Tell us about the Gain commercial & your acting career. How did the opportunity come about? Did you know it would gain so much support from the natural community? Do you feel like your hair has helped or hindered your career? What tips do you have for those interested in pursuing an acting career?
You can currently see me and my natural hair in a commercial for Gain Detergent (https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=250176131698006). Gain wanted to cast a natural-haired woman with a nose ring. Hello!!! Can you say perfect for me?!?!? I walked into that audition already knowing it was mine. I was getting to BE exactly who I am and it felt great!! It was really no surprise (though I was extremely flattered) that I booked the commercial!!
The commercial talks about the “Anything But Ordinary” beauty of natural hair and it’s having a huge impact on the Natural Hair Community. I am still pleasantly surprised at all of the attention this commercial has been receiving. I’ve done countless interviews since the commercial first aired in October. I’ve encouraged those who are inspired by the commercial to let Gain know so. I believe that if the mainstream media heard from more of us, we’d continue to see ourselves represented in their advertisements. If your readers would like to contact Gain and share their positive feelings about my commercial, they can do so on Gain’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Gain.
I also just shot a commercial for Honey Nut Cheerios the other day. Like Gain, it is a national spot and will be seen all around the country. Once again, the beauty of my natural hair (and maybe even me) are featured and the commercial will begin airing in June. Please keep an eye out for it.
In addition, I am a lead in the upcoming feature film, “Ex-Free” written and directed by Troy Beyer Bailey (“Baps”, “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”). The movie is a romantic comedy about 3 female best friends who kidnap their exes in the hopes of finding out why they broke up with them. It is hilarious and I had so much fun making it. The movie also stars Shari Headley (“Coming To America”), Leon (“Cool Runnings”, “The Five Heartbeats”), Darrin Dewitt Henson (“Soul Food”, “Single Ladies”), Daphnee Duplaix (“One Life To Live”) and newcomer, Chris Bailey. The film will be released in 2012.
As I’ve grown to LOVE my natural hair more and more, it has only helped my career because I show up differently with this new-found confidence. Though I may not be right for every role I audition for, I am much more grounded in who I am as an actress and a woman. So whatever the outcome, I’m all good.
The tips I have for those who are interested in pursuing a career in acting is that Discipline Is Key. You MUST be vigilant is your learning of the craft. Read books, attend classes and workshops, frequent artistic events to feed your creativity, surround yourself with people that support your dreams and most importantly, have fun. These are tips I am currently using and I am noticing a major difference in me and my work.
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