#TariSista: Behind the Name of Nalisa ❤️

HEY NALISA, TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

Hello! My name is Nalisa. I am a digital marketer and a part-time model. I love beaches, shimmery things, documentaries, and self-care. Like everyone else, I have downsides which I know that I’m pretty basic and I am not so good at texting.  

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS/DREAMS?

Whatever I do, I strive for happiness. I desire to be happy with my body and mind, and that is my goal. 

HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THESE GOALS INTO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE?

While on social media, I try to be myself. I avoid creating an impression that doesn’t exist. I also ensure that my posts an comments are a reflection of the reality. 

WHAT INSPIRE YOU TO DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW?

It is the absence of a plus size representation on our local platform. Most times, I get to see representation from overseas but never from Malaysia or Southeast Asia. This inspired me to be a voice on social media that speak about the concerns of women and young girls. 

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR WEEK LOOKS LIKE?

I wake in the morning, and off I go to work. In the evening, I have dinner at home either with friends or family. If not, I could have some view on Netflix. On most weekends, I engage in some side jobs and shoots. But these days, I am mostly indoors, and I seldom go out which can be boring most times. 

CONFIDENT AND STRONG WOMAN LIKE YOU INSPIRES BIKINI TARI, SHARE WITH US WHICH PEOPLE / BOOKS HAVE HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON YOUR GROWTH AND WHY?

I draw inspiration daily from a lot of black women whom I look up to as my role model. I want to especially thank Maya Angelou for her activism, Tracee Ellis Rose for being carefree and confident, and lastly Rihanna for breaking boundaries. 

TELL US SOME OF YOUR INSECURITIES AND HOW YOU HANDLE THEM

I am quite awkward socially. So I always feel insecure to mingle with people during a social gathering. 

HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY EVENT THAT IMPARTED YOUR CONFIDENCE LEVEL NEGATIVELY? HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Some years ago, photos of my body circulated on Twitter and people began to say all sort of demeaning statements about it. It was heartbreaking for me, and I was so sad about it. But that is in the past already, I got myself back, and I am doing better now. 

HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY EVENT THAT HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOUR CONFIDENCE LEVEL AND HOW DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

Yes, when my photos went viral on the internet. I realized I shouldn’t give a fuck anymore. I became stronger.

DO YOU THINK THAT CONFIDENCE IS A VIRTUE THAT CAN BE BUILT AND IMPROVED? WHAT SHOULD OTHER GIRLS DO TO INCREASE THEIR CONFIDENCE LEVEL?

My advice is to fake your confidence until you believe it is high enough to be made real.

LASTLY, WHAT IS SELF CONFIDENT TO YOU?

I believe it is liberating.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER GIRLS?

All I wish to tell them is to get money and live life.