Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolonda Ross.
Yolonda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been artistic, a creator of sorts. I paint, sing, play several musical instruments, sew, act, and direct. I create. As far as acting, I moved from Omaha, Nebraska to New York City, which is really the Mecca of everything. Haha. I was in the fashion business for a long time before segwaying into acting. I did a few music videos, and filled in for a friend of mine, doing background on SNL. that led to me becoming a union member and getting an agent. When I got my first audition, something clicked. The thing I had been looking for – I had grown tired of the fashion business, and acting opened something up in me, I hadn’t ever felt, with becoming someone else, bring their emotions to life, exploring them, learning from them. It wasn’t until four years later that I got my next audition, and during that time, the store I worked for closed, so I had decided to take the acting thing seriously. When that audition came around (#StrangerInside #HBO) I booked it, and never looked back. I am now living in Chicago and am a series regular on #TheChi and prepping to film my first feature next year. The journey never ends. I breathe through creativity. #Actor #Writer #Director #Creator #LoverofLife.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been the roughest road, but I feel part of that was keeping myself out of the trades, and out of the press part of our business. It can really mess with your head when you find yourself not doing what you know you can do, but don’t have the opportunity to do. I would say for women, for anyone, always make sure you keep your mind clear, and calm. Try to keep stressful people and situations away from you, as they can cripple us in the worst ways. Our own minds, when we worry too much can be our own worst enemy. Make sure to do things that you enjoy, to keep that light inside you.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Yolonda Ross – what should we know?
I am an Actress, Writer, Director, Creator. I currently play the character #Jada on the Showtime series #TheChi. I’m best known for playing characters that are relatable, strong and vulnerable at the same time, people that you might not always take the time to get to know. I am most proud of my work, when people stop me on the street or write to me on my website, to let know how a character touched them. I like hearing when people are touched in one way or another. That one of my characters made them think about their own lives. Art is so powerful. I feel what sets me apart from others, is that I’m ME. I can’t be, won’t be anyone else.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel like women are well positioned for all opportunities out there, as we are resourceful and have always had to this on our feet. We have always been the caregivers, and many times, the whole support system for a family. So, we are ready and have been for a while. What’s great now, is that the opportunities are opening up, because we are in charge as well, and we are showing the world, how WE handle things from top to bottom, when we can hire other women, support each other, show that a project can be made, within budget, on time, and make money. Yes, we do that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yolondaross.com
- Instagram: @yolondaross_creator
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yolondarossactress/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @yolondaross
Image Credit:
Breaking Night Poster, Girl On Car, Disco Man and Girl,- “Breaking Night” stills by Craig Mulcahy. Artwork-“Spirits Giving Life (Black Painting), “Mother and Child Protected” (Red Painting), “Clear Thoughts, Serene Path” Collage- All Art by Yolonda Ross
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