We were lucky to catch up with Ivy Sunflower recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivy, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As an actress, a storyteller, an artist, I purposely seek out projects that gear towards a commonality that I personally am passionate about. This past year, I was honored to be casted in my first equity show, “School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play” by Jocelyn Bioh, performed at American Stage Theatre Company. “School Girls” follows a group of girls who attend a boarding school in Ghana, Africa and plan to all compete in the Miss Ghana Pageant until their world is “interrupted” by an American new student who isn’t like everyone else.

The play addresses several themes, including colorism, beauty standards, identity, and the pressures of conformity. The play challenges societal beauty standards and how they are used to divide and manipulate women, especially young girls. It acknowledges the dangers, both mentally and physically, that are instilled on those solely based on the color of their skin. However, “School Girls” also explores the complexities of female energy, friendships and power dynamics that exist within them. It sheds light on the psychological effects of bullying and exclusion, and how these can have lasting impacts on individuals’ self-worth and confidence. It is a call for empathy, understanding, and self-love. It encourages audiences to recognize the harm caused by societal beauty standards and to celebrate diversity in all its forms. It is a powerful story on the challenges that young women face as they navigate the pressures of adolescence, identity formation, and societal expectations while still trying to become something in this same world.

As a woman of color, from many backgrounds, a story like this is extremely relevant. We were even able to talk with the youth about the subject matter and offer insight to this global conversation. I, along with the amazing cast of 7 other Queens, were able to stand on that stage as living proof to what our story can be as African American, Caribbean, Afro-Latin, and everything in between people. Who we can all be as women and members of society without expectations, but with faith, dedication, and trust in who we are.

Ivy, 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?

My name is Ivy Sunflower. The stage name came to me about 7 years ago during my favorite style of performance, improv. Ivy Sunflower was the best version of myself. She was a successful actress, who had all the confidence in the world. She would give back, empower others, and perform in the most influential projects. After that moment I realized to myself that “Ivy Sunflower” was me. I just had to start showing up as her. I had to become her. So, I did. I manifested this name to become my reality. That moment put so much into perspective for me that I felt like that was my inner person speaking out through me and waking me up to my true destiny. 

I am an award-winning actress, director, teaching artist/ acting coach, behind the scenes crew member and published model. Growing up I always had a love for the performing arts. Everything from acting, dancing, poetry, etc. My father was the head of sound at the James L.

Knight Center in Downtown Miami, Florida for my entire life until he passed in 2017. I remember being a kid going to as many shows as I could and having the opportunity to not only see the art form live on stage but to also get to witness the overall process that goes into creating this art. I 

fell in love. I wanted to know how everything worked and so I started to learn. I analyzed what my father and the rest of the crew were doing, and I paid close attention to what the performers were doing on stage and steps they would take to captivate the audience. I knew very early that this was my calling. 

In school, I was involved in all performance related things. I was in choir, show choir, drama, stagecraft, and every talent show that was put on. During this time, I was able to gain hands-on experience on stage and behind the scenes. I began volunteering at my mentor’s black box theatre, Robert Nation (“A Tale of Two Cities”) Andrews Living Arts Student in Fort Lauderdale, and soon after began performing professionally. At the age of 18 I received the Communications of Arts Award by the City of Pembroke Pines. This moment proved to me that I was on the right track. I just had to keep pushing. I moved out of my hometown in Miami to move to SW Florida. Here I found a group of creatives that were on the same wavelength with me, gearing towards their creative goals. We began producing our own projects and started to create a brand around us. Ivy Sunflower was born. I dedicate 5-7 hours daily researching, submitting, and imperfectly perfecting my craft. I have graciously been given so many opportunities as an artist to exude my abilities and experience. 

Just this past year, 2022, I received 3 awards, the Ladies in Film and Entertainment (L.I.F.E) Award at the Sunshine City Film Festival, Best Actress Honorable Mention at the Black Art and Film Festival, and Teaching Artist of the Month at American Stage Theatre Company. Each of these awards were for something different creatively that I can call part of my daily life. 

I am an actress. Currently, on screen you can find me as the lead role of the family-comedy “What Tha Hell”, Gotcha Film Productions (TubiTv), the award-winning romantic comedy created by Liggins Liggins-Cabrera “I Need I Want” (Amazon Prime and TubiTV), the drama “The Decision” (Youtube) the drama “Rewind” (Amazon Prime and Plex), and many more upcoming this year including the romantic-comedy series titled “Nothing Else Matters” by Dream Makerz Productions, that has been previewed nationwide. I’ve also been seen on stage recently in “School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play” at American Stage and “Baton” at Florida Studio Theatre. I am also a member of the Love & Fire Improv group that brings together the concepts of improv, love, relationships, and health education all in one show. I am also a performer and producer for R.I.S.E (Reason and Inspiration for Self-Expression), which is a monthly showcase in Tampa that brings together poetry and theatrical performances for BIPOC creatives. 

