We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amaris Davidson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amaris below.

Amaris , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I have ever worked on was a project for a FEMM Tech company called Claire that centers around creating community for women facing fertility issues. One of the reasons it is the most meaningful is because it was written by the founder of the company who also happens to be a long time friend. Watching her navigate through a career in writing then taking her creative gifting and using it for something as philanthropic as creating stories for women who experience fertility issues was really special. Being apart of that project allowed me to step into a world that wasn’t my personal reality but certainly could be. I am very proud of what we created and typically share the short film the day after Mother’s Day.

Amaris , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My passion for storytelling and writing began as a child, but my intentional pursuit started in college. I was a collegiate varsity track & field and cheerleading athlete for the first 2 years of college at Northwestern State University. Upon stepping away from the cheerleading team my junior year, I found myself really evaluating what I desired from the collegiate experience that would translate to my future goals. So one day I unknowingly walked into the office of the Dean of the theater department and asked what I needed to do to receive a theater scholarship. Scholarship was the language of my family, so I didn’t know another way to approach the subject. The Dean proceeded to tell me what I would need, and I went to work. I received the scholarship and got my first taste of the audition process. I did one play per semester and continued my obligation to track & field. Upon transferring to Texas Southern University, I found myself in Houston, Texas. I was recruited at a mall for modeling by Page Parkes Acting & Talent Agency, and organization I would go on to be represented by as well as teach at their school of modeling and acting. While I was recruited for modeling, I did a lot of “informal modeling”, which allowed me to use my gift of communication. My agent saw that in me and sent me out on a an audition for a co host of a sports show on FOX Houston Live. I made top 5, and she suggested I get a headshot. A couple years in to the process, I started dancing for the NBA- Houston Rockets and had signed a professional recording contract with Beyonce Knowles dad’s record label. Matthew Knowles signed my groupmates and I during All Star weekend in 2006. It was a really great time in my life, and yet I knew there was more! My agency held an event called Agent Review, where agents from all across the world came and viewed Page Parkes Talent. I received numerous callbacks and moved to LA almost 2 years later, securing placement through Agent Review with Osbrink Talent Agency. That was the beginning of my journey in Los Angeles.

I studies at Lesly Kahn & Co as my first class in Los Angeles. It was an amazing experience ahead of it’s time. I didn’t even have a theatrical agent yet. However, I would go on to boo my first National commercial 5 months upon arrival to Los Angeles as well as my first lead in a feature film in under 6 months. It was surreal. As someone who loves the process and had always heard it would take years to break into the game, I was a little confused if I’m being honest.

I began to surround myself with people who had been in LA longer than me as well as those who were simply passionate about making a journey of this career. I met my agent of now 11 years at a screening for that feature film I led. I learned very quickly that real relationships would take you places that generic networking could never hope to.

My agent speaks my language, excellence. We love learning and teaching and making sure that people have the BEST possible opportunity to succeed. It is what drew me to her, and what has sustained our relationship all these years later.

I have always had an affinity for helping others. If you ask literally anyone who knows me, they will tell you the same. As a Creative Coach, I look forward to working with eager individuals who simply need direction. I started charging because I realized everyone doesn’t want what they “say” they do. Charging a fee allowed me the freedom to serve without animosity and others the ability to actually INVEST in their desires. That is how Activated by Amaris was born. It was a means to help beginners find a plan to start their journey and seasoned individuals a way to get unstuck.

I am most proud of and what I would like anyone who comes across my acting, writing, coaching, creativity is that I love people. I love the human story, and I will take my last breath bringing empathy to a world that would rather throw people away.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely! I came from a small town in Leesville, Louisiana. I wish I had known the basics of what is needed to actually break into this business. From self -submission sites, to the many ways social media sites can play a part in sharing your creative gift. While Instagram and Tick Tok were not around when I first started, I wish every person knew that you don’t have to WAIT to be a storyteller.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Something that I live by and have always impressed upon those that I have had the honor of coaching or leading is that you get to decide what legacy you wish to leave in this world. It is not up to your agent, your parents or your friends what legacy you leave in this world. It is up to you, and it starts as early as the beginning of your career if not before. What moves you! What stirs your heartstrings! I have been thinking about this more than ever lately as I’ve stepped into writing. Anyone can write (not necessarily well lol), but there are stories that I have been given the unique voice to tell, and it is up to me to humble myself and do the work of writing these stories because not everyone will have the same level of empathy for the perspective I have.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @iamamarisdavidson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaris.davidson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaris-davidson-4756a036/

Image Credits

Credits: Jonathan Moore, Cat-Ford Coates, Sue Bryce, Taylor Roman, Frankie Batista