Meet Nzinga Moore: Actor and CEO & Founder of “Empowered to Act”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nzinga Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nzinga, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It is one thing to be the lead in a story created by someone and another to be the lead of the story you created and wrote for yourself. Which do you think would be a more powerful experience? Achieving my dreams was solely up to me and my willingness to grow personally if I wanted to become the lead of my own story. I sincerely believe everyone should be able to achieve their dreams. But with every reward comes sacrifice, and so the question becomes, “are you truly willing to do what it takes to become the person who’s achieved their dreams?” In pursuit of my own acting dreams, I had to deal with my past trauma, or my dreams would never see the light of day. I knew my personal growth was standing in the way of my professional growth, so I hunkered down and went to work. I not only healed my mental and emotional states, but released anger, limiting beliefs, and self-sabotaging behaviors. I healed my past, essentially rewriting my destiny. A feat I am incredibly proud of. Then, I happened upon Oprah’s 2012 commencement speech to Spelman College’s graduating class. She said, “find a way to serve, as your greatness is determined by service. Service and the significance with which you render your service is that which is lasting.” I spent much time thinking about Orpah’s words and they just would not let me go. Here I am with tools for rapid transformation, I would be doing myself and others a massive disservice if I fail to do what I could to help others achieve their dreams. Now I’m launching a revolutionary coaching program called, Empowered to Act, to help actors and creatives transform their lives and careers from the inside out. I must say, coaching has been some of the most fulfilling work I have ever done. I genuinely love being of service.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was to walk away from a successful theatrical career. I evaluated my career trajectory and realized that though I was working full-time as an actor, I wanted more. I had relationships with regional theatres I was working. But, ultimately, it just wasn’t enough and I knew it. But walking away from reliable work, industry relationships, and pretty much starting over, was a very tough decision. Extremely tough. How dare I? But I did dare and moved to LA. I’ve been here for 3 years now, and what I’ve experienced thus far, especially during my year of healing, has been nothing short of life changing. I realized the tools that had brought me success, pure grit, will power, pushing myself, were no longer working. It felt devastating to wake up and realize what I used to rely on was no longer working and that I was really just beginning. So, the next difficult decision after making the difficult decision to move, was am I going to step up and do what it takes to break through these subconscious blocks? Was I willing to stick it out no matter what, until I reached my goal? Was I going to do what it takes? The difficulty was sticking to my decision and having faith that I would come out whole again on the other side. The difficulty was the breaking down in order to rebuild. It took pure will, at times desperation, and a sheer determination for me to emerge victorious. I was determined to transform my life and career by “any means necessary.” I was determined to find a solution and I was not willing to stop until I found one. Thankfully the decision paid off. I found tools for rapid transformation and it works. The most important factor behind the success of my brand is my personal testimony and the genuine connection I have with my clients. I understand the actor’s journey, inside out. I understand how to clear the hidden obstacles that can stop a career dead in its tracks. My work is personal and unique. But if my clients know anything, it’s that they have to be willing to do things differently in order to get different results. My brand success comes from my coaching approach, transformation from the inside out. I was tired of signing up for programs that gave me a little bit of growth, I needed something different. But for the longest time, I didn’t know what that difference was. So I had to create it myself and now I’m here to share it with anyone who’s willing to stop doing things that have only gotten them this far. I want to work with the determined actor who’s tried just about everything and is still willing to take that final quantum leap to transform their life in order to advance their career. “Empowered to Act” was established to help actors and creatives reach their full potential. Our mission is to empower actors and creatives by dissolving the blocks that keep them from taking consistent action toward achieving their dreams.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In only the best of ways, this question is totally not fair, as I could really write an entire novel on the splendor’s of LA. LA with all its offerings, makes it challenging to just pick a few things. But, I’ll accept your challenge. Game on. If I had a week to show someone all the beauty LA has to offer I’d definitely start with a drive down the picturesque Laurel Canyon to buy fresh flowers from the famous “Canyon Country Store” in similar Joni Mitchell style, passing by the former homes of Frank Zappa and Jim Morrison. We’d definitely have to stop by the Beverly Hills Public Library and grab a library card, and while we’re in the neighborhood eat at “Café Gratitude” for some vegan fair and then mosey on over to Rodeo Drive, just because. Then we’d head over to the whimsical “Spadena House.” Then settle in for late afternoon tea, to indulge the senses with relaxing harp music at The Peninsula. I’d definitely take them to Malibu to enjoy the beaches and coastal living. We’d have to do the Malibu Wine Safari. Then end things at one of my favorite all time spots, “Mailibu Cafe,” for outdoor games, gourmet food, and paddle boats. Next day we start out with a hike to the Griffith Observatory, then cozy up for a show under the stars at the Planetarium. Then settle down in K-town, one of my favorite parts of LA because of its many hidden gems, including a Michelin star restaurant, Le Comptoir, for an 8 course, vegetable inspired tasting menu. Finally, we’d get a night cap at the Normandie Club then head over to Breakroom 86 for dancing and karaoke. Lastly, to mix things up, we’d venture just outside of LA to Orange County take a ferry ride over to New Port Beach to do some whale watching, maybe play some arcade games and eat a chocolate covered banana. And if one ferry ride wasn’t enough for one day ferry across to Catalina Island for ziplining. Because we’ve worked up such an appetite and things come to those who wait, we’ll finish our last meal in Little Ethiopia at “Rahel Vegan Cuisine” the first ever (and still only) 100% Vegan Ethiopian Restaurant. Yum yum.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If it wasn’t for my dad, Issac Moore, instilling in me at an early age the importance of personal development, I don’t know where I’d be. He shared books like Dale Carnegie’s, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and Napoleon Hill’s, “Think and Grow Rich.” Growing up I watched my father’s dedication to personal growth and mindset, which in my opinion, was the best gift a parent could give a child. The big takeaway for me is that the story isn’t over once you become an adult. You are responsible for the change you wish to see in your life. I’ve held on to this precious gift deep within my heart and continue to live by his example to this day. Thank you dad. You’re truly the best dad ever! And before you ask, “yes, I meditated today.”

Website: www.empoweredtoact.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnzingamoore/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nzingamoore/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnzinga
Other: Email me: nzinga@empoweredtoact.com

Image Credits
Jenna Alcala, Dana Patrick,