We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful La Manda Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with La Manda below.
La Manda, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The idea of my first book SURPRISE IT’S JUST PEE!, was inspired from the love of my cat, Tangerine. One day, I came home and discovered Tangerine just peed on my bed again! Fresh clean sheets I just washed earlier in the day. There it is! SURPRISE, IT SJUST PEE! This was my awakening moment of a story! Once I understood I had a story to tell, it was going to be funny and relatable for cat owners, I had faith my book would succeed. Instead of shaming Tangerine for wetting my bed, I found clarity that she was communicating her feelings towards me. She was unhappy with my schedule of long hours away from home.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
How I was introduced into writing and now animating, producing and directing, the entertainment world, was growing up in Los Angeles! My classmates and friends in junior high and high school were solid actors, dancers, who were active in showbusiness as child stars. Another impact was my father who worked in the music industry. The impact of such close influence made me seek my talents inside of me to come out and explore my gifts. For example, my love for theatre, I was grateful to attended Stella Adler Acting Academy in Hollywood to become a better actress.
However, it was Los Angeles Film school which empowered me and getting closer with God. No longer waiting for work, rather to CREATE for myself.
The professors I met believed in me and I began to believe in the POSSIBLE of a new me. I believe my book SURPRISE, ITS JUST PEE! manifested a solution to a problem for anyone who owns a cat and may not have the time to understand the cat’s needs. My book also addresses not to shame cats or pets for their unique way of communicating, to have compassion and honor their feelings.
I am most proud to say, since I have graduated LA Film school and wrote my book, created an animated version of my book, going on tour with my book, I meet readers who can relate. When my readers tell me they love my book during story time before bed, my heart rejoices. I know I am in my purpose and my brand expands.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
When I create a story, an animation, a song, what drives my mission comes from a place of purity and the love of serving people. I love people and serving them comes from a pure heart and I enjoy being a cheerful giver. Creating conversations and healing through my gifts.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson for me is to unlearn placing more on myself than needed. When I started working for corporate companies, adapting to policies and taking orders from people, more was put on me than what I could ever handle. I could not express myself creatively and it was a heavy burden to deliver high results all the time. I am still learning to love who God made me to be and I now know I am perfect for my life path, not anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lamandajdavis.com
- Instagram: @Tangerinecattales
- Facebook: @Author La Manda Davis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamandajdavis1114/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/author_manda
- Youtube: @tangerinecattales6287
- Yelp: n/a
- Soundcloud: n/a
Image Credits
Michael Roud PHOTOGRAPHY-UNIVERSAL CITY, CA.
Kiss of Heaven PHOTOGRAPHY -YAKIMA, WA.