We were lucky to catch up with Aliyah Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aliyah , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents, James Allen and Angela Andrew’s, did an amazing job at exposing me to life beyond my city. I’m from Flint, Michigan and I love my city, but I’m so thankful I was able to travel all over as a young child. I learned about differences in the way people live life, look, act, think, etc. It helped me develop an open mind about people and to have a want to see love through the prospective of other people. It helped me see more possibilities in life and helped me to achieve dreams my environment said were impossible.

I’m still dreaming big today because of it. Being in Jack & Jill, Girl Scouts and gymnastics helped mold me and inspired creativity in me, way before I knew my passion for the Film Industry. I learned so many unique skills and things about myself and had a blast doing it. I’m very thankful for the sacrifices, prayers and protection my parents provide for me. I would not be here without them, nor would I be chasing after the life I see for myself. I love my parents beyond words can describe and cannot wait to repay them a portion of what they’ve given me. I could never repay them for all they’ve done, but I’ll try my best to.

Aliyah , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Aliyah Allen, I’m a God fearing Christian who Acts, writes, direct, coaches gymnastics and where’s many other hats depending on what’s needed. For example, I helped decorate for a wedding with my God mother, trying to give the bride the dream wedding she desired while hurdling over obstacles of the outside weddings. It came out beautiful and was an amazing experience to witness. I also babysit, dogsit and house sit when needed. I’m a word of mouth worker, so my clients have all found me through eachother. I enjoy animals and have always loved working with children, so in between coaching and film, it’s a great in between job.

I work with a lot of independent artist, like Barrington Marson Productions, Pure Static Media and MB Films, to name a few. So I switch between being a Production Assistant, Assistant Director, Camera Assistant, Camera Operator, Gaffer, Scripty (on rare occasions)and help with whatever else is needed on sets to make sure we have as smooth of a work day as possible. I enjoy helping others and learning in the process, so I’m always excited to dip my toe in other roles to see how they work and the importance they bring to the overall production.

I think something that sets me apart is my desire to learn and help. I’m a pretty fast learner and try my best to be proactive, to better help the process of what I’m working with. For example, I was a competitive gymnast growing up , so when I moved to Georgia and started coaching, I was nervous about if I’d know how to coach but researching different techniques, remembering what I was taught and learning the children I work with, I’m able to adapt my coaching style and help that child understand what the goal is . A phrase like “squeeze your body” could sound simple but it’s actually complex, especially to children. They don’t know how and so teaching them what that means can be quite the process but it’s also fun. It’s like helping them solve a puzzle. Letting them know that puzzles take time to complete but small steps will equal up to big ones and over time, you’ll have a beautiful outcome you’ll be proud of.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn about not taking breaks/breaks not being acceptable. I felt so overwhelmed at a time in life, my mental health was draining, it starting effecting me physically, I was loosing energy and I was still trying to push thru and stress myself out about not being on set, not being able to make classes, not booking work, not writing scripts, working jobs I don’t like, etc.

I had to take a step back and realized I placed a lot of stress on my plate and I had to take a break from the industry. I needed to revamp who I was trying to be, rework my goal, rewrite my plan, and I had to learn that it was okay to take a break. It didn’t mean I was no longer talented, it didn’t mean I was a failure or that I’d never get another opportunity to do what I love. People questioning me about whether I still work with Netflix or what play/film I’m working on, did effect me and make me feel bad about my situation but I eventually remembered that this is MY journey and it’s not going to look the the expectations of those around me.

It’s my journey, it’s a unique one and that’s okay!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding feelings is seeing the overall project be complete. Sitting back and thinking about how many hands helped to mold this creation, how many hours went into what started as an idea, how many steps had to take place and the relationships made along the way. It’s a nice feeling no matter how big or small the role you played in helping create it.

Going through a journey with a group of strangers or familiar faces, it grows you ,if you let it of course. The good days, the bad days, it’s all worth it whether you like the outcome or not. You learn from it, which means you gain from it. You leave with something to carry for life and its a memory that can help you with future projects or life in general. That’s something to be thankful for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/aliyahjallen
• Instagram: AliyahAllen_
• Facebook: Aliyah Allen

Image Credits
IG: @its_janae.z IG: @gabi.xlv IG: @rahmirmurphy_