I am a director. Recently, I’ve directed “Money Matters” by Outcast Theatre Collective performed at the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival, “Black Voices” as a part of American Stage’s First Monday’s, “Breaking the News” as a part of the Garden of Voices Radio Play Festival, and even an improv-based web series titled “My Dating Life Sucks” by Toneice Evans Productions. I am the Director of Residence for the biotechnology company Conduit, directing and assisting in all creative forms as we our engineers heal the world. Currently, I am working on an anthology

series titled “The Dark Ward” by Toneice Evans Productions and am the 1st Assistant Director on the new action film “FIGHT: Rise for Peace” by Gotcha Film Productions. 

I am a teaching artist. At this moment I’m currently teaching a Playwriting course with a program called Write-On through American Stage. This is an Outreach Program with local schools to give back to students and provide them with an additional creative skill that may not be offered. I am 

also teaching an Intro to Acting Course as a part of American Stage’s Drama School. Future Hearts, Minds, and Dreamers is another great organization I teach several creative courses with such as Creative drama/improv, Film Acting, and Play Production. As an independent acting coach, I also specialize in skills such as improv, emotional development, scene study, self-tapes, among a few others. In addition, I have also taught two Improv Masterclasses at the Tampa Bay Community Network and will be collaborating with them on several projects moving forward. 

I am a crew member. I have experience as a production assistant, currently working at the Home Shopping Network and also having been on set for over 5 Lifetime/Hallmark films, props master, stage manager, lights, sounds, etc. My dad made a huge impact on my life and my dedication to learn all aspects of the performing arts world. 

I am a published model. I have been seen in each issue of “Queen Magazine” created by Queen Photography in Tampa, Florida, on the runaway in several cities throughout the state, and as a Costumed Figure Model for Ringling College of Art and Design. 

I aspire to inspire others through the art of performance. I plan to encourage everyone of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities to go after their dreams. I plan to open my own black box for the community, to create a safe space for artists to collaborate, learn, and empower. 

What makes me different is my ability to never give up, and to constantly educate myself on this craft. One day, when I have accomplished the goals I currently have set, I will embark on the next chapter and continue to progress in my field and the elevation of my own life. My mission is greater than me, it’s for all of the Me’s of the past and present who may not have seen themselves in this field because of how our society depicts this industry. But I am living proof that it is more than possible. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to express myself in a way that connects with others. There is something incredibly powerful about creating something that can resonate with people on a deep level and evoke emotion or inspire thought. I also find it incredibly fulfilling to see my ideas and visions come to life, whether it’s through a play, series, or film. Being able to bring something into existence that didn’t exist before is truly magical. I love the sense of freedom that comes with being a creative. There are no rules or limitations to what I can create, and that allows me to explore new ideas and push boundaries in a way that is both exhilarating and fulfilling. I plan to continue to make art and showcase art about the stories that haven’t been told for friends who are like me. Whether I am acting, directing, or teaching, it is so rewarding to recognize your impact. To be able to communicate with others about their perspectives and experiences rewards my artistry. Seeing children tell themselves that they can do this one day is rewarding. Having the ability to have this be my life is the reward on its own. 

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I am passionate about using my art to bring attention to social issues and encourage future artists to break those barriers. Along my journey, I have been told every reason as to why I shouldn’t be doing this, while reminding myself why I should. I do this for those who have maybe lost hope or haven’t had the strength to try. Through my work, I hope to spark conversations, inspire others to think critically, and encourage positive change, change that creates a space for EVERYONE! Art has the power to bring people together and create a sense of community, and that is something that is very important to me and should be to the world. Ultimately, my goal is to create work that is both meaningful and impactful, and to use my creative voice to make a difference in the world. My goal is to inspire others to go for any dream their heart desires unapologetically while doing something I desire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.linktr.ee/IvySunflower
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_IvySunflower
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stephanie.IvySunflower
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ivy-sunflower-94592976
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/_inspireDream
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnNRmltkvmaCrX-R8D1YPvNmR91j1zbiH
• Other: IMDb: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11465142 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivysunflower8