We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phil Rice a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Phil, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I never imagined I would leave my hometown of Detroit, but the dream of becoming an actor was too strong to ignore. So, at the beginning of 2018, even though I only had a few hundred dollars to my name, I took the biggest risk of my life and made the move to Hollywood.
The first few months were tough. Most of the jobs I applied for didn’t allow me the flexibility I needed to accommodate an actor’s schedule, so I took on different odd jobs to make ends meet. I lived in a small house with three roommates who were all aspiring artists themselves. Over time, I grew exhausted from working long hours and dealing with their antics, but I knew that I couldn’t give up.
It didn’t take long to realize that the competition in “The City of Dreams” was fierce. I was constantly rejected and felt like I was letting my friends and family down. I wondered if I had made a mistake leaving my life in Detroit behind. But, I kept pushing forward, determined to succeed.
After four long years of hard work, perseverance, and countless auditions, I finally landed my biggest role yet. I was cast as a Digo (a recurring character) in Season 2 of Paramount’s “Mayor of Kingstown.” Millions of people all around the world would tune in to see me act opposite Jeremy Renner. This never would have happened had I stayed in my comfort zone, back in Detroit. So, at this point there’s no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice by taking the risk of moving to Hollywood. I can’t front. I’m ecstatic to see all of my hard work finally paying off!
Everyday working on the production was a dream and the experience was life changing. Since being cast in “Mayor of Kingstown,” I’ve been offered more opportunities than ever to star in more movies and TV shows. My ultimate goal is to become a household name. As my career expands and evolves it’s important to me to stay grounded. I think my upbringing in Detroit has helped with this. I’ll always remain grateful for the opportunities I have received and the people who have supported me along this journey.
Phil, 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 first began performing in school plays and local theatre. But, I’ve always had aspirations of being on the big screen. That goal led me to the University of Michigan, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting.
My first big break came when I landed a television role on Chicago P.D., followed soon after by a part on Empire, where I acted alongside the likes of Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. These roles were invaluable stepping stones for me as an emerging young actor.
In addition to acting, I am a hip hop recording artist, whose music has been featured on popular radio stations across the nation, such as Chicago’s Power 92 Radio. I also serve as the CEO of my own fashion brand, Dude Lifestyle, and enjoy exploring my creativity with technology by developing mobile apps for clients worldwide.
What I am most proud of is my unwavering commitment to never giving up on my dreams. It’s easy to have faith when everything is going as planned. But, in moments of uncertainty our character is truly tested.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the early days of my fashion brand, I brainstormed different ways to get in front of my target market. After months of research, I was finally ready to showcase my designs at a tradeshow in LA.
At the trade show, I set up my booth to resemble a lounge area, hoping to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for potential customers. However, as the day went on, I noticed that not many people were stopping by my booth.
After some careful observation, I realized that my booth setup was not attracting customers who were walking by. I needed to pivot my strategy. So, I quickly rearranged my booth, placing my product inventory front and center, easily accessible for the people walking by.
To my delight, it worked! The new arrangement was much more convenient. Customers began to stop by and check out my designs. My inventory started flying off the shelves, and I received great feedback from those who tried on the apparel. I had learned the importance of pivoting in business (and life), and to try new things when I wanted a different result.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist, one of the most rewarding aspects of my craft is inspiring others. Whether it’s through my music, acting, or fashion, being able to touch someone’s heart and soul is what makes being an artist truly worthwhile.
It’s especially satisfying to see the impact of my work on the next generation of artists. There’s no better feeling than when a young artist comes up to me and tells me they’ve been inspired by my work, and it has influenced them to follow their dreams. Knowing I’ve been able to help spark creativity within others is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.
Contact Info:
- Website: dudelifestyle.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/flomein
- Facebook: facebook.com/flomein