We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jazmin Akea a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jazmin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first knew that I wanted to pursue a creative/ artistic path professionally as a child, and I was showcased in musicals and plays as early as elementary school. Throughout the course of my career, I have been trained in both pop/operatic vocal styles/ Dramatic Theater at the Second City/ On-Camera Acting.
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.
I am a singer/songwriter/actress currently residing in Los Angeles, California. I got started in the music industry as one of three members of a girl group called Flirt in Memphis, TN. We were managed by 97.1 Radio DJ Kevonjee at the time, and I recorded my first track with the group at a home studio. Shortly after, I started to write and record for an 8 member music group called Higher Level as the lead vocalist. We performed throughout the city of Memphis and had our songs premiered on radio stations such as Hot 107.1 and K97.1. During this time, I was awarded the SCM Knockdown Award for R&B Artist of the year, an accolade given to local artists and performers in the city of Memphis.
Since moving to LA, I have performed at the Warner Brothers Independent Artist Panel and multiple venues in the city. I also recorded a Broadway production musical demo with the ASCAP Board of Directors Dan Foliart and premiered my singles for BMI “Show and Tell” Workshops in Los Angeles and a “LivtheBiz” Grammy Week Music Industry networking event with Birdman and Blueface. In addition, I have worked on set for the production of “Bang”, a G-Eazy single featuring Tyga. I have appeared on national television on TV shows such as the “The Late Show” with James Corden, “Funny You Should Ask” with Vivica Fox and Polly Shore, “Let’s Make a Deal” with Wayne Brady, and “Westworld” as a featured extra.
I work for multiple production companies and provide content for brands such as Sephora (Vegamour), Self-Financial, and Jack Daniels (Unicorn Island Productions). As an actress, I am most proud of being able to promote diversity and inclusion for various brands. I continue to hone my craft by enrolling in acting classes in order to further improve my skillsets. I have also provided top-lining and songwriting services for studios around the city, including Blackwood Studios (production studio for Daya and Demi Lovato).
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
The biggest thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is that a steady source of income is not always guaranteed for creatives and that persistence is required when it comes to submitting for roles and seeking out paid opportunities. Creatives might also feel that working a traditional 9-5 is not in alignment with their core values and that they need to pursue a career path in which they can express themselves artistically.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
One book that has impacted my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is “You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” -written by Jen Sincero. The book has inspired to me to say “Yes” to opportunities throughout my career even when I experience moments of uncertainty or self-doubt. It has also inspired me to take action when it comes to the things I wish to pursue in life and to constantly push myself to reach new heights.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazminakea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazmin.williams.77736/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazmin-akea-2021/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/ato5ZThKJXM
Image Credits
Alex Acosta Ronald Charles Andy Harris