-Robert G Allen
If you can't invision yourself doing something, what good is having the thought to begin with?
One thing we often sell ourself short on is our ability to dream. Better yet, belief in one's dreams to the point of accomplishment. We get caught up in fear, doubt, criticism from naysayers which most times are those close to us and ultimately lose all sense of what the possibility of what our imagination can take us.
There's much we can accomplish simply by thinking it, believing in those thoughts, and applying effort to make sure that the goal is acheived. Is it ever easy? No. However, how great is any reward given it falls right in our laps? Where then is our ability to work toward something-- disappointment and accomplishment alike, and truly earn it?
One promising young lady from New York, on the other hand has quite the vision of and for herself, and that's to follow her dreams of becoming an actress. Fueled by the inspiration of what she can obtain, motivation from her mother and providing for her son, Alexis Rajah is well on her way.
Here in a Q&A with WBM we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with her.
Who is Alexis Rajah?
Alexis Rajah is an actress/model/poet/rapper/ and mother. A person who cares and loves my family and close friends very much. I'm loud, outgoing, fun, takes challenges, will try (almost) any food once (more if I like it) lol, likes to do fun things, would love to travel and see more of the world.
I wouldn't change a single thing because it may alter the tiniest any happy thing in my life. I'm strong willed, strong minded, and stubborn as a hell. Acting is my passion and life goal. I want it like I want my next breath. I do have other dreams as well. I rap (I kno I don't look like it) but yea I rap lol, model as well and have won a beauty competition and was crown Ms. Bronx. I write poetry plan to make a book of it one day; I LOVE writing! I would love to come out with a series of children's books. I already have begun that. (Storyline and idea wise that is). I would LOVE to have my own clothing line once my name is big (it will reach more ppl ;-) ) I have a whole book of design ideas I made YEARS ago.
I'm learning how to be very independent. (hating it; lol) but I love the feeling of being able to do things for myself as well as for my family and CLOSE friends.
I pride myself on my open mind and blunt opinionated honesty. I rather be told the truth and miserable, than lied to and happy. (Can't remember who said that quote). To me dishonesty is the ugliest trait an individual can have. Ugly comes in all shapes and forms and that right there is at the TOP of my list. I don't think I'm better than any other person in the world, but I guarantee I'm a one of a kind, diamond in the rough type of girl, and you'd have to personally know me to understand that. I know what I want out of life and I'll stop at nothing until I've succeeded. Nothing and NO ONE will stand in the way of my dream. Hate & Doubt is my motivation.
Where are you from?
Alexis Rajah: I'm an all around New Yorker. I have lived and grew up all over. Born
in The Bronx, moved to Brooklyn, Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Brooklyn and now back in The Bronx. (In that order LOL) I rep NY, but Bronx and Brooklyn is HOME.
Interest(s)?
Alexis Rajah: OMG, Everything and anything. I crave new things. And old things that I love. My intrest are constantly being sparked. Anything I know most ppl DON'T do I want to do. Like I want to go diamond picking in Arkansas, See if I can stay a night in a certified hunted house, invent something, ride the zip-line over Vegas canyons, weird things like that. My new fave thing mechanical bull riding. LOL
In your opinion, how important is the ability to follow one's dreams?
Alexis Rajah: In my opinion it's a no brainer to follow your dreams. How will you ever know unless you try. I myself truly feel If I don't make it as an actress and have to live a mediocre life; no matter how awesome my husband may be, how great of people my children may become I will never be TRULY happy knowing I didn't give it my all. Who want's to feel like that at the end of a lifetime. There is no going back. Do it and do it NOW!
How long have you been involved in the arts?
Alexis Rajah: I've ALWAYS wanted to act but I started pursuing it on my own when I turned 18. My mother roots for me but told me she wasn't takin me to anymore casting calls since I was such a shy kid when she attempted to start takin me around age 3 or 4. I'm so broken out of that shell. lol
When did you know that this was something that you wanted to pursue?
Alexis Rajah: The 1st time I got on a set for my 1st gig @ 18. it was a commercial that aired on MTV. I was only an extra but I loved it!! The fact that I was up at 4am and didn't get home till around 1am didn't bother me one bit. I was hooked! And saw my leg on TV LOL (Yea I was half cut out).
What inspires and motivates you?
