We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiondra Monee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiondra, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

success comes down to three key elements: Dedication, Resilience, and Authenticity.Acting is a craft that demands constant growth and a deep commitment to honing your skills. You have to be willing to fail, learn, and push forward—no matter how many “no’s” you hear.

One story that shaped my perspective happened early in my acting journey. I once auditioned for a role I deeply connected with, but I didn’t book it. Instead of being discouraged, I reached out for feedback and learned the casting director loved my performance but saw me in a different role. Months later, I was cast in another project by that same director, which became a pivotal moment in my career.

That experience taught me the value of showing up authentically and staying consistent. Sometimes, success isn’t immediate—it’s about the seeds you plant and nurture over time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At a very young age, I found that it was therapeutic to express myself through creative activities, such as dancing, Acting,singing, and I just truly fell in love with the arts. I got a chance to entertain these activities in high school, and I found myself getting a bachelors in film and video production because I loved it so much. I was always shy to tell people, friends, family how I wanted to become an actress, it wasn’t until my senior year at Georgia State University we had Steve Harvey come and speak to the students and he expressed how he got into the industry. I just remember him telling his story and explaining how people attempted to placed their doubts inside of him because acting and being a comedian was not common career for People in his area. I completely understood and relate to everything. Steve Harvey had stated . I was very fearful to express how I wanted to act because I didn’t know anyone personally who has acted and it just seemed like a childish dream but that speech really put fire in me to go after my dreams. Now the process has not been easy, life has thrown me some major curveballs. Right at the beginning of my acting journey, I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus that resulted in me having not 1 but 3 brain surgeries. This was difficult but ultimately, my faith in God outweighs any obstacle that comes my way. I know that everything is happening and honestly the curveball made me fearless.
Now is my career, I’ve had opportunities to be apart of some great projects. Stared in story films like “strange to me”, “true colors” and “tradition”. I recently was a guest star in the If it isn’t love” the musical theatrical play. I also have picked up the pen to start writing and producing a few projects I can’t wait for the world to see.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional investment and vulnerability required in this journey. Acting is more than memorizing lines or hitting marks—it’s about digging deep to bring truth to a character. That level of openness can feel both exhilarating and exhausting, and it’s not always easy to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it.

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

As an actress, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to tell stories that resonate with people on a deep, emotional level. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about stepping into a character’s world, embodying their truth, and giving the audience permission to feel something they might not have confronted otherwise—whether it’s joy, heartbreak, or inspiration.

One of my favorite moments is seeing how a performance impacts someone. When a viewer comes up to say, “That story felt like my own,” or “Your role helped me see things differently,” it reaffirms why I do this. Art has the power to connect us, to heal, and to spark change, and being a part of that process is priceless.

For me, it’s also about the growth. Each role challenges me to explore new parts of myself, face my fears, and push my boundaries. That personal transformation, paired with the ability to inspire others, makes every step of the creative journey worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kiondra_
• Instagram: @Kiondra_monee
• Youtube: Kiondra_monee

Image Credits

IRA Carmichael
William Brown JR