,
(19:51):
but just getting ready, feeling cute, taking pictures, posting
them got me the visibility from certain brands where they
started to reaching out, Hey, we're interested in sending you
clothes. Hey, how much would it be for
real and things like that. So my influencership grew and
grew and grew to the point wherepeople really kind of came to me
(20:11):
for fashion trends as plus size women.
And this allowed me the the space and the opportunities to
also create designs for other brands like Fashion to figure I
did. Did a four piece collection for
them where I was able to take a picture that I drew and they
were able to manufacture it and sell in the stores and sell it
out. So this kind of gave me the
(20:33):
confidence and and just the backing to feel like, OK, I can
take this a step further. And that's where Shop Nnamani
was born. Nnamani is the boutique I
created with my older sister Akila that encompasses basically
my style. We bold prints things that show
you off and not don't make you feel like you have to cover up
(20:55):
or hide. It's all about just bold, curvy
fit. So I'm really excited.
This is probably going into the third year of its existence.
And so I've learned so much, thecompany's grown so much, and I'm
interested to see what's next. There's a lot of competition out
there with the new brands and with, you know, brands that sell
(21:19):
things much, very, very cheap where it's hard to compete.
But we're holding on strong because I feel like we still
there's still a space for boutiques that have that cater
plus size women, while more and more brands are starting to
limit what they supply or shut down their plus size department
altogether, despite the fact that majority of women in
(21:39):
America are plus size. So it's interesting that Despite
that you can't walk into a storeand just pick up a plus size
gown, it's very difficult to do so with to to not have to order
something or have something customized.
It's very difficult. So there's definitely a lot of
space and room in our fashion industry for more plus size and
(22:01):
inclusivity when it comes to these brands having things in
store. And I'm hoping that we can help
mend that gap. Yes, definitely.
And I know it's a team, you guys, your style was definitely
on point for sure. Are there any challenges that
you have sometimes on sets are just in general in the drama
field with, you know, fashion? Finding the right style is
(22:23):
finding clothes that, like you said, not only fit but flatter.
I think that's one thing that's important with fashion too,
especially when you're curvy. And I think being a curvy woman
of color, whether you're a curvy8 or a curvy 24, it's just hard
to find the right fit of clothes.
So are there any challenges thatyou've come across?
(22:44):
Just saying, hey, you know, likeI want to wear something that
looks good. So are there any challenges that
you've had? On that, absolutely like that,
absolutely I, I am, I am a big advocate when it comes to my
clothing on sets. I learned pretty early on that
that's something that I could not be timid about and that I
(23:04):
had to speak up about. And very grateful that the team
at TPS is, is always very willing to accommodate me and
very open to my suggestions. If I'm rolling up in there with
a suitcase and giving them options like I, I like to be
solution oriented too. So I'm coming in and I'm, you
know, letting them know, hey, the reason why I put that on my
(23:26):
no rack is because of this. So that they don't then bring in
other, you know, pieces that have that same issue or
something like that. Because I'm, I'm just super
aware of my body type and what'sflattering on me.
So it's been an interesting collaboration, but I have a team
at TPS that is super helpful andthey customize even things that
I bring in that aren't necessarily like tailored to me.
(23:49):
They're snatching it in, pinningit where it needs to be and all
of those things. So it's been a great experience
at TPS. I have to say.
There have been several other situations that I've been put in
in different scenes and sets where I'm I'm bringing my
clothes most of the time, and mainly because I don't really
have a choice. It's hard to find people who
(24:10):
know how to shop for plus size or who care enough to take the
time to put the time and energy into finding things for plus
size because like I said, it's much more difficult.
And if that's not your specialtyor your lane, you really won't
know who to go to. So, you know, if you're trying
to find something and the project is in three days, you're
not going to be able to run intoa store and find something for a
(24:33):
plus size person. You really do have to order most
of these things. So it's it's been difficult
because it's hard to relay that message.
So oftentimes I just have to come with a solution, which is a
lot of the time bringing my own looks.
And I'm never opposed to that. But at the same time, as an
actor, you want to focus on yourcraft, you want to focus on what
you have going on. So you don't want to have this
(24:56):
this whole other job in the backof your mind and this whole
other responsibility that you have to always be thinking
about. But on the other hand, I could
be putting something that I'm not comfortable in and that I
don't feel like represents the character.
And that would be a much bigger distraction than me just
bringing an option that will work.
So that that's been my solution to the issue in the industry.
(25:20):
But there are so many different ways that being plus sized in
the prejudice against plus sizedpeople has shown up, whether
that be being nearly dragged outof an award show because they
didn't believe that I should have been sitting where where I
was seated, where my ticket saidto sit.
