We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonaye Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jonaye , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I found my purpose when I discovered a deeper connection with myself. I had to look inwards and observe carefully what I wanted my imprint to be and what kind of legacy I want to leave behind. But I feel I became even more deeply connected to my purpose when I used my pain to sort out what I value the most. I remember looking at myself in the mirror and not sure if I liked who was looking back at me in my reflection. I wasn’t pushing myself to be more than what I was at the time and just didn’t know how to handle the self-confliction that came with change. I was in a tug of war basically scared of what the next chapter looked like for my life. I knew that the next chapter meant everything was going to be different, a new feel but still scared to leave behind what I thought needed me. I realized my self-confliction didn’t arise because I didn’t like who I was, it heightened because I just needed me. I needed to choose me.
Once I chose me, everything started to fall in alignment with my assignment. Sometimes we forget that people and things are roadblocks to finding our purpose in life. I was someone that wanted to save everyone, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness and peace of mind. I overfilled my cup with the troubles of everyone else that I didn’t have enough to pour back into me. I show up for anyone, that will never change. But I had to realize it was okay to show up for me first.
That is what people know me for on a personal level, I have a lot of empathy and that’s what I tend to move based off. Selflessness is definitely something I got from both my parents. I have seen them give so much of themselves to people and things without any hesitation or reservations. I always admired their ability to make something out of nothing and their strength to be unbreakable in my eyes. I salute them in many ways and thank them immensely for who they have been to me.
After knowing my purpose, I matched it with resilience. I knew at an early age being a part of and telling compelling stories was something I was destined to do. It’s just something so special using a scene to tell a story that can change someone’s life. The beauty of telling black stories is that it’s ours. Whether it may be real or fictional, it is created to tell a story that resonates with who we are and what we feel. That is what I’m all about. I wanted to use my experiences and the experiences of others to creatively talk to people.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Jonaye Kelsey. I’m originally from Philadelphia and spent the remainder of my upbringing in New Jersey. I am an actress, writer and producer based out of Los Angeles. Almost 2 years ago, I drove 3 1/2 days to chase my dreams. I didn’t have a job or a set plan of what I was going to do, I just knew I was going to hit the ground running to get it done. With all that I have accomplished thus far, I’m thankful I can be an inspiration to do the unthinkable. I’m just doing the work and trusting God’s guidance to do the rest. More than anything I just want to be known for being a good person and connecting with people through my work. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
At this moment I am focused on professionally highlighting who I am as an actress, writer and producer while also making sure my brand exemplifies that. It is important to me to be a staple for my community in this industry by changing the narrative within ourselves and the communities we live in. I want to use myself as a vessel to help navigate our mind and give a voice back to the voiceless through our stories. Personally, I want to continue my spiritual growth, developing and unfolding the way God intended me to do so. I want to be committed to myself on certain levels that require self-discipline.
Currently, I am developing a project called “Still Hope, Not Lost” which is a love letter paying homage to my hometown, Philadelphia. It draws a spotlight on the internal struggle of surviving past and present circumstances. It explores self-awareness and vulnerability in the African American community.
What I’m most excited about embarking on this journey is that it is unapologetically me. I have never felt more like myself than I do now, which is very special. The process has been ugly but beautiful at the same time and I want to share that. I want to inspire others to use their voice and to go after their dreams. I want to use my journey as a sign of motivation that if I can do it, anyone can do it. More than anything, I wish that my story gives our next generation a fighting chance. The sky’s the limit!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I actually have two books that played a role in my development. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Until Today by Iyanla Vanzant. These two books changed my life forever and they both represent something different that left such a huge impact on me. Perception is everything and I feel The Four Agreements helped me gain mastery of self and the way I view myself from my own point of view. “Be impeccable with your words. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.” Until Today by Iyanla Vanzant was a book I read every day from January to December. It is a daily devotions novel that dedicates to Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind for each day of the year. This book has lifted my spirits, heightened the love I wish to give back to myself and pulled me out of my hardest times. Each day I was taking the valuable words on those pages and applying it to my everyday life. Was it easy? No. I’m human, it’s still a process figuring out growing pains and learning from making mistakes, which is okay. Mistakes are your best teacher, but was it worth it? Yes. I am a lot wiser. These two books gave me strength.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The mental strength and resilience of chasing your dream and walking in your own path can feel lonely at times. Especially when what it is you’re doing isn’t always easily understood by everyone. You’re constantly in this evolving cycle of rediscovering who you are and how to present that. The good ole saying “if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything” was a constant reminder to me growing up to always remain true to who you are and what you believe in despite the outcome being a negative or a positive. You may not always end with the results that you want, furthermore, you may be in fear that you will fail but the true gain of it all is knowing your commitment and dedication poured into everything you do is done with no limitations. It has to be mind over matter, you must always know you are stronger than you think and whatever it is you want to do, just go for it and get it done. It’s you vs. you!
Having your core people, you can trust to help you through this journey, is so vital. There will be times when you just need to feel that genuine love, and to be vulnerable in a safe space. Your tribe should always represent that for you. It can be your family, close friends or significant other. Your space should be filled with people who not only celebrate your wins but can also cheer you through your losses. Your core should be aligned with who you are. It is so important to know your audience and be protective of your space. Who you have around you can impact you, good or bad. Lock in with the people that you can look to, to always be on your left and right side.
You must have faith. Even on your darkest days, you still must have faith. There will be so many times you will experience a thousand no’s or even feel discouraged during the process, but you have to know you are going to receive that opportunity that is meant for you. That feeling will make all the times before mean so much. Have faith, it’s going to happen. You just have to do the work and be ready for your “Yes” when it comes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @JonayeKelsey
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonaye-anderson-183043142/
- Twitter: @JonayeKelsey
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13003855/