Alexis Rajah: My inspiration comes from myself I'm my biggest push. Every time I see
a film I'm always like. "GOD I HAVE TO DO THIS" it's a mixture of anxiousness and jealousy because I wan't to be there already. My motivation is definitely my son Tilden. I mean I wanted this before but now I have a person to provide for and I want to spoil him rotten and give him everything his heart desires.
Who are some of your influences?
Alexis Rajah: My recent director for the short film I just did (Tru Life Story) Robin S. Williams and Miguel Cumba (Producer) They took me under their wing and continue to guide me. I never had some one aside from myself believe in me so much the way they do. It's such a great feeling it kinda puts the fire under my a$$ that it really is possible. I can do this!
Working on any new projects?
Alexis Rajah: At the moment no. I wish I was that busy with my acting. But a starving artist can live off Ramen noodle. A artist with a child HAS to work. My reality is interfering with my dreams. But I am constantly looking for casting's. I can't wait for my next project to present itself. I also don't want to move backwards I'm building my resume and feel I always want to go bigger!
What are your thoughts on your success?
Alexis Rajah: I'm proud!! I'm doing ok but it can ALWAYS and most definitely get better. I am really proud of Tru Life Story (recent film I did) I am the leading role so I'm really hype about this film and anticipated about this outcome.
Biggest Accomplishment?
Alexis Rajah: Once again Tru Life Story. I have done other films that I lead in but they were independent films as well but they never made it past post production. So I'm really excited to have starred in a film that I can show off. And feel really confidant about the out come. (Will be released in 2011)
Also feeling beautiful in my own skin. I was once verging 200lbs (YUP I SAID IT) and my mother pushed me to enter in Miss NYC Plus Modeling competition for women sizes 12-20. BEST THING EVER. I WON Ms. Bronx (a winner from every borough was selected) but I was proud to be able to not only rep for my birthplace but for the big girls. (YUP I SAID IT) LOL obviously I HAVE lost alot of weight since ;-)
What type of impact would you like to make with your efforts?
Alexis Rajah: I just want people to always follow their dreams and always push forward to accomplish what it is they truly want in life. When I DO become famous I want to be able to help raise money for certain charities. I haven't narrowed down which yet but I will definitely be proactive in ANYTHING I do. I also want to speak to youth groups and help push them to want more out of life even if it's not in the arts.
Who have you worked with so far?
Alexis Rajah: No one major or big named if thats what you mean. I do know a few "Known" people but I'll keep them nameless.
Any anyone you like to work with in the future?
Alexis Rajah: Dan Lin, Angelina Jolie, Michael Bay, Steven King, Kerry Washington, Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton, Wes Craven, Paul Walker, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clair Danes, Adam Sandler, John Travolta, Anne Hathaway, My fellow Bronx sista J-Lo, Shia LeBouf, Charlize Theron, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Sigourney Weaver, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Nicholas Cage, Orlando Bloom, Ben Affleck, Al Pacino, Robert Deniro, Kate Winslet, and of course many many more LOL
What's next for Alexis Rajah?
Alexis Rajah: FINDING AN AGENT !! So far I have been doing everything on my own and
I know with the right person representing me I can get more casting and more gigs. I should have BEEN had one but I'm shopping around. I brought a New York agent book from Barnes and Nobles. So next HOPEFULLY a lead in a feature and then the silver screen!!
Any advice for those looking to pursue their aspirations?
Alexis Rajah: Yes! Go into this whole heartedly; believe in YOU! You are your 1st fan, your 1st motivation, your 1st agent, your 1st and biggest critic. No matter how hard the struggle may seem you NEED to keep pushing on. You have 1 life you don't want to wonder later on down the line "What If."
You will also run into ALOT of negativity from casting agents, producers, haters (of course) but don't let it get you down. THIS is the hardest business to get into and it's a tank full of sharks so you better learn how to swim or you will NOT make it. You NEED a tough exterior. And you have to passionately LOVE what you wana do be it acting, singing, dancing, rapping etc. It can't jus be "Oh I wana be PAID" cuz if thats it then the next high paying ANYTHING will get your
attention.
REAL lovers of the art will continue to pursue their dreams no matter what.
For More On Alexis Rajah:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexis-Rajah/337775680212
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3801190/
http://twitter.com/alexisrajah
http://trulifestory.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tru-Life-Story/269211356937
http://twitter.com/trulifestory
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