We had the good fortune of connecting with Joann “Moonie” Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Moonie, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
In my younger years when life was taking a toll on me I read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. I will truthfully say I read this book in less than 24 hours. What I ultimately got from the book is to never give up, you never know how close to the finish line you may be. The story of a shepherds boy who had reoccurring dreams of treasures near the pyramids of Egypt. He went through any and everything you can imagine that will make someone quit on their journey but no matter how tough situations had been for him, he continued to fight and even leaned on his spiritual guidance to lead his way. I feel like I’m my own version of him. I’m fighting my way to where I genuinely know I’m supposed to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey started in 2011 with music, 2012 with poetry, 2014 with modeling, 2016 with acting in films and movies then my entrepreneurship started in 2016. What sets me apart from a lot of people is my knowledge and real-life experiences that have forced me to into thinking before I act. Some people who do things off of impulse may succeed for a short while but it’s the persistence, determination and knowing how to maneuver through hard times that will set you apart in the long run from most creatives. Also, we as creatives have to know when to STOP & RECHARGE because if you don’t take time for yourself periodically, your crash may be fatal to your health and/or business. Being a creative will always be within me but I’m proud of the history I’ve created with Untapped Miami and everything I’ve conquered as a ONE WOMAN MACHINE. With the vision that I have I know that it takes more than one person to build a conglomerate of greatness. Now the goal is to build a team of creatives that will push my vision just like it was theirs and that is what I’m currently doing. In 2019, I rebranded my company to Untapped Media Group. The love of my city is infinite but the ultimate success of my company I want to thrive outside of South Florida city lines.

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?
First things first, we are going STRAIGHT TO THE BEACH! I’ve lived here all my life and the water will always fascinate me. I’m more of a sight and lounge type of person so here are my top picks. For a nice ambience vibe, Luckys and Brick in Wynwood (MidTown area) for a little night time partying. For brunch, we are off to Shooters Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale or Sugar in Brickell for a beautiful ocean bay and downtown view. Dinner, we are out to Sunday’s Eatery or Shuckin & Jivin’ for some real southern food 😋. Honesty, Miami is filled with places to go and things to see, just as long as your in the right area the possibilities are limitless!

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?
Greatness is not built in a day and neither will I take all the credit for who I am today. Whether I keep an open communication with some of these individuals or not, they had a huge impact on my growth, insight and my vision in the business and the entertainment industry. I’ve learned the rights, the wrongs and all in between of how business should be from others mistakes and their victories. It takes a lot for a person to acknowledge those that may have failed them but for me, in the end I’ve learned some incredible lessons in life from them. First and foremost, I want to thank RWR, MHP, Color Me Thick, PSay Entertainment & SFLBBD for building me into the fearless, unapologetic, and the no-nonsense woman who I’ve become. Having to learn to be vocal, not afraid to live my creative truth, loving myself no matter what size, realizing my on-screen talent and learning how to conduct business the right and WRONG way have molded me for my journey ahead. Every single experience had its good and its bad days but the lessons for me will last forever.

Website: www.moonieholmes.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/moonieholmes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonieholmes/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/moonieholmes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/moonieholmes
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Moonie305

Image Credits
Image Credit to PD Visions, Untapped Media Group & KLM Photography