Born in Jamaica and raised in Connecticut with her five siblings, Nova Lorraine is an award-winning fashion designer, Author, Speaker, and a Branding Advisor for fashion and lifestyle brands and startups. Nova's debut fashion collection earned her Best Haute Couture Designer of the Year, and her designs have been featured on The View, in Essence and Vogue Italia magazines. Nova, founded Raine Magazine in 2007 and has interviewed Mark Cuban, Kendall Jenner, Ben Carson, Nicky Hilton, and Priyanka Chopra, to name a few.

Nova is a poet and storyteller at heart and has found success in her newly released book and podcast, Unleash Your Supernova. Nova is a two-time podcast award nominee, including Podcast of the Year as well as the People’s Choice Best Podcast Host. Nova has expanded her creative and fashion pursuits into the Metaverse to include NFT’s, DAO’s, and digital experiences. and the Pink Kangaru Podcast Network. Nova spends her free time guest lecturing, writing fiction, and cheering at sporting events for her four children.

What was the initial spark of creative inspiration that led to you starting work on the book?

After sharing a story with a friend to help advise him on a new venture, he suggested that I include that in a book along with other pieces of advice I had previously given him over the years. He was so moved by what I had recently discussed with him, he then said to me, “Why don’t you write a book. You know, you could really help a lot of people. You have so many wonderful stories, of which have helped me so much, you should really write them down and have others hear them too.” At that moment, I just became quiet and really began to seriously think about it. After a couple of days. I began to get real excited that with a book, I can offer to others what I didn’t have for so many years, authentic guidance from someone who would share the good, bad and ugly of entrepreneurship.

What would be your first piece of advice for someone looking to pursue creative entrepreneurship as a career?

Seek out a mentor that is an expert in operations within the area you focused on. A mentor can guide you on the execution of your ideas, introduce you to a valuable network, and teach you new skills that compliment your current ones. I met my mentor after being an entrepreneur for eight years, and the role he played in my life was invaluable. Unfortunately, after just three short years after meeting, he passed unexpectedly. However, seven years after his untimely death, his knowledge and support still inspires me to this day.

How do you hope your life story and advice offered within the book influences your readers?

I want the readers see that with persistence, patience, and flexibility, you can help you accomplish anything you desire. There were so many times while on my journey that I wanted to give up due to a failure or frustration but something inside kept me on my path and I am very grateful for the nudges along the way that I didn’t give up. Sometimes that is all that one needs is a nudge. If we take one day at a time, one month at time, and one year at a time, we can reach every and every one of our goals.

Where does the book fit in within your personal brand?

Unleash is about tapping into the infinite potential we have inside of us. I feel that I have been walking the walk by discovering new and exciting things about myself, while trying things that seem impossible or far reaching. For example, I decided to start professionally acting two years ago and got a lead role in an Agatha Christi play after my first audition. If we never take chances, invest in ourselves, and look for new ways to grow, then we are not unleashing the awesomeness that lies within.

Beyond the current global pandemic, what is the biggest challenge facing creative entrepreneurs in the modern climate?

I feel the biggest challenge is funding one’s creatives pursuits where they can scale to the point of financial freedom. Often times, creatives have to struggle financially or give up what they truly love to do in order to sustain themselves. I believe the new paradigm of blockchain technology and NFTs is opening the door for many artists to make a great earning from their craft.

What is the best way to avoid burnout for creative figures?

The best way to avoid burnout is to introduce mindful activities within your daily routine. Mindfulness both increases creativity and productivity while protecting you from fizzling out of energy and enthusiasm. For example, play music that soothes you during the day such as: jazz, reggae, classical, reiki, or meditation songs. Another thing you can do is exercise, dance, do yoga, walk or another physical activity before starting a major project. Another tip is to add at least one artistic hobby to your routine. This could be singing lessons, painting, acting, illustration, ballet, etc. Additionally, pay attention to when you are physically or mentally tired and give yourself time to rest, may it be for an hour, a day, or a week or two. All of these tips will boost your ideas and give you energy throughout your journey as a creative entrepreneur.

What major project coming up are you most excited about?

I began casually following crypto and blockchain in 2017 and began to immerse myself in the start of 2020. I am excited to combine my interest in crypto, NFTs, and the Metaverse with my background in fashion and branding in advising new companies entering the space, as well as my own personal NFT projects that I am working on. For example, as an Advisor and Group Leader for the MetaGameHub DAO, I am able to bring awareness to a project that facilitates Founders in acquiring and managing land sales and their brand journey through the multiverse.

Who have been the most memorable people you have worked alongside and why?

As a designer, working with leading fashion stylist, Catherine Schuller on a project for The View. As the Editor of Raine, a few of my most memorable interviews include Priyanka Chopra, Sean Kingston, and Ben Carson. As a Founder, my team that supported me throughout the years, including those there in important phases of growth, such as Frederique, Jane, Carlotta, and Kristopher, to name a few.

If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur what would it be and why?

I would have made zeroed in on my #1 goal and found a mentor already doing that to shadow and learn from.

UNLEASH YOUR SUPERNOVA: AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR NOVA LORRAINE