Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raihyah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Raihyah, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I think learning the craft of acting is such a beautiful thing. I know everyone wants to go straight to the big screen (myself included at a point), but there’s so much beauty in what you can learn before you get there. I started taking my first acting and modeling classes at 14, learning the basics of acting and modeling. At 17, I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts which is where I truly started learning the craft of acting, filmmaking, and writing. I never knew there were so many elements that went into it until I attended AADA. Having to break down the emotional walls, learning the voice, what the crew does, and so much more.

I learned very quickly some of the important things of acting. Not feeling embarrassed and fully immersing yourself in the experience. I was able to cry very easily, as well as commit. But majority of what you have to learn is not easy whatsoever. You have to do a lot of inner work. Finding out why you’re blocking in certain scenes, what is stopping you from going “there.” Lots of time, you’re subconsciously protecting yourself from experiencing something again. Majority of the time in life, we avoid vulnerability, now you’re putting yourself in a place where you have to constantly be vulnerable. Learning what to do to break down those emotional barriers takes work. But it is so fulfilling and well worth it as an actor. I encourage every actor to learn the craft, so that you can truly grow as an actor and creator.

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?

I am Raihyah. An Actress, Creator, Writer, and Filmmaker. I was born in Los Angeles, CA, but started growing up in Kansas City, Missouri. I spent 10 years in Fayetteville, North Carolina before returning back to Los Angeles. Growing up I acted, played piano, cello, basketball, and danced. I realized the connection between everything I did is performing in front of an audience. I loved all of these things, but acting is the only thing I felt extremely passionate about. Acting has always been my passion but growing up there weren’t any resources around me to acquire the skills. And with my mom and family knowing nothing about the entertainment industry, we didn’t know where to start. When I was 14, I took my first acting and modeling classes, learning the basics. Through that schooling, I was able to get my first agent. Through that agent I got an acting coach who helped me with my monologues to get into my dream acting school. I graduated high school early and started college early at the age of 17 at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Going to that school helped me acquire the skills and knowledge I needed. Since graduating at 19, I’ve been in multiple films, shows, commercials and more. The more I’ve worked, the more I’ve learned, and the more I am excited to continue to work. I signed with a wonderful agent and manager. I am also in the process of creating my own films and shows. I started my own youtube, @Raihyah, where I show my experience as an actress, self help talks, vlogs, comedy and filmmaking. I love being able to connect and create a community of people full of love and similar aspirations. I am most proud of showing up authentically and genuine. I believe that shines through in everything I put forth. My goal is to continue to be a part of telling important stories that connect with people and help make the world a better place. By opening the minds of people and showing different lives and experiences of others. Outside of acting and creating, I want to do my best to continue making the world a better place and helping others. Making sure people have access to basic needs such as clean water, food, shelter, good education, and affordable resources for mental health. Anything I can do in my power to help, I want to.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the negative connotation behind “Be Realistic.” In my experience, often times whenever I would talk about wanting to be an actress, someone would tell me to be realistic. It took me some time to realize, but after being told this time after time I realized they were saying my desire to be an actress isn’t realistic and that wouldn’t happen. I don’t think being realistic should mean you can’t dream big. If being realistic means it’ll never happen, than I rather be delusional.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is being able to connect and effect others through your art. To witness something you created do that is such an indescribable feeling. Seeing people be able to relate or be effected by something you created is such a beautiful, heartwarming experience. Being able to offer a new perspective or experience is so rewarding. It makes me feel like everything I do as an artist is worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raihyah.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/raihyahh
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raihyah
• Other: IMDB: imdb.com/name/nm13060188/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1