We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tarnesha Small a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tarnesha, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve always been captivated and inspired by the creative world of television, film, music and choreography. It’s been a passion of mines since I can remember. I was even apart of many church plays, choirs, dance ministries and also modeled for a few years after graduating high school but, still lacked the courage to actually admit to myself that I wanted to pursue it professionally. I allowed my confront zone and fear of judgment dictate my choices way more than I should have, until eventually I couldn’t lie to myself any more. After I got a few nudges from God, I began pursuing a more serious path in entertainment and hired my first acting coach the late, great Tamara Curry. It was a big step for me. Feeling the fear of that decision and deciding to move forward anyway helped me make the next decision in my professional career that ultimately led me here, after many years of studying, hard work, self-reflection and perseverance.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In the beginning of my journey as an actress, I’ve started and stopped so many times but my first attempt was in high school. During my senior year, I tried to enroll in a drama class, only to find that all the spots were filled. After graduating, I began exploring opportunities in acting and modeling in my area. I discovered an agency that focused on developing talent, particularly in modeling, which was perfect for me so I started there. Unfortunately, my time with them was brief because the agency decided to relocate to Atlanta. They wanted me to join them, but I was hesitant to leave the comfort of my familiar surroundings, so I chose to stay. I simply just moved on from the industry. However, my passion for entertainment wouldn’t go away, contributing to my on and off again relationship as a creative after that experience. The moment I decided to leap out of my comfort zone and move to Atlanta was the day I decided to really commit and invest in my career on a professional level. I’ve been acting every since.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely. Here are a few books that have profoundly influenced my life: “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael A. Singer, “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom,” and one of my all-time favorites, “Manifest Now” by Idil Ahmed. As you can tell, I have a passion for self-development books, and these three have significantly challenged my perspectives, empowered me, and transformed my old, unproductive habits that were hindering my growth, both in my career and personal life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The greatest joy of being an artist for me lies in the ability to express myself. I have always wanted to convey emotions, whether positive or negative, through the characters I create. I believe that my openness and vulnerability in my work resonate with viewers, subconsciously encouraging them to embrace and express their own. I am truly thankful to be part of that experience. It’s also especially meaningful to me when audiences immerse themselves in the stories I contribute to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tarneshasmall.wixsite.com/actress
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarnesha_small/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarneshaSmall
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tarnesha_Small
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dGyCLY37RqW6i2GKE1kVw
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7746304/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Image Credits
Screenshot (Our Kind of People): Fox Network
Photo (Black Dress Model Picture): Amir Leon
Screenshot (Celebrity Prank Wars): E! Network
Screenshot (Ladies at the Table): Welcome To The Forties
Poster (Welcome To The Forties): Winston and Winston Productions
Headshots (Coral & Black Top): Ira Carmichael Photographer