Chasing Your Dreams: From Occupational Therapist to Music Video Director with Dr. Reema Naim
“Open your eyes and explore the possibilities around you.” Dr. Reema Naim, is quite the multi-faceted woman dreamer. From occupational therapy to a children’s book author and a music video director, Reema brings her creative drive to every aspect of her life. Her directorial music video debut for well-known artist, Slick’s hit song “That’s My Baby” has received over a million views on YouTube since its release last yearIn this fun Friday story, Based in LA, Reema shares how she finds the time and courage to pursue her passions outside of work, and reflects on her exciting experiences with music videos and writing her book. A must-read for creative souls - enjoy!
1. You are certainly a multi-faceted woman. A Doctor of Occupational Therapy, business owner, children’s book author, mother, and … music video director, the list goes on. Tell us your story? How do you combine your passions and interests?
I combine my passion for creativity with my knowledge of sensory integration to educate children and parents on the senses, using the Sensokids. I have been a creative for as long as I can remember in any space. I was brought down the path of occupational therapy because my parents have a traditional mindset. Being from a South Asian and Middle Eastern background, their perception of an acclaimed career was one that included the medical world. Once I became an OT, I looked to bring my creativity to the field and created the Sensokids.
2. What inspired you to direct music videos such as "That’s My Baby” in addition to your medical career? How did these intersect?
From a young age I’ve wanted to direct music videos. I grew up dancing on competitive dance teams and found myself constantly daydreaming music visuals -- it’s been a dream come true to direct my husband’s music videos. Getting the chance to observe Slick and others on the set of his Emmy Nominated hit Netflix series It’s Bruno (which Slick wrote, directed, and starred in), I studied the ins and outs of the job and found an interest in that creative space. My directorial music video debut for Slick’s hit song “That’s My Baby” has received over a million views on YouTube since its release last year and because the song was written about me I ended up starring in it as well. The five videos we’ve done together have gained a lot of views on social media and YouTube which is very exciting and encouraging for me.
3. What is your advice to women looking to explore passions outside of their career? Share your top tips!
I would say to open your eyes and explore the possibilities around you. Put out into the world what you are looking for and want to be involved in by telling the people you love about your goals. Repeatedly search for opportunities that you are interested in and try new things. Find people that inspire you and keep them around!
4. Tell us more about your book series, Adventures Of The Sensokids, a four-book series (three out now) that includes sensory play techniques, and more.
At my occupational therapy practice OT Studios in Los Angeles, I noticed families having difficulty understanding sensory integration and not fully grasping how much children rely on their senses to appropriately engage in daily activities. After discovering a crucial need to provide education so kids can overcome sensory challenges in an enjoyable way, I decided to create the Adventures of the Sensokids book series. The first book Oh Messy Me was chosen as a “best gift for children with special needs” by The Today Show and the latest one Letters on my Lunchbox was just released. The series is aimed at educating parents, educators and children about their sensory “superpowers” and these interactive books show how important our senses are in enabling us to navigate our environment. The books have been getting an incredible response so far and I find it rewarding that they’re making a genuine impact in children’s lives.
5. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
In the fall of 2022, I’ll be releasing the 4th edition in the Adventures of the Sensokids book series. My next goal is to create a Sensokids educational video series to educate children on the sensory processes in that way. That is just the start; I’m excited to branch out from there!