Today we’d like to introduce you to Joann “Moonie” Holmes.
A phenomenal woman who doesn’t limit herself to the many possibilities of life. Joann was born and raised in Miami, Florida. From the very beginning, her first love was music. She started songwriting as a child which turned quickly into poetry. Singing and writing along with melody’s was her favorite pastime. During middle school, her father brought her a computer that she couldn’t stay away from. From experimenting with the “World Wide Web”, she created a fan page/website for her favorite singer Brandy which inspired her future in website designs.
After graduating from Miami Central Senior High School is when reality started to hit her. Having connections to other people locally in Miami; She’s started to take advantage of her opportunities and embracing her horizons. In 2012, she was apart of MHP Professionals which ignited the historical “Rip The Stage” Open Mic Night in Midtown Miami at “The Stage”. Her job within MHP was making sure she got people to come through by promoting the event. Being a part of the crew, at the time, showed her the business side of entertainment. Sparingly throughout the years from music, modeling, being on tv shows/movies, motivational speaking, backstage management for several plays, and tutoring the youth of digital media she has experienced a wide range of entertainment.
Joann is a very creative individual whose limits are undeniable. When she started making videos showcasing her poetry it ignited her skills in video editing and filming. She also has an eye for the beauty of photography. Being creative whether it’s through music, writing, filming or editing is now her gifts in which she embraces which created her namesake company Moon Views Inc. Alongside helping other’s shine and the love for her city her first company Untapped Miami was born. Just recently, Joann has added podcaster under her belt with Brunch Teas which is now available on Apple Podcast & Google Play Music. One thing about Joann is she’s always thinking of new goals and new mountains to climb. She’s one M.O.G.U.L in the making! She’s in the process of doing great things!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
NO! It has not been a smooth road, lol! And honestly speaking, I know it will never be. One of the daily struggles I face is being a WOMAN. Being taken seriously in this industry and not looked upon as an object or fine china that is only useful looking “pretty”. I use to love taking pictures and took some pretty great ones if I might add, lol, but I stopped. Not because I didn’t feel beautiful anymore, it was because I wanted people to know that besides having a pretty face, this face has one powerful mind.
The second struggle is because of the melanin I possess, I have a VERY YOUTHFUL FACE. When people look at you as a child, it’s always “aaaawwww, that’s cute” instead of it being a WOW factor. People won’t take you seriously because of the prejudged thoughts that they already have about you. I came to the realization that it has nothing to do with me… it’s all on what they already judged you as.
That’s not even the tip of the iceberg. I’ve struggled with a numerous amount of things that people will not even believe but instead of giving you my sob stories, I want to offer hope…
1. Keep your eyes on the prize – “Focus on your goal and never depart from it.”
2. Keep a consistent routine while developing your dreams – “Build successful habits even if you think you’re the only one who notices.”
3. Fall down 7 times. Stand up 8 “Bend but don’t fold – NEVER GIVE UP.”
Lastly, I’m a very spiritual person. Through this journey, I’ve developed a habit of waiting for GOD to send me subtle signs in my most trying times and I can honestly say, EVERY SINGLE TIME he sends a sign of why I should keep going.
There’s a saying that says be a bottle of water instead of a bottle of soda. The bottle is you. What’s inside is your emotions/reactions. The outside world and people are going to attack you and rattle/shake you from time to time. If you shake a bottle of soda, when you finally open up, you’re gonna explode. But if you shake a bottle of water, once you open up, it’s the same calm water as it was before. Before you push that go button on your dreams make sure that you are at peace and one with yourself. No matter what life throws at you, you will be able to remain at peace.
What should we know about Untapped Miami? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I consider myself as a creative being. My creativity extends so wide that in any realm of life, I believe I will prosper. At first, I was known as a music artist which expanded to a spoken word poet. Now, I am known for as a model, host, speaker, videographer and a businesswoman. I would consider that as an overall GIRL BOSS, lol.
I am EXTREMELY proud of the brand I have built with my company Untapped Miami. Which was off of my own muscle, passion and grind. All of the lives I have encountered, whether it was through doing an interview, event or creating their visual reels. Untapped Miami is a name that is ringing bells in the city I love and is now holding its own.
I believe what sets me apart from others is how I can focus on something and twist it in my own little way that can make a HUGE impact on the audience that it is directed too. Many times, a few people have called me a storyteller and I agree. I tell stories whether it’s through music, poetry, photography, videography and EVEN promotions. I also believe that there is also I avenue I haven’t reach yet in being creative and I have a good feeling that those that I have already mentioned is not the end of the road for me.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
During my childhood, I was oblivious to a lot of things, so, no, my childhood didn’t set me up for this… life after high school set me up for this. Heartbreak, pain, failed friendships and tough life experiences have prepared me for this success journey that I am currently on.
Contact Info:
- Website: Personal www.moonieholmes.com/ Business www.untappedmiami.com
- Email: Personal moonie305@gmail.com/ Business untappedmiami@gmail.com
- Instagram: @MoonieHolmes/@UntappedMiami
- Facebook: Facebook.com/moonieholmes – Facebook.com/untappedmiami
- Twitter: Same as Instagram
Image Credit:
@PDVisions, @UntappedMiami
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