We were lucky to catch up with Andre Ozim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andre , appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I can finally say I am now earning a full-time living from my acting career. Recently I’ve been cast in a Broadway Tour earning a 9 month contract that pays Six-Figures, this is certainly my 1st time ever making this much per year; would have never imagined this coming from a play. I’ve been to countless auditions, since about 2016 hoping to book a TV/Film and/or especially Broadway show. I had a few part time jobs, one working for Uber eats during the day on my bike delivering food, and helping actors with auditions as well a few other jobs I’m not proud to talk about lol.

This particular show I’ve auditioned for a few times, and by chance they asked me to come in as a replacement 2 years later and I guess I did so well they asked me to extend my contract. I learned to give every audition your best because you never know how long they’ll keep your tape.

I think I could have possibly sped up the process by not taking auditions for granted not believing they’ll lead to anything, but looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve become a stronger auditioner and more confident in my craft.

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?

My name is Andre Ozim and I was born in Oklahoma to a Nigerian Igbo Mother (Ozim). Growing up in Washington, DC I attended Bowie State University then University of Maryland where I ended up quitting my internship as a paralegal in search of my passion, moved to New York with $40 dollars to my name and slept in my car the 1st year.

I started as a Model thinking that was my passion, but found out thru trying it that it was definitely NOT a passion of mine…way too much baby oil for me lol (as a fashion model, they literally put baby oil on us before most shoots). Then a friend suggested I try acting and to start with background work. So for about a year I tried it. I really enjoyed watching the principal actors and wanted to give it a try.

In one of my 1st films “Jahar”, which was an NYU student short film, I won Best Actor Award at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival for my performance in a Lead Role. It truly felt like I finally found my passion watching myself on screen for the 1st time.

After that I decided to take acting more serious and became classically trained in Shakespeare studying abroad, taking workshops at various conservatories in London, England including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Since then, I recently self-published a Children’s Book entitled “Based on a True Love Story” which made #1 New Release in Romantic Art on Amazon, now available.

My most recent credit is my Broadway Tour Debut as I joined the cast of Aaron Sorkin’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” 1st National Tour playing Tom Robinson understudy and ensemble. (2023-2024). Also known for my work on Power (STARZ) as Officer Dan (2019), FBI (CBS) (2018), Beauty (Netflix) as Pastor Colman (2022), Uncut Gems (Netflix) (2019), Winning Time (HBO) (2023), and Makeup and Breakup (BET+) (2017). Theatre credits include The Mystery of Sex and Love workshopped at Signature Theatre in New York (2016), Othello at IRT Theatre in New York (2018), My Sister My Sister at HB Playwrights Theatre in New York (2018) and Chosen at the New Heritage Theatre in New York City (2017).

It’s been a fun journey!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, I love this question! The book that changed everything for me is a book entitled “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra. It talks about finding your purpose in life and how we are here to fulfill a purpose. This book has been, and still is my daily guide. It impacted me greatly as I was going thru the phase of finding my own purpose, definitely inspired me to pursue my passion, highly recommended for all.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What’s driving me in particular is my desire to manifest, create my own reality and to fulfill my life’s purpose. Manifesting is an exercise I’m trying to master and I feel everyone should understand how to do it. I hope we all one day realize our inner power to create our own reality while following our inner passion(s).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.andreozim.com
• Instagram: @andreozim – http://instagram.com/andreozim
• Other: Children’s Book Site: www.truelovestorybook.com