Today we’d like to introduce you to Rayquaun Alexander.
Rayquaun, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hey, so here’s my story! All my life, I wanted to be an actor, model, artist, and a star! I’m just hoping that one day, it’ll happen overnight and effortlessly!… I’M SO SORRY, I WILL NOT START OFF TELLING MY STORY LIKE THAT!
Here’s my official story and I hope it touches your heart…
At the age of eight, I was inspired to be an actor by so many great films such as Glory, Titanic, Roots, Sister Act II, Dream Girls, The Wizard of Oz, and many more. I was also greatly influenced by the outstanding roles of Denzel Washington, Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Hudson, etc in those films. I knew at a very young age that acting would be something I wanted to pursue. I would constantly mimic scenes expressing myself hoping that one day, I would be seen, heard, and received support from the right sources. Although becoming an actor has always been a significant goal of mine, I was also inspired to become a dancer, model, and a music artist! I come from a family of singers and rappers that take their profession very seriously and I just want to prove, not only to my family but to the world why there’s reason to MAKE ROOM for me!
Often, while growing up, I felt alone because I knew I was different, an outcast and a very isolated person. I had to deal with so much in reality that it almost broke me away from my dreams. I would be bullied because of the way I act or dress, called names because of the way I talked, and looked down on because of my height and size. What made it even worse is that it took a very long time for my family to even understand me or acknowledge what is it that “Rayquaun” is truly passionate about?
I always knew my full potential and the things that motivate me the most. I would exercise these talents whenever I was alone, so I wouldn’t have to worry about other’s opinions that I would sometimes get carried away and dwell upon. Also, to be frank with you, I have a nervous issue that I struggle with from my childhood and the harsh judgments I received throughout my life. But over time, I’ve learned to protect my space, stay positive, and to keep pushing no matter what anyone says. You’ll learn those things especially coming from Englewood! I grew up the first 7 years of my life in the complete hood and when I tell you it’s something about growing up on the south-side that people are not accepting you just being yourself. I knew that being a black young man from Englewood, I had a high chance of being a statistic if I chose to follow and not lead. So, I made it my number one priority not to make that my lifestyle.
After I graduated high school in 2015, I got straight to business! I created a resume, a cover letter, got my headshots together and signed with an agency! Soon after that, I became an extra on the Chiraq movie! While being an extra, I had the chance to meet and speak with Spike Lee about getting a role and he said that I had to become Sag Eligible. Three months after that I was blessed to have a speaking dance role on Empire that helped me become sag eligible. Furthermore, I began to venture off into modeling I started performing in runway shows, print work and consistently putting together my own collaborative projects. In the mist of that, in 2016 I was also working on my first album called “Drunk Dreams”. The meaning behind this project is basically being so overwhelmed by your dreams that it makes you drunk in a good refreshing way. I completed ten songs on this project that I wrote, recorded and produced by myself at home. Later polished up by my friend Jerome, a.k.a Thatz Awesome, who handled all the mix and mastering for my album. I have had a journey these last three years and it’s only going to get better as long as I stay determined and keep it going! As of now, I’m writing new music, still modeling, taking acting classes and just doing all I can do to be the best version of myself I can! All my life, I wanted to be an actor, model, artist, and a star! I’m just hoping that one day, it’ll happen overnight and effortlessly!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a smooth road for me. I had to deal with so much along the way like being bullied, having parents that didn’t understand me for a while, rejection into the industry and not really being taken seriously.
Rayquaun Alexander – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an Actor, Artist & Model. I am most proud of being able to share my talents on a professional setting, the people I’ve gotten to inspire, the expansion of my connections and being able to start my career off without knowing a thing but gaining so much knowledge throughout the process!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is to have a consistent income that’s for a lifetime! I would like to live a life where I don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck and neither does my family. I want to also win some big-time awards such as a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, Bet Award and so on one day. Furthermore, to be successful for me is to be mentally and spiritually well, having a guaranteed income, continuing to build my knowledge and being able to share it with the others!
Pricing:
- $275- Full Creative Package (Includes Stylist,MUA,Creative Concept & Photographer)
- $65- Styling & Creative Directing
- $65- Song Writing
Contact Info:
- Phone: 708-740-8905
- Email: rayquaun96@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/omgthatshim
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005121613608
Image Credit:
Joseph Mietus, Kevin Russell, PhotosbyWynn, Royal Vintage Styling Firm, Kizer Studio
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