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

Grace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

My journey is the least simple of anyone I know in this space, but it also, quite a common story. As a performer since 3, I’ve never stopped telling stories – which launched me into writing and selling and ultimately the multihyphenate I am today. As a marketer I’ve always looked to social media to connect audiences to art. There is no one step but rather a constant momentum forward to always look at “what’s next” for audiences all over, locally and globally. Nothing I could’ve done to speed up my career process except say no to all the things in life that make it worth living.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure! Here’s a polished version of your bio that maintains your unique voice while enhancing clarity and flow:

GRACE AKI is a New York City-based playwright hailing from Georgia. With roots in both Japanese and American Southern cultures, Grace embraces a rich tapestry of influences in her work. She began her artistic journey at just three years old with dance, followed by voiceovers for radio at four, and by five, she was captivated by storytelling on stage.

Before graduating high school, Grace had already made her mark: she hosted several shows for a travel series, appeared on Cartoon Network’s FRIDAYS, became an award-winning mime, and faced the humorous challenge of failing algebra three times. As the reigning Miss North Georgia Agricultural Fair Queen, she proudly represents her community while honing her craft. Grace is also a graduate of the Upright Citizens Brigade and The Barrow Group’s performing programs, where she trained under Seth Barrish (known for Mike Birbiglia’s The Old Man and the Pool). It was during this time that she developed her solo play, To Free a Mockingbird.

In addition to her theatrical endeavors, Grace has worked as a copywriter for Broadway social media accounts, including POTUS and & Juliet. Currently, she hosts the stand-up show SWEET MEAT, the storytelling podcast Tell Me on a Sunday on the Broadway Podcast Network, and delivers daily Broadway news for Broadway Radio.

A passionate visual artist, Grace also sells her watercolor and ink prints on Etsy and in retail locations across the U.S. She identifies as bi-coastal, pansexual, bipolar, multiracial, and a devoted enthusiast of canned salmon.

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

Formal education ie. college is not the only education you should be relying on. Watching television, movies, theater, social media, books, having conversations with people allows me to have a stronger understanding of cultures, audiences and idenitites than the school room had for me. Working in entertainment means you should be soaking up pop culture you’re not drawn to to better understand the world around us. I never limit myself to my own tastes.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The funniest pieces of content I’ve gotten traction on are the ones I thought the least about. The best thing you can do is to just post, now! Be contientious of course but social moves fast, don’t lag.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceaki.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsgraceaki
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsgraceaki

Image Credits

Mindy Tucker
Sylvie Rosokoff