We were lucky to catch up with Camille Bright recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Camille thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The moment I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts professionally was during my junior year of high school when I attended the New York Film Academy acting summer program in Los Angeles. Growing up in South Carolina, where pursuing acting wasn’t widely embraced, I always felt my dream was distant and intangible. However, being in Los Angeles, working on the Warner Bros lot alongside industry professionals, sparked a newfound sense of possibility within me.
From a young age, I had a deep passion for the arts. I started tap dancing at age 2 and ballet at age 3, later taking lead roles in multiple theater productions. The thrill of performing on stage and in front of the camera captivated me, a passion undoubtedly influenced by my father, a photographer. The arts felt natural and fulfilling, something I couldn’t ignore.
That summer program affirmed my desire to pursue acting professionally. It wasn’t just about a career; it was about following my heart and embracing the art form that had always resonated deeply with me. Despite initial doubts and societal norms, that experience in Los Angeles solidified my commitment to pursuing my dreams in the arts, where creativity and expression felt most genuine and rewarding.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My recent journey into entrepreneurship with Planelylaid stems from a rich background in the entertainment industry. After graduating from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, I landed my first significant role in the feature film “Our Idiot Brother” alongside Paul Rudd. This experience ignited my confidence and led me to pursue my dreams in Los Angeles, where I encountered various opportunities, including being part of a successful girl group for three years.
Once the group disband, I continued to thrive as a solo artist, releasing music on major streaming platforms and achieving placements in movies and TV shows. Also, landing roles on well-known networks like Comedy Central, BET, ALLBLK, and Hulu. My career as an actress and musician was fulfilling, and when the pandemic hit, disrupting the entertainment industry, I saw an opportunity to pivot.
This led me to create Planelylaid, a luxury travel brand dedicated to inspiring people to embrace life and explore the world without delay. Personally, my hesitation to travel due to career anxieties inspired me to develop the Silk Serenity Hooded travel neck pillow—a unique, 100% silk-lined, manually inflatable and deflatable pillow designed to provide comfort, hair care, privacy, and convenience while traveling.
Starting with this innovative product, I’ve expanded Planelylaid’s collection to include other travel essentials that marry luxury with practicality. As CEO, I’ve embraced the challenges and responsibilities that come with running a business, drawing on my resilience and determination cultivated through my entertainment career.
What sets Planelylaid apart is our commitment to inspiring others through our products and brand values. We aim to empower individuals to prioritize their enjoyment and explore the world, knowing that our luxury travel solutions enhance their travel experiences. I take pride in celebrating both small and significant achievements along this entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that success is a continuous process.
Ultimately, I hope my journey serves as inspiration to women and dreamers, encouraging them to pursue their passions wholeheartedly with consistency, faith, and self-belief. Planelylaid isn’t just about travel—it’s about embracing life’s adventures and living without regrets.
These days, I’m fully immersed in pursuing my passions across multiple fronts as a triple threat—actress, artist, and entrepreneur. You can catch my most recent acting role in “The Other Black Girl,” now streaming on Hulu, where I coincidentally play the role, “Camille,” a young business professional.
I’m currently channeling my creativity into the studio, working on new music that I plan to release later this year. The dual focus on acting and music allows me to express myself in different artistic mediums, each offering unique opportunities for growth and storytelling.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities to continue creating the life of my dreams, combining my love for acting, music, and entrepreneurship. Each day brings new challenges and inspirations, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my journey with others who may be inspired to pursue their own dreams passionately and fearlessly.
You can stream my music on all streaming platforms and shop my products on Amazon and on our website, www.Planelylaid.com
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn is perfectionism. Growing up in a family where excellence was expected and achieving high marks in academics and extracurricular activities was the norm, I developed a strong drive for perfectionism. Wanting to excel in everything I pursued, whether it was academics, dance, public speaking competitions, or pageants, fueled this perfectionist mindset over time.
While striving for excellence has its rewards, perfectionism became a hindrance. I realized that waiting to do something perfectly often prevented me from starting at all. The realization dawned on me that perfectionism can hold back progress and creativity. Embracing the motto “Jump and the wings will appear,” I began to unlearn the need to get everything right from the start.
This lesson has been crucial in my journey as an artist and entrepreneur. For instance, I didn’t know how to write a song until I began writing one. Similarly, starting my business, Planelylaid, taught me that waiting until all conditions are perfect may mean never starting at all. Each step in my journey has revealed its own lessons, showing me that mistakes are often valuable learning opportunities.
Now, I embrace a mindset of starting before feeling fully prepared, knowing that growth and learning occur along the way. This approach has empowered me to overcome the paralysis of perfectionism and embrace the journey of continuous improvement and discovery, both in my creative pursuits and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a mission to radiate positivity and be a source of light in the world. Much like the uplifting message of the old church song, “This Little Light of Mine,” I strive to bring brightness into every room I enter. My goal is to infuse kindness, love, and positive energy into the atmosphere wherever I go.
I deeply believe that our world needs more lightness and love. Through my creative endeavors as an actress, artist, and entrepreneur, I aim to inspire others to embrace joy, to let go of unnecessary worries, and to live fully in the present moment. I advocate for cultivating gratitude and appreciation for each moment we have, understanding that life is fleeting and precious.
My ultimate aspiration is to leave a lasting impact by being someone who uplifts others and brings a sense of brightness to any situation. Whether through my performances, music, or entrepreneurial ventures, I want to be remembered for my ability to spread good energy and positivity.
In essence, my mission is to encourage people to lighten up, find gratitude in every circumstance, and choose to shine brightly in their own lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @officiallycammi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camillebright
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Camillebright
Image Credits
JLC Imagery
Andrew Thomas Clifton