MIA: AMARA LA NEGRA
This past weekend I had the opportunity to pull back the veil with the Afro-Latina powerhouse, Amara La Negra and get down to the nitty gritty. We talked about finances, legacy, family and success. Essentially I'm going to give you a glimpse into Amara's magic & brain. I want to preface the interview by letting ya'll know that Amara killed that performance. It was hot as hell and Amara werked that stage AND made it look easy. Now that's talent!
Okay MOB, take out your steno pad & pen! Amara dropped gems and we all could learn a thing or two from her hustle...*rubs hands like birdman*.
TGM: Can we please acknowledge that amazing performance!! You rocked the stage, your presence is amazing! How do you feel about performing at Made In America?
“It is my first time here at Made In America. I’m extremely excited and glad that I had this opportunity to showcase my art. I’m super happy I was able to bring my dancers. I tried to give my best performance with the time that I had. I’m happy to be here.”
You’ve been putting in work for a very long time, and grooming yourself to be a powerhouse, (she’s been in the game since she was four!). What do you tell yourself in times of fear and discouragement?
“You know what, I feel as if I have always known that I was going to be big, great in life. I’ve never questioned that. I didn’t know how I was going to get to where I wanted to be. I still don’t know how I’m going to get to where I want to be, but I know the direction that I’m going towards. In this career it can be very lonely. People can be very mean. People will tell you no so many times. There are moments when you will say “Oh I’m over it. I’m done” but I’ve never said that I don’t want to do it. I believe everyone was born with a purpose and I know mine. I know God has my back.”
Key#1 - Know you have a purpose— don't question that. Did you all peep the sprinkle of the Lord she threw in there? We all had a collective *Yass*
What motivates you to pursue your goals?
“My mother motivates me. She is my biggest inspiration. She works so hard. I’ve seen all the things that she has done to make sure that I’m good. She is always there to support me - no matter what. When I’ve felt alone my mother has always been there to encourage me. I want to show her that all of her hard work paid off.”
Being Afro Latina is not new to us as a community, but you have rejuvenated the conversation and have brought it to the forefront of the larger American culture. What does it mean to you to be Dominicana?
“You know what mama. It means flavor, it means music, curves, melanin. I am proud to say I’m Latina but I’m even more proud to say that I’m Dominican. I love my skin, the texture of my hair, I love my big butt. I love me. I felt it was necessary because they’ve never really spoken about us. There isn’t a Latin country without women that look like myself. I felt that it was necessary for someone to stand up and shine a necessary light on it.”
“I was homeless for a really long time - a lot of people don’t believe it.”
What do you want your legacy to be?
“My biggest dream is to be a legend. I fear being forgotten. I want to be remembered as a beautiful soul. I want to be remembered for being an Afro Latina who stood up for my community. I want to be remembered for my music. Being inspirational. Nothing can help you be remembered more than the way you make people feel.”
Our readers are consistently looking for ways to be better (myself included)! Being where you are now, the coinzz are coming in. We saw that covergirl
campaign! What’s a business or financial tip you can share with us that you wish you knew a
few years ago?
“I’m big into saving my money. I still have a poor girl’s mentality. No matter how much I get, I will only spend a little bit. I was homeless for a really long time - a lot of people don’t believe it. Don’t spend your money on Gucci bags and shoes trying to look rich to people that don’t have money. Okurrr. I still shop at Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Yes I do it, so what... Who cares! I’m still bad.”
Key#2 Let’s not be fake rich for the gram. We all have bills. Save them dollars sis and go thrifting!
What keeps you grounded?
“I never forget where I came from.”
Can we have the top 3 performance essentials that you always keep on hand?
1. DANCERS. I used to be a dancer for the Latin Grammys, Premios Lo Nuestro etc. I was born doing beauty pageants. I’m a showgirl. I understand the importance of giving/putting on a show.
2. HEELS - Who doesn’t feel like the baddest with a fly pair of heels on?
3. SHINING LIKE A DIAMOND - I like glitter, I like stones. Make me shine. I love it.”
What does Made In America mean to you?
“Made in America means unity, exposure, opportunity. It means coming together as one regardless of your background. We can all enjoy music and be happy as one.”
Key#3 If it's not heels, find the footwear that will make you feel on top of the world when you walk into any room (or walk on any block).
How could you not love her?! I left Made in America feeling like I got a new bff. Amara feels like the older cousin you always wanted growing up. It’s rare that you meet someone with an authentic personality and vibe such as hers. Stay tuned - Amara has a lot in store for us. Keep tabs and follow Amara on IG @amaralanegraaln.