Like security guard physically pushed me back.
(25:42):
Like you can't be here meanwhileletting other people through and
things like that happen. And you know that it's because
of a certain thing, but it's hard for people who aren't
experiencing the same kind of prejudice to understand.
Like, he let you through, You were with me, he let you
through. The only difference there is I'm
(26:03):
plus size. He didn't believe that I was
qualified or should have been sitting where I was supposed to
be. And it's heartbreaking when I
experience these things because I know the position that I'm in,
being known and having, being recognizable and things like
that. There is privileges that come
with that. So I know that there are women
who deal with these kinds of prejudice all the time.
(26:23):
And there is no leeway. There is no, you know, way
around it. It's just what it is and how
they're treated. And it breaks my heart because
nobody deserves that. Nobody deserves to be seen or
pushed aside because of their size.
But it's happening. So all I want to do is be a
voice to that, bring attention to it and hope that it doesn't
continue to happen. Or at least let people know
(26:45):
these are things to be aware of so that people aren't constantly
experiencing these things. That's very unfortunate and I
just, but I love still how you still have that confidence, that
light about you because unfortunately there's people in
the world, not everyone's going to see our light, but as long as
we know that we have it, that's what can keep us going.
(27:07):
So that's one thing that's trulyimportant.
I want to ask you too, which kind of falls into the same
subject, but what are some of the things that you do to cater
to your mental health? You know, because I'm sure
there's things that you deal with outside of, you know, the
cameras and things, you know, that you have to work on and
just to keep you going. Like I said, you're beautiful,
you're gorgeous, but I know there's things that you doing
(27:27):
the work at building this career, you're breaking
barriers. So what are some of the things
that you do? And even also, I'm sure you have
a very busy schedule sometimes. So just what are some things
that you do to cater to your mental health and also your
Wellness so you can have that balance of self-care mentally
and physically? One of my favorite things to do
is I go on these nature walks with my sister and my nephew.
(27:50):
My nephew is like the cutest, most intelligent little boy
you've ever met. He's 3, but he's going on 30.
Like the conversations that you can have with this 3 year old,
it's incredible. But I think just having that
time to really decompress and take a nature walk, talk about
anything, put phones away and just kind of have that family
(28:11):
time, that is so important. And I feel like it's so
grounding for me. So making time to do things like
that. What else?
Oh, I love a beach. So I'm often times on trips
somewhere where there is sand and a beach and I feel like
taking that time once again to be away from your phone, be away
from media, be away from people who know you and just be one
(28:33):
with nature, Quiet everything. Sit in the water and pray.
Oh, I love to sit in the water and pray because then I feel
like there's a whole different kind of connection when you're
fully immersed and nothing else is around you or distracting
you. And you can just have that time
with the creator. Like that is my number one.
I feel like self regulating moment.
(28:54):
That's something that I try to make sure that I do pretty
often. I, cuz I, I have to say, I take
a lot of trips, take a lot of trips and going back to Jamaica
next week and for, to do something similar.
So I feel like those are my 2 main ways of getting myself
centered and keeping myself calmand you know, just in touch with
(29:15):
my family and myself. And I love the water too.
I think the water is that just ahealing?
Absolutely. You know, like I really just
really I think people that are into and are impasse.
I think water is just something that's super special.
So I want to ask you again too, You have a model that is a model
that I saw during researching you that said do it scared.
(29:35):
So definitely tell us about that, because I definitely think
too when you're a trailblazer, you got to do it scared.
You know, we can't, like they say, your dreams are supposed to
frighten you and just working through fears, just doing
something that even we think it's impossible sometimes we
have to make it possible. So I want to get some more
insight on your model of do it scare.
Yeah. I mean, you basically said it.
(29:59):
Things, things come at me a lot that I don't necessarily feel
qualified to do. However, I won't just outright
say that I can't do it because alot of times it is just fear.
It is just, I'm trying to think of that word that they use, but
there's a, there's a term for imposter syndrome where you feel
(30:21):
like, you know, should I be doing this?
Is this for me? Like whatever the case may be,
that comes up and you have to just squash it because typically
when these opportunities come, it's because you are you're
qualified, you're ready. You just have to stop letting
yourself doubt yourself. You have to stop getting in your
own way and you have to do it. You may not be amazing at it
(30:42):
that first time, but you're going to learn and grow.
And the reason the opportunity was presented to you is because
someone felt like you were goingto be great for it.
So I've learned through all of my various career choices,
whether that be even for a briefa moment, I was a preschool
teacher, all types of things where when I was put in the
(31:03):
position, it was like how, how did this happen?
