We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ra’Cheria Goode . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ra’Cheria below.

Alright, Ra’Cheria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I love this question! because whenever I’m asked, I always say since birth. I truly believe your younger self knows who you are, and what you’re called to do—you know, before you experience the world, and are swayed in another direction for survival purposes—My younger self had the game plan, she just needed the platform, a.k.a her adult self.

From a very young age I knew I wanted to pursue the Arts. My parents signed me up for many creative ventures as often as they could. I’ve taken on dance classes, painting & drawing, music, poetry & writing, acting, you name it. Eventually, they enrolled me into schools of the arts. There I began proper training. I’d like to note that they would encourage me to pursue what I was most comfortable, and happiest with. I was never pressured by them to make a choice. Those choices were organic. However, when I did make those choices, our agreement was that I stay committed, focused and disciplined. I think it’s safe to say I followed through with the agreement.

May we have a transparent moment here?I’ve only ever shared this truth with very few people. I was born with MCS. What is MCS you ask? Main Character Syndrome.

All eyes on me please! I say that in the least arrogant meaning possible! I swear!

I’ve always been able to captivate a room full of people, even when I wasn’t intentionally doing so. I’ve always felt held to a different standard than my peers. No, no, I do not feel superior than anyone. I’ve consciously noted that others expectations of me differed then those around me. “All eyes on me” isn’t necessarily a “good thing”, it can feel like walking on eggshells, like you have to be the perfect role model at all time. That becomes exhausting, and unrealistic to the human experience. I’m almost able to empathize with celebrities. And In no way am I comparing myself to a celebrity—although I plan to create great impact as one, to many communities possible—I’m simply stating I understand the pressure that most of them are placed under being in the public eye.

However, I’ll redirect my attitude, and mention the beneficial aspects of my first world issue, and that would be influence, positive impact, and activism.

Throughout history individuals have always used the arts to advocate. From media, paintings, music, acting, singing, writing and much more. These art forms often catches the viewers and listeners attention. Most creators goal is to showcase emotions through their work, and allow outsiders to experience it through their own perspective, and I want in.

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.

Ah! More about me, yay! Hey, hey! I am Entrepreneur, Actress, Plus size model, Theatre coach, Founder & President of Goode Entertainment Theatre Production Company, Inc.,Ra’Cheria Goode, pleasure to meet you.

How I begin walking in my purpose started when I attended primary school, and was introduced to theatre and dance. I loved my craft, but was often penalized for external factors, mostly my weight, and race. I was a plus-size youth who wanted to dominate the dance floor, but allegedly didn’t fit the ideal look or size of a dancer, nor was I deemed cast-able for select plays because most of them [plays] catered to audiences that couldn’t relate to me, or individuals who looked like me. My belief is representation matters, so I created a Theatre company that caters to BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous, and Other people of color) youth and young adults, along with pursuing a career as a plus size model that showcases self love towards bodies that aren’t deemed “acceptable” to society.

Goode Entertainment Theatre production company, Inc. is a nonprofit theater based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Our mission is to represent BIPOC communities in a positive way, while creating safe spaces for these communities to excel artistically.
We offer BIPOC youth and young adults the opportunity to engage in collaborative work environments which includes live theatrical productions and cultural education programs such as: Theater history, set design, costume design, speech & movement, film and much more.

We also host workshops & trainings, along with positive community engagement events which you are able to learn more about on our social media pages, and website. Instagram & Facebook
@Goodeentertainment.
Our website is Goodeentertainmenttpc.org
For private lessons, and coaching, you may book through the website as well.

In regards to modeling, this journey is fairly new for me. I became a freelance model back in 2019. I’ve applied to many agencies mainly in New York. I nearly had a big break with an agency that was recommended to me through a friend that is currently signed to this agency, whom I won’t name. However, the agency decided to go in a different direction. The opportunity would have been amazing. Their rejection redirected me to revamp, and improve my portfolio. I’m still very open to signing with an agency for modeling. I prefer an agency that, too, is inclusive, and understands the importance of diversity in cultures, body types, age, and race. Throughout my modeling career, I have met phenomenal people who have supported me as a “baby model”. They’ve taken the time to share their learning experiences, trials and tribulations, do’s and don’ts, so that I wouldn’t make costly mistakes in my journey. I’m appreciative of their wisdom.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Grind/ Hustle culture is extremely toxic. I really believe what’s meant for you, shall not pass you, especially when you’re putting in the time and effort. So often we’re told to push push push push, however, that mostly leads to immediate burn out.

Rest isn’t your enemy. Listen to your body. It knows best. This is coming from someone who used to work three jobs at the same time. In which one job was 70+ Miles away from the other two. All that work only proved that W-2s can be sent electronically, and through the mailing system.

In all seriousness, I believe grind/hustle culture are for individuals who aren’t ready to deal with internal issues, so instead, they overwork themselves to prove their value as an individual versus dealing with their emotions first hand. The hustle is their escape. I feel this way because, I, too, was this person. I wanted to prove my value. When I realized that events that were meant to happen in my life were going to happen in their own timing, is when I had to reevaluate and ask myself why was I pushing myself so hard? In actuality, I was a reflection of the individuals that were around me. Deep down, I knew that wasn’t how I functioned, personally. Not proficiently at least. Eventually, I begin to walk to the rhythm of my own beat. That’s scary, but necessary. I stopped comparing myself. I took the time to understand me better. I don’t regret it. And if you’re wondering, my businesses are flourishing very well because of this shift.

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

I’ll keep this short, sweet, and simple. The impact, always. Most artist will tell you the process is tedious, but the reactions, and reassurance towards your creativity is rewarding. Not in the “I didn’t think I was good enough to pull this off manner.”, more so the appreciation, and admiration of the artistry.

Contact Info:

• Website: Goodeentertainmenttpc.org
• Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Goodeentertainment
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/Goodeentertainment
• Linkedin: RaCheria goode

Image Credits
DraculaX Photography