Meet Maddie “Moprah” Mosley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie “Moprah” Mosley.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
First and foremost, anyone that knows me knows that I’m an Oprah enthusiast! Obsessed. Something crucial that I’ve learned is to never ever take advice from someone on something, that they themselves, haven’t done successfully. Therefore, I recognized from a young age that Oprah was successful in many areas of life, not just journalism, but the other things I’m passionate about, such as business ownership and philanthropy. Once I had this realization, my studying of Oprah began and hasn’t stopped since. Hence, my most current nickname, “Moprah.”

Striving to become “the next Oprah,” has pushed and challenged me in ways, I wouldn’t have imagined. It’s inspired me to live my life for myself and not anybody else; I get to write each chapter of my story. Instead of taking the stereotypical route after graduating from college and leaving Arizona to go and get a post-grad job, I chose to not give up on my dream. Was I expecting to still be in Arizona? No, but I’m now able to pursue entrepreneurship, do freelance journalism, build my brand and work with personal coaches and mentors that are getting me to where I want to be in life, in various areas, not just journalism. Lastly, I love that I am among the handful of people that are actually natives to Arizona. Even though I’ve lived here my whole life, I feel like I’m still discovering its beauty.

Please tell us about your art.
I currently specialize in multimedia journalism and entrepreneurship. With that comes storytelling in a variety of forms whether in video, digital, print or even podcasting. I just love to create stories that feel genuine, that showcase others following their dreams and also, that showcase that it’s cool to be kind. One of the easiest ways, I was recently able to do that, was through reporting for Lady Gaga’s Channel Kindness and Born This Way Foundation.

I hope that when people interact with me or any of the content, I create, that they leave the interaction feeling motivated and inspired, in the sense that they should dream so big, that it’s scary. Too many people these days, walk around all high and mighty, being dream killers or dream stompers and that just doesn’t sit well with me. I believe that anybody and everybody should go after what they really want in life, even if it means going against the popular opinion or leaving the herd. It’s your brain and your decisions that dictate your future, so why let somebody else swoop in and try to steal that away from you? Instead, you should have tunnel vision all the way to your dreams! You’ll always regret not giving it all you got, but you’ll never regret giving it everything you have. When one dream becomes a reality, a thousand become possible. That is what I want people to feel, know and take away from my work.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Yes, I do believe the role of artists has changed with everything going on in the world today. I think now more than ever, is a time that artists, need to bless the world with their creativity and passion. The thing with art, in any form, is that it’s subjective and leaves the door open for each person to feel something different. I love that about art! It’s so dope when you really think about it. I think today’s world has called for more social advocacy through art. It gives both individuals and groups, a creative voice. Art born for this purpose or maybe even on accident can be a conversation starter.

Issues whether local, national or international, affect my art or content creation in the sense that they drive me more towards doing upbeat, positive stories and content. I think sometimes, the world needs to be reminded that there still are good, kind and genuine people that exist and that still care to serve and uplift others. Kindness is cool. Positivity is cool. It’s that simple, and it’s what I try to show in all of my work.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The “gram” is usually where I like to throw down most of the creativity and personality, besides posting my other content on my website, which is linked on my Instagram profile as well. Y’all can support my work by giving it a like, comment and a share! I wouldn’t be mad at getting new followers either… Of course, the shameless plug was necessary. #sorrynotsorry

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madisonrdmosley.wixsite.com/mysite
• Email: madison.rd.mosley@gmail.com
• Instagram: @moprahmosley

Image Credit:
(Starting from the personal photo to the black & white photo)
Abigail Wolf: @abigailwolfphotography (Images 1-3)
McKenzie Mosley: @mckenziemosleyphoto (Images 4-5)
Ramiah Jackson: @ramiahdj (Image 6)
Allison Bailey: @allisonbphotos (Image 7)
Bill Mosley (Image 8)

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.