Today we’d like to introduce you to Arianna Jones
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a small town in Virginia. Growing up in an area where there was never much to do, I was always forced to be creative and use my imagination. I always loved art, in all forms. I loved to dance, write, draw; I loved all art and I still do. I first discovered my passion for acting in middle school and it grew stronger once I transitioned to high school. By age 16 I knew that it was what I wanted to do forever. When you have a true passion for something, your work never feels like work. That is how I feel every time I act- at peace and fulfilled. After leaving high school, I graduated from NYU and started working on a lot of films in New York City and nationwide.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Sometimes we find ourselves in spaces or situations where we feel out of place, as if we don’t belong. That’s often referred to as impostor syndrome. Being the only woman of color in many of the spaces I occupied, that was something I felt often and had to learn to overcome. One of the most important steps in growth and finding success is believing in your own potential. It’s sometimes hard, but you have to overcome self-doubt before you can truly grow. Every person and thing in your life is there for a reason and you are where you are for a reason. Believe in yourself and trust in your process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to refer to myself as an artist rather than give myself a specific label. I am an actress, writer, and producer amongst many other things. I strive to create art that impacts, educates, and inspires. I work towards making art that brings something out of its viewers or changes them in some way. I recently had the honor of playing the lead role in a stage play. I played Olivia in the Virginia premiere of Fireflies written by Donja R. Love. Each night after my performance, many people came to me and expressed how touched they were by the performance and the story. I was even nominated for Best Actress in a Live Play for my work in the production. When I am able to move and inspire people in that way, I feel fulfilled.
What were you like growing up?
I believe that as a child I was very similar to how I am now, just a little shorter. I’ve always been hilarious- just kidding. I’ve always been very ambitious and headstrong, not afraid to take risks in order to potentially better myself or my situation. I’ve also always loved to create and express myself in artistic ways. Those two things combined is what has brought me to where I am now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ariannajones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ok.ari
