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

Alright, Allaina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I definitely wish I had started sooner. I always dabbled in the arts. As a child I sang in the choir and lead a lot of songs. I always could sing, but I only sang in church. I also acted in plays with my home church, but that was the extent of it. Now that I am exploring all angles of my gifting, (acting, screenwriting, singing, songwriting and authorship) I wonder how far could I have been along had I started earlier in life. I never knew or fathomed that I could have achieved all of the things that I have thus far. However, I don’t dwell on it. I celebrate from right where I am today.

Allaina, 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?

I started writing my 1st urban fiction novel ,”Mariah,” in 2023 after the loss of my uncle, Darryl J. Ford. I often say how his death broke my heart but fixed my vision. He died with unfulfilled goals. I knew I had to give life everything that I had to become the best version of me. I had to use my talents. I couldn’t take them to the grave. “I refused to give the grave any of my potential.” -Allaina Maria. I released my book, ‘Mariah’, six months later. I felt so accomplished and proud. I then began traveling as a Motivational Speaker soon there after the release. My book ‘Mariah’ was my first endeavor as a screenwriter. I also delved deeper and started acting. I challenged myself to be my highest self. I made a conscious decision about my life and how want to live it. How I wanted to show up for me.
I feel what sets me apart is my authenticity. I am Allaina Maria. I want to be Allaina Maria. I am influenced or am inspired by others, but I want to be me. Thema Bryant is a writer who inspires me. Viola Davis is the actress that I glean and learn from. Anita Baker as a vocalist challenges me. Gina Prince-Blythwood is a director/screenwriter that I aspire to collaborate with. All of these beautiful black women are shining examples of what’s next for me. But the key is to be humble enough to sit and train under others and strong enough to shine as an individual. That logic helps me stay grounded.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support the arts! That is the start. Show up. Bring your kids to the theater. Show them things other than video games. Take them to the art gallery, to brodway shows. Cultivate their creativity. Expose them to other things. Through seeing the arts on display, both young and old can be inspired and find their love and passion for creativity. Keep the candle burning for the arts. Show up!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

No is not a bad thing. When working towards any goal, we want all the yeses. But I’ve learned nos keep you humble. Nos make you push harder and build your muscle. Nos cause you to go back to the drawing board. I’ve learned that nos can also be a form of protection. Some of the yeses, if received could’ve done more harm than good. So, I’ve learned no is a no and that is ok. And some times a no is simply a delay and not a denial. While waiting on that yes, be consistent and work the middle.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allainamaria/profilecard/?igsh=MWo2MWt2Ymw1YjQzdA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaina.washington?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allaina-maria-b2224927a

Image Credits
Scott Thomas Photography 📸 Instagram