How I learned to stay true to myself as a female artist in NYC
Being a young female artist and manager in the male-dominated music industry is both a challenge and an advantage. In the end it's all about not letting anyone steer you away from what's in your heart.
Hello! My name is Azania Noah, and I’m a professional singer, songwriter and founder of the Singer Elite Academy. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in International Business so I’ve been my own manager for the past 20 years. I was born in the U.S. and spent half of my life in Switzerland. I’m now based in New York City, but I travel often and perform internationally throughout the year.
Why have you chosen to support Code Eve ?
Pertaining to the brand, it’s a beautiful idea to celebrate women and encourage women’s empowerment. Regarding their products, I find their watches esthetically elegant and the creations are of high quality. I’m also a fan of entrepreneurship and always love supporting dedicated and ambitious projects.
Have you faced situations where you have been treated differently because you were a woman?
Yes. Years back, as a young female artist and manager in the male dominated music industry, it was not always easy to be taken seriously and respected by my male peers. However I’ve found that over time, success and professionalism speak for themselves and I no longer have to "prove myself".
Nevertheless, being a woman can also be an advantage at times. While touring for example, a certain level of consideration is taken regarding accommodations and comfort because a female is present. Also, I’ve found that in business negotiations, feminine charm and kindness can soften certain debates.
What is you secret to find balance between your family life, your professional life and your personal life?
My spirituality is crucial to my well-being. It helps me remain grounded and keeps my values and priorities in check. I also find daily meditation helpful. I’m also quite the organizer - I find that planning my days, weeks and months in advance, having a clear vision for the future, greatly helps me maintain inner peace and keeps me from falling out of balance in the different areas of my life.
What positive piece of advice or encouragement would you give to other Code Eve women ?
No matter what you want to achieve in your life, never let anyone or anything steer you away from what is in your heart. You know what is best for you and you deserve respect. Also, be gentle with yourself. No one is perfect and you were never meant to be. We all make mistakes and fall short sometimes. It doesn’t make you any less of a Queen!
What is your way of being feminine?
As I sing for many corporate and luxury events, I like to ensure that my hair, makeup, nails and attire look their best. However, my real femininity (or humanity) is expressed in simply being the truest version of myself, showing love and kindness to everyone I meet.
Learn more about Azania's work and life journey: www.azania.com