Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Nunn.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a bestselling author, filmmaker, and former psychotherapist. My work as a therapist in urban schools as well as my personal triumphs over racism and sexism inspires and influences the stories I create. Ashira’s World: The Queen of Heaven Returns is my first epic fantasy feature film, currently in development. It is based on my bestselling, self-published novel.
I got to where I am today through sheer determination and the help and guidance of my Ancestors and Creator.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
The biggest challenge I had to overcome was self-doubt. I have always been powerful, but I did not always embrace it. Growing up I learned that it was not acceptable for women to be powerful, so I rejected myself. Learning about suppressed iconic ancient African women helped me discover who I am and that is why it is my mission and passion to preserve their stories.
Divorce, getting laid off from my job, and losing my possessions in a fire all led to a shift in my perspective and a new path. I overcame self-doubt with the help and guidance of my Ancestors and Creator by taking incredible risks that pushed me out of my comfort zone, increased my faith, and showed me how strong and tenacious I am. These risks included homelessness and not knowing where my next meal would come from for several years. It also included isolation from family and friends awakening a profound transformation.
I was a successful therapist and I loved my job prior to my awakening. I depended on the false sense of security a steady paycheck provided. When I got laid off, I realized that there was no real security. Learning about my Ancestors, African women who ruled empires, taught me that legacy wealth is real financial security. The goal of the risks I have taken and sacrifices I’ve made is to restore the legacy wealth to my bloodline that was interrupted by slavery and inspire others to do the same.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am telling stories no one else is telling using the power of media. Storytelling orignated in Africa. Theater’s origins can be traced back to Timbuktu, a thriving utopia in West Africa. ‘Ashira’s World: The Queen of Heaven Returns’ is the first of a series about suppressed ancient African Matriarchs who brought balance, peace and prosperity to the world. Telling their stories is justice and reparation for human rights violations against people of African descent dating back over 3,000 years ago and the cycle continues with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and the 10 people killed in Buffalo, New York. We have the power to right the wrongs of the past and change is our responsibility.
Ancient African women were the original, real-life superheroes. Endowed with nonpareil supernatural abilities, many were murdered and erased from history as patriarchy rose to power.
My vision is to work with the best Executive Producers, including Tyler Perry, Ava Duvernay, Issa Rae, Akin Otomoso, Steven Spielberg, and Kevin Feige. My consulting producer, Yha Mourhia Wright, stated, “Your vision is clear as is your purpose and intention. There is no doubt in my mind, this is going to shift culture.”
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My advice for readers who desire to find success is to first define what success means to you. Once you figure that out, be true to yourself. It takes courage to be authentic. Especially if it goes against the status quo. Which is my path. So, in order to find the courage to be authentic, you must face your fears. What do you fear? Rejection, failure, the unknown, success. You may have to take time to be with yourself, free from distractions to learn what your fear is. I wrote a self-esteem workbook entitled, Take Off The Mask, which helps uncover hidden fears. We all wear masks. But when we take off the mask and face our fears, we become unstoppable. True confidence. Once you have true confidence you will take the necessary, calculated risks to find success.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success means living in my power and being true to myself. On my journey I discovered so much about my true self. Prior to that I allowed people’s projections to define me. Including sexism and racism. I discovered that the iconic ancient African women I write about are me. Asherah, Queen Amanirenas, Queen Amina, Yemoja, Osun, Oya, Aje, Mami Wata. In ancient times these women were represented by oceans, rivers, trees, and the wind because of their nurture, power, and wealth. Their blood flows through my veins. When I came to a place in my journey where I wanted to share my story, I started writing a novel called ‘Legacy of Love’. I wanted to honor my mother and grandmothers, as well as my daughter and my triumphs. I asked myself, “What should I name the protagonist?” I heard a voice whisper, “Ashira”. I thought that was odd, because it was not a name I was familiar with, so I looked up the meaning. It is an Arabic name that means, “wealth, rich, joy”. A few years later I researched the name again and learned it is a form of the Hebrew name, Asherah. More digging uncovered Asherah is called ‘The Queen of Heaven’ in the Bible and she along with many other influential African women were erased from religious texts, including the Bible,Torah and Quran. Their suppression led to an imbalance of power. Misogyny. Violence. Greed. Poverty. Suceess means preserving their legacies and restoring balance to our world.
What’s next for you?
‘Ashira’s World’ is currently in development. We are seeking like-minded investors to begin production of this groundbreaking film in Atlanta and Nigeria.
The next step is to travel Africa. I believe that by traveling there, my Ancestors will return home through me. Some of the countries I plan to visit include Egypt, Morroco, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. Africa is one and that includes the diaspora. My stories will incorporate my African travel. I hope that my stories will be a unifying force for people of African descent. Research proves that the first humans arrived in Northeast Africa in the area now called Sudan which was called Kush/Nubia in ancient times. Then, we migrated into Egypt/Kemet. Then, during the Roman conquest we moved into West Africa. All Africans are the same people and we must not allow ourselves to be divided. There is power in unity.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Visit my website www.alicianunn.com and sign up for our email list. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @iamashira.com.
My writing has been featured in multiple publications including Face2Face Africa, Chicago Tribune, and Huffington Post.