Coffee with Neelofer

On Mondays we like to share a short format interview with one of our wider Gather community members. Just a handful of questions with a generous helping of everyday inspiration to tuck into over your morning cuppa. This week, meet Neelofer.

This week's track is by Neelofer, herself! Give her piece, Wildflower a listen:

Neelofer Nova

"Be fearless, take risks and don’t ever be afraid to stand out from the rest and disrupt the norm, it will make you the strong independent woman, who you will be very proud of."

What part(s) of the world do you call home?

Wimbledon, Southwest London

What is your industry, hustle, current project or passion?

I have a diverse background in law, education, mentoring and public relations. I am currently a project manager for a creative organisation, WORDPLAY and FLOW, which promotes and supports poets of colour and elevates women within the poetry and spoken word scene.

"The podcast is interview based and I like to describe my guests as ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

I am a poet, spoken word artist and writer. I also design and facilitate poetry and creative workshops that focus on mental health and wellbeing, creative expression and connecting to your inner voice. My work combines mindset coaching and creative practice to inspire change, empowerment and confidence. I am a regular public speaker and advocate at community events, that promote equal access, education and solidarity within our communities. I am also the founder and host of, THE BEAUTIFUL TRUTH PODCAST, established January 2020. Find it here on Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple. The podcast is interview based and I like to describe my guests as ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

I am very passionate about the rights and education of women and young girls and marginalised people. Most recently, I have exhibited my work with UN Women UK's first full digital exhibition. The ground breaking project, A Safe Space aims to transform public spaces to be safe spaces that are free, accessible and safe for women and girls.

What’s an important moment that signified a first step towards where you are today?

Learning that I am not defined by any one job title or role. Embracing change and adapting to it. Realising that we can all create opportunities for ourselves when we have true belief in our knowledge, skills and abilities.

What is a moment you are proud of?

Re-emerging on the spoken word and live performance circuit after a hiatus of quite a significant period of time. Breaking through my comfort zone and building up my confidence again and very quickly gaining a new following and being asked to perform as a headliner for various shows. One particular highlight of 2020 was being called up to perform live at Life and Rhymes hosted by the wonderful Benjamin Zephaniah and appearing on the programme which was filmed and broadcast by Sky Arts.

"Be less concerned with what society tells you that you should be."

What advice would you give your younger self today?

Be less concerned with what society tells you that you should be.

Be fearless, take risks and don’t ever be afraid to stand out from the rest and disrupt the norm, it will make you the strong independent woman, who you will be very proud of.

In one word, what is the most important thing to you in life?

Integrity.

I hold integrity to be the most important ethos in my life, everything I do and have done, has always been with integrity, honesty and good intentions. I have made mistakes, but I have learnt important life lessons along the way and with integrity at the core, you can never go wrong!

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @neelofer_nova

Twitter: @neelofer_nova

LinkedIn: Neelofer Nova

Linktree: NeeloferNova