How did I get here? But by the end of it, you know,
I was excelling in it, Teacher of the year and things like
that, even though I was there for a short window of time.
So things like that where you feel like, I don't know how I
got here. I don't know if I'm qualified,
but they'll turn around and giveyou the knowledge that you need
for the next endeavor or the thing that you really want to
(31:25):
do. Or you'll just be surprised at
how many qualifications you havebased on little things that you
do or based on your personality or your God-given gifts.
You know, to me, being a preschool teacher wasn't
something I learned being taught.
It was something that I was blessed with that God put in me,
that I knew how to communicate and teach these children.
(31:46):
It came so naturally. It was so easy for me.
And I feel like when things likethat happen, it just kind of
confirms that you're capable of more than you know.
And if you do it scared, you've done it.
And then you don't have to be asscared and you can do it again
and again and get better and better.
So I've I've loved it so far. It's helped me in every Ave. of
(32:07):
life because you never know whatyou're capable of until you try.
Right, that's definitely a fact you'll never know unless you
try. So I do love that.
So I want to ask you, one of themain important things of our
platform is self love. Self love for Go Queen means you
can go be fearless, you can go be bold, you can go queen.
(32:28):
Whatever that queen wants to do,you can do it with the proponent
of self love. So I want to ask you what role
has self love played in your life and how do you define self
love personally? I think it's, it's a constant,
it's, it's shifting all the timebecause I'm learning the new
ways to love myself and learningwhat I'm in need of and the way
(32:50):
to cater to myself. So it's ever growing and I think
it's just being in tune with yourself and learning what you
need at that time, whether it's quiet, I love stillness.
I'd, you know, I'd, I love for there to be no music, no nothing
to tap out and just really meditate.
That is important. So little things like that,
learning about what your body needs and taking the time to
(33:11):
listen and cater to it, getting in tune with yourself and
figuring out what you need in that time, whether it's
stillness, whether it's to push yourself harder, whether it's,
you know, time with family or, you know, whatever the case may
be, figuring out and listening to yourself and, and just, you
know, making the time to cater to yourself and really pour back
(33:34):
into yourself because we do so much when, especially when
you're in the limelight, I feel like you're, I feel like I'm
always on. I feel like I, whenever I'm
around other people, I know thatI'm being watched.
I know that things that I say ordo will not just be here.
If they'll, you know it, it'll go with someone or someone will
kind of take it or, you know, reconstruct, reconstruct the the
(33:57):
story and tell it to a friend. You just never feel like you can
really just relax. You're always on.
So taking that time to be alone and unwatched.
And I'm, I'm a big proponent of that.
Love it. Love it.
This is an amazing conversation.Before we end everything, can
you leave us with a positive affirmation for our listeners?
(34:20):
Positive affirmation. I felt like I should have had
one in the chamber ready to go and it.
Doesn't have to be deep, but just anything that's on your
heart. OK.
Huh. I mean, I simple enough to just
(34:42):
tie back into doing it scared, but you're capable of
everything. You're capable of anything.
Love. It.
I love it. This has been a great
conversation. Before we do go away, can you
tell everyone what how they can follow you on social media and
what can I expect next? Is there anything else on the
books that we should be looking out for?
All right, well, you guys can follow me at Nzinga Imani,
(35:03):
that's NZINGAIMANI, and you can follow my boutique at Shop
Namani, that's SHOPNINANI. And what's next on the books?
Well, we have Friend Zone comingout.
I will tell you more once I knowmore about where that will be,
but that's the feature film thatI'm in that I was also a EP 4.
(35:23):
So look out for that. Right now.
The Teema is on BET plus the third season is streaming now.
Episodes 5 and 6 just were released today, so you guys
check that out. It's going to be great.
And yeah, that's that's what's going on here.
Awesome, so you guys heard it. Please make sure you follow in
Zynga Imani and you think it's so beautiful.
(35:44):
So just make sure that you follow her and support her and I
hope you guys take away several things for this interview.
But one of the main things that she mentioned do it scared.
We can't expect everything to bethe way we want them to.
But as we mentioned in this conversation, you will never
know unless you try and just putit in that effort into your
dream. You deserve a Gold Star just for
(36:05):
that. You owe it to yourself to try.
You don't have to be the Super we start, but just try.
There's so many things that people have aspirations, they
have dreams, they have visions that are just sitting on the
shelf because they're too scaredto go ahead and do it.
You're too concerned on what people think.
What if it doesn't work out? Throw all of that out the window
and do it scared, but most importantly, do it right now.
(36:28):
So thank you guys for tuning in to the key chat.
You can catch this episode and more www.goqueen.com.
Make sure you guys be safe, do it scared, and go love yourself.
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