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

Hi Novien, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe one of the most important factors to success is undoubtedly the idea of authenticity; not just in the sense of being different, and/or standing out, all that’s great, but the authenticity that I speak of is truly knowing oneself and staying true to said self.. however that might look for us individually. I think within our creative professions, or in society at large, it’s easy to compare ourselves to, or even unconsciously imitate, the latter— people with similar art forms, or similar talents, or within similar markets. I believe authenticity allows for an expression that is uniquely an extension of who we are and the impact we have (no matter the creative form). In this we don’t have to go out of our way to “stand out” because… because to be authentic would innately mean that we’re standing confidently within our own, thus uniquely ourselves… there’s no one like us. Even beyond the products or services that we offer I believe people gravitate towards authenticity.. and to be frank, we like people/things that are real and authentic. So, in addition to the products and services that we offer, as creatives we’re also offering a part of ourselves to people.. why not offer the most authentic version.. nobody likes a knock off, ha.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

So, I’ve landed at Shoutout SoCal with quite a diverse resume, I wear a lot of hats… maybe too many at times, ha. Even in choosing how to identify by career and profession I feel as though I sit comfortably in the grey area between “psuedo-corporate professional” & performing artist. At the tender age of 17 years old I fell in love with the art of dance; first as a self-taught student mimicking moves from popular music videos (I’m still haunted by those Facebook “memories”), but began taking my training serious by attending conventions such as Pulse On Tour and Monsters of Hip Hop & Contemporary. The zeal for the art form led to my fully committing to technical training in Ballet, Jazz, and then later, Hip Hop and Latin Ballroom. Though beginning dance training “later” in life, I was catapulted into working in the industry soon after. After only training for one year I  began working with accredited choreographers and artists in the commercial industry and was signed by Atlanta’s renowned Xcel Talent Agency. I was then able to work with clients like Nike, iHeart Radio, CW Broadcasting, Bravo, BET, and with artists like Boy II Men, Babyface, Ciara, & Kanye West. I learned a great deal about the entertainment industry early on– now thinking back, it was kind of weird because I was still developing as a person and still learning how to dance, at the same time, ha. One of my fondest memories has to be my time on Fox Network’s So You Think You Can Dance. Now that was wild, reality television is no joke. That type of visibility at such an early stage of development (as a person and as an artist) definitely shaped me (for better or for worse is still up for debate, haha). Since then I was propelled into the convention/competition space where I was fortunate to work and assist several traveling conventions and choreograph for nationally ranked collegiate teams and competition studio companies.

While continuously exploring/developing my talents in the performing arts, working in television and film, I’m now working diligently to fashion a presence in non-arts industry spaces. Within the past 4 years I have made a decision to act upon, what I now believe is, a calling. My calling, as I understand it today, aims to “help others reach their highest potential to create positive social change and meaningful legacy.” After A LOT of self-inquiry and personal reflection I have been able to contextualize this “calling” in regards to an impact on and beyond the stage.

Though it’s been quite the journey and sacrifice, I am really proud of my ability to continue to excel in academics. As scholar & fellow of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program (sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UNCF), I’ve been able to continue on this educational journey, now completing my PhD in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego summer of 2022 (woot woot!). Through my work in “the academy” I have discovered a fervor for leadership development– extending my work and research to the intersections of conscious leadership development, pro-social behavior, and social justice.

I know I made jokes about it earlier, but I really do enjoy being in this grey area– it’s quite a privilege actually. I get to fulfill my passions for both creative arts and positive social impact on my accord… and in my own way – honoring creative expression and somatic movement in my work as an educator, entrepreneur, consultant, and performer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A weekend with me, lets hit the streets!

Friday
We’ve gotta be somewhat productive so we can truly enjoy ourselves for the rest of the weekend; we’ll start with study/work sessions for a few hours at one of my favorite coffee shops, The LivingRoom La Jolla. A hidden gem (not so hidden anymore I guess) with a selection of wine and hooka (gotta keep the works sessions fun ya know); the spot overlooks the Cove with awesome ocean views and breezes.

After our working session we can take a stroll around La Jolla Cove and chill with the sea lions. If you’re into home architecture like me there are many beautiful homes we can admire. After we’ve worked up an appetite we pick up some bomb tacos at the renowned taco stand…The Taco Stand, ha. Make sure you grab a order of churros to go!

Let’s sweat it out! We’ll hit a dance class Friday evening at my favorite local community studio, Culture Shock San Diego (Old Town). They have a range of classes for all levels, so don’t fret!

Saturday
– Morning run around Harbor Drive, maybe do some steps at the convention center. I enjoy working out out there, I can enjoy the the fresh air and beautiful harbor views.

– Let’s explore some nature; if you’re into “hiking” and a little challenge, we’ll hit the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Torrey Pines. We might make our way to the Open Ceiling Sea Cave

– More dancing, yay! Later that evening we can hit a bar with good dance music– you choose, Whistle Stop “Booty Basement Night” (South Park), Gossip Grill or Flicks (Hillcrest), or if you’re in the mood for some salsa or reggaeton we can hit the basement of Cafe Sevilla (Gaslamp)

Sunday
We’re hitting Little Italy for brunch and Sunday Funday (it’s a right of passage)!

– There’s so many locations to choose from: Queenstown Public House, Nolita Hall (cool atmosphere), & Zinque, are a few of my go to’s. Wherever you choose you can’t go wrong. At some point we have to grab margarita flights at Kings and Queens Cantina 🙂
– I enjoy simply walking around Little Italy and Gaslamp, we can make our way to Nolen or top of the Andaz to enjoy the beautiful downtown skyline
– Take a nap
-We’ll end the afternoon with a chill picnic at Kate Sessions Park– beautiful open park, with rolling hills and great views of the bay, popular for small group gatherings

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
HUUUUUGE shoutout to both my dance & academic community; real talk, family type things! Both dance and academia have played an instrumental role in my development and have helped me recognize my potential as not only an artist and educator, but as a holistic human being. Both supporting me in their own ways, I don’t know where I would be without the love, compassion, encouragement, and challenges presented by the beautiful humans I have met in these spaces.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/_novien_/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/novienyarber/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NovienYarber

Image Credits
Michael J Moore; Alana Ocaño

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