We recently connected with Teala Stampley and have shared our conversation below.

Teala, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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 dreamed of being an actress since I was a little girl, but at 30 I was working in a comfy job in corporate America finally making “adult” money. I was able to pay off all my debt and get my credit score right. I had a respectable savings and was in the process of buying my first home. I was really “adulting” at its finest! The only draw back was, I was miserable and depressed. One day I went to work and God told me to quit my job. I was like come on God really! How am I supposed to support myself? I’m like really on my grind Lord and you want me to quit? God told me I got you and I listened with tears in my eyes and why’s and what’s in my head. I had no clue what God was up to but within 4 months I was signed to my first talent agency as a professional actress. We don’t always know what’s next or what God is up to but you have to take the risk and listen to that voice. I had no idea I was going to start working on Chicago PD and connecting with amazing people who would help me through the unknown. I just took the risk believing that there was something out there bigger and better for me. I have two movies set to come out this year, one of which I am the lead, I’ve worked on the set of several network T.V. shows and booked a few commercials. I thought that savings was for my house, but it was an investment for my future. I’m not going to say taking the risk was not scary because it was horrifying, but I am literally finally living the life of my dreams and all my bills are still paid! Dream big and then take the risk by betting on you!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Teala Stampley and I am a future Emmy and Oscar award winning actress! Acting has always been a life long dream of mine. As a kid, my sister Cheetara and I would put together plays and shows for my family before we graduated to my dad’s camcorder. After 4 years at Columbia College majoring in Cinematography I took a break from the film industry. Even though I stepped away professionally it was never far away. I created a YouTube series with friends mocking several love reality shows and incorporated my skills in every job I had. I may not have known where my life would lead, but I’m glad I trust God! My dream role would be a character like Samuel L. Jackson in Shaft meets Viola Davis in how to get away with murder. A super badass! I put in the work to be the best version of myself when stepping into any character. I am funny, tastefully awkward and cool.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The book that helped me accept and learn what God was doing for me as an artist was, Yvonne Orji’s Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams. I realized I too was being bamboozled lol but I would not have it any other way!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I also run a non profit where we work with Chicago teens via our mentor program. I am driven to be successful and joyful because I want to lead by example. I am always telling them that they can be whatever they want in this world but at one point I did not believe it for myself. I had to quit my job so I could fly and help lead the next generation to understand, “ain’t nothing to it, but to do it!” I am also doing this for my younger self. I keep a picture of myself as a kid and remind her daily that she can dream and she can achieve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativemindslif.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tealastampley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SCREAMATMEBREEZY
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13555876/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Tyler Core Him Over There Studios