We were lucky to catch up with Kaleisha Walker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kaleisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed of being a creative/actress/being in the entertainment industry, but it wasn’t until two years ago when I relocated to Tennessee that this dream came to fruition. Prior to moving to Tennessee, I kind of suppressed my acting dream. There weren’t really any acting opportunities in my hometown. My move here has proven that my dream is still possible.

Kaleisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an aspiring actress. My goal is to work in the entertainment industry full-time and make an impact on others and this world. I want to leave a positive impact. I got into the acting industry two years ago when I relocated to Tennessee. I got my first acting gig (background work) in January of 2022. Since then, I’ve booked (without an agent) nearly 50 projects; the majority of bookings have been background work (an extra), but I’ve had approximately 10 roles with speaking lines. When I moved to Tennessee and learned about the endless acting opportunities available, I committed to myself that I would do what I needed to do to make my dreams come to fruition. Besides, God purposefully and strategically placed me here for a meaningful reason, so it was my duty to do the work and time to make my dreams come to fruition. When I moved here, I joined countless Facebook acting groups, connected with casting agencies, surrounded myself with like-minded individuals, attended multiple networking functions, etc. A couple of the acting opportunities that I am most proud of are booking gigs — with speaking lines — that I booked that I didn’t even have to audition for. First and foremost, I attribute God for all the opportunities He’s made available to me, all the doors He has opened, and the caliber of people He has placed in my life. I am eternally thankful, grateful, appreciative, humbled. I wholeheartedly and humbly thank God. I am also thankful for my supportive acting community/family. I cannot thank them enough for their love, support, sharing opportunities, and so much more. And to my beautiful, loving, supportive family, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. They mean everything to me. I still have a lot that I want to accomplish/achieve, and I am driven and determined to achieve those goals. When I was younger, my uncle, Tyrone, who is now with the Lord, gave me the nickname, Hollywood, and I am striving to fulfill that. But I always intend to stay grateful, thankful, and humbled. I’m also striving to create generational wealth for my family. My advice to anyone who is looking to get into the industry is to fully immerse yourself in the industry, connect and engage with like-minded creatives, like/follow casting agencies on social media, as well as acting groups, and attend networking events. And, most importantly, always put God first, give Him all the praise, honor, and glory, and stay humble.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My family. My family means everything to me; they are my why. When I was younger, my uncle, Tyrone, who is now with the Lord, gave me the nickname, Hollywood, and I am striving to fulfill that. But I always intend to stay grateful, thankful, and humbled. I’m also striving to create generational wealth for my family.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The positive impact that you can leave on others. How you can inspire them to dream again. How you can give them hope that it’s not too late to achieve their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleishaw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaleisha.walker/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleishawalker/
• Other: Acting reels (playlist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDmztZg0Xo&list=PLLc5A1I9DdfCOBoPHgaycljv4ubjtupAU

Image Credits
John Ross Foy