We recently connected with Chuanica Pickard and have shared our conversation below.

Chuanica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I have taken many risks for my career. One risk was when I left my hometown of Greensboro, NC to move to Atlanta, Georgia to further pursue my acting career. I left my family, job, friends, everything I was comfortable with to move into an unfamiliar place. Things were going to be different. I knew I was going to miss out on special occasions for my loved ones at times and I knew this was a big financial risk as well. Chasing your dreams requires you to invest a lot of your time and money. It is a huge risk especially when you don’t always know what will happen. I made this move almost 7 years ago and have not looked back.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. Growing up, I was involved in numerous activities such as dance, basketball, karate, church & school plays. I was raised by amazing parents who instilled so much in me at a young age. Their teachings have played a big role in who I am today. I also grew up in church so my Faith is very important to me. My faith is instrumental in my journey and I could never lose that.

I got started with acting at a young age. I remember watching particular commercials and constantly saying “I want to be on TV”. “I want to act”. I enjoyed playing different characters from TV shows and movies. I remember times where I would finish watching a show and I would get in front of a mirror and play out the scenes. I knew then that acting was what I wanted to pursue. I started out as an EXTRA for TV shows, commercials, and music videos. I had to work my way up from NO experience and NOTHING on my resume to finally gaining experience and opportunities on this journey.

I am most proud that I have not given up on my dreams. If I would have done that, I would have never accomplished what I have thus far. My plan is to see it all the way through successfully.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When you are pursuing your dreams, it will not be an easy journey.

I have illustrated resilience by not giving up despite the tough times and challenges. I have continued to press on and fight the good fight of faith. You have to understand that LIFE IS GOING TO HAPPEN. Life will hit you in all areas of your life and your faith will truly be tested on your journey. When feeling down or when going through tough times, I allow myself a short window of time to go through whatever emotions are needed and then I regroup and push forward. Lots of prayer has played a key part for me too. In moments where I wanted to give up, I had to remember my “WHY”.
Why am I pursuing my dreams. Why is this important to me? Who am I doing this for. “Why give up without knowing what all could happen if I just keep going”? “Why start something and not finish it”? If it has happened for others, why can’t it happen for me?

I have not let the challenges take away my focus with achieving my dreams. I have taken those challenges and turned them into lessons for my growth. Hardship teaches you things which can in turn become your testimony.

I continue on because I never know who will be inspired by my story. Through it all, I know and trust that God has me.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

There are a lot of rejection in this industry. As an artist, we receive more NO’s than most people. You can be so close to booking a role and not get it due to things completely out of your control. You are up against so many great talent while auditioning that no matter how big or small the role is, it’s actually a big deal when you book the role. You’ve beaten out hundreds/thousands for that role. Somebody out there thought you were the right one for it. It is something to definitely be proud of.

This career path like most is a HUGE investment. We are investing money all the time into training, coaching, tapings, headshots, websites and the list goes on.

Some may think because they have seen you on TV, you’ve made it and you’re rich. That you probably don’t even have to work. Most of us artists still maintain regular jobs while pursuing this career. We do what we have to do until things fully kick off.

Just know, it’s coming!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chuanica

Image Credits
Brian Jones