We were lucky to catch up with Sannchaz Blackmon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sannchaz , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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’m a firm believer in taking good risk. Especially if I know that there is a possibility that it would be for my greater good. A risk that would truly benefit me; not a risk for pleasure or should I say pleasurable wants. I took a risk in moving to Atlanta from my home state Mississippi with less than a $100 to my name. I had dropped out of college living pay check to pay check and my living situation was not the best. I know that I wanted to be an entertainer. When I did my research on stand up comedy and film every article or story I read it had Atlanta,GA as the place to make it happen. I knew I wanted to do better and I did not enjoy living in a poverty consciousness environment Especially with the lack of support and resources.I prayed to God and told him I know I’m better than this situation; I’m ready to go. I’m ready to live out my dream. I took theater in Highschool. I knew I had a aunte that lived in Ga. I knew I had a place to stay. I kept talking to God and explained I’ll do whatever it takes. In the past I was worrying about saving money. God tested my faith. He woke me up and 4:00 am and a voice said start packing. I was obedient I did just that. I did not tell a soul I was thinking about moving, because i did not want anyone to change my mind. I told the lady I was living with, I’m moving to Atlanta to chase my dreams. She did not believe me. I gased up with the little money I had. I thanked her for letting me stay with her. I was crying in her door. I based up with little money I had. Hit the road with a nail in my tire. Made it to Alabama,my transmissioned was slipping. I stopped at a service station and this old white lady helped me. I had no transmission fluid in my car. I only had about $12. I need that for gas to made it Atlanta I still had 100 miles left. I told her my situation, I out 10 in the car and she have me some type of lawn mower fluid and it got me all the way to Atlanta,GA. I didn’t event tell my aunte I was coming to live with her. Until I was about 1hr30min out. She was shocked. The moment I pulled up at her house I was less than 20miles to E, no money, & my car needed fixed. That was the biggest risk I took. I started doing comedy 2 months later, enrolled back in college- graduated film school, Hosted Kevin Hart- Hart of the City on Comedy Central, Played an FBI Agent in Black Panther 2, worked on major production sets, Featured in Laff magazine, House Host at a Major Comedy Club, shared the stage with Legendary comedians, and has spoken to over 3000 students across the nation.
Sannchaz , 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’m a country girl with lots of love, good energy, laughter, and positivity. What you see is what you get. Real and straight to the point. A no- nonsense person and down to earth.
* I got into this industry because it’s always been my dream and passion. When my mom was sick growing up she use to call me her little comedian she would always ask me to make her laugh or she would have me imitating people. I took theater in Highschool, because I knew I wanted to work in entertainment.
* I got started in the comedy industry like most older comedians through open mic night. I started at Uptown Comedy Corner 10 years ago and never got off stage.
* Stand up comedy is a craft that takes time. It’s always a plus when you are Naturally funny. But, when it comes to jokes that’s where the art comes in at. You have to understand what’s your punchline, the setup around it, is it a one liner, tag line that comes around every other joke, and etc. When you learn the skill of Improv it helps you to be quick on your toes and you’re prepared for any change In the atmosphere of your settings.
* Even when comedians are having a bad day; or got the worst news we still can find the humor in it all. I’m most proud of being consistent, authentic, and simply having enough respect and love for the craft to take the time over the years to learn it and master it more and more. I thank God everyday for the natural gift to make someone’s day better, because laughing is healing. When I post content and hit the stage to perform. I want the audience to forget what worries them the most or what had them down. Even if it’s for a second
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I lost my mother at a young age and step father! I was a young teenager going to school full time and working 40hours+ a week to sustain myself. At one point in youth the good out weighed the bad. I felt like giving up! But the village made sure that didn’t happen especially at school. Even when your surroundings are not the best, you or your family is struggling keep going, use your circumstances for motivation instead of excuses for failure, surround yourself around people that’s living your imagination or has the resources to get too your dreams and goals. I manage to graduate Highschool in the 11th grade with honors after being on my own since I was 14-15. No children! Criminal record, or anything! Despite the crazy rough childhood after my parents past.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Simply making people laugh and feel good! A laugh can turn a bad day good!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Sannchaz Blackmon
- Facebook: Sannchaz Blackmon
- Youtube: Sannchaz Blackmon
- Other: Nothing much! But I have alot of viral funny content. That’s doing really good right now on the internet millions of views
Image Credits
@gioelegantphotos