WBM Features: Alexis Rajah

The future you see is the future you get.
-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.


[As Told To Why Blue Matters]



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

WBM Features: Kathy Martinez

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.

-Jackie Robinson

Quite confident in what she wants out of life and the impact she plans to have on the lives of others in the process is aspiring actress/model Kathy Martinez from New York. Though currently studying to perfect her craft in arts and entertainment, Kathy has mindset of a veteran, while at the same time as eager as someone hungry for more knowledge and experience.

It takes vision, it takes poise, determination and most importantly a wilingness to make an impact in the world. Kathy is more than ready to do so.

Let's take a moment to get up close and personal with her.

[As Told To Why Blue Matters]

What do you like most about being an actress?

What I like most about being an actress is being able to express myself and others. Naturally, I am a shy person. Very timid and cautious of who I associate myself with and converse with. Being shy does not mean that I do not have a lot to say. Acting allows me the opportunity to step out my box and comfort zone. It allows me to roam freely into my deepest of emotions. Most importantly, it allows me to enter into thoughts and lives of others with out intrusion. I was invited.

What inspires you?

Martin Lawrence inspires me. I think that he is the epitome of a comedic genius, excellence, and success. Martin Lawrence makes me want to do better. I won’t stop until I become just like him in successful measurements. I grew up watching Martin Lawrence. I remember when I was a child me and my family would gather around our small television to watch him. He made me and my family happy. That is what I want to do, make people happy and encourage them to forget about their problems. My second inspiration comes from my desire to represent darker skin Latinos in a positive light. In Latino television there are little to none representation of Latinos on television. When you do see a dark skin Latino, many of the roles they play are servants and slaves. I will be the exception and others who come after me and will be the exception too. They will be able to play a leading role in a successful Latino pilot.

How Long have you been able to balance what you do?

I’ve been able to manage both school and acting since the age seventeen. Since the age seventeen, I made the conscious decision to pursue acting professionally. I didn’t myself doing anything else as a career besides acting. Shortly after this decision, I also made the decision to enroll myself at a four year institution (college). I want to be a trained actress and respected as an intellectual. Thus far, I have been doing a pretty good job. I am in my third year of college pursuing an education in Mass Communications.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself as a paid and professional actress. The professional aspect has been here all along. Conquering both Broadway and box offices. I also see myself working with children, which is another passion of mine. I think it’s important to instill good morals and good manners into our children. If we want out children to do honorable things, we must do honorable things.

Any future projects?

At this moment, I am looking to venture into modeling as well as beauty pageants. I enjoy modeling but I never thought I had the means to pursue modeling as a career. I want to compete in beauty pageants because it was always something I wanted to do as a child. I’ve always wanted to be a beauty queen. My mom never let compete in beauty pagents but it never stopped my desire to want to compete in them. Competing and winning beauty pageants is a personal goal of mine. When I do win, I want to use my platform a means to empower children in any way I can. Last but not least, I want to obtain my PHD. I like the sound of Dr. Martinez.

What type of impact would you like to have?

I want to have a big and everlasting impact on the lives of others. I want others to remember me as a professional actress who gave her time and efforts to improving and helping out our children. I also want people to know, if I can do it, they can do it. I’m in college, they can go to college. I am an actress, they can also be an actress. If you want to be a doctor, then become a doctor, a lawyer, a judge, a professor etc. Remember, with time and efforts anything is possible. I did not get where I am by sitting on my butt all day watching time go by. I did my homework! Do yours. It is not easy and it’s still not. Although, I have impacted the lives of the children in my church, I still feel I have not done enough. In my eyes, there is still more to come from me. I have not realized my full potential but believe me, I will.

Any advice for those who want to pursue their acting aspirations?

This advice is not only for aspiring actors and actresses but for all goal getters. I would say do your research and I can’t stress this statement enough. I would also say find a mentor in your field. I have mentors and they have helped me a lot in terms of guidance. There are many things that many adolescents and adults should not have to experience or know about. You can learn from your mistakes and achievements of others.

For More On Ms. Kathy Martinez:

http://kathymartinez89.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/IamKathyyy
http://www.youtube.com/user/kathymartinez89

Next Stop...Success!

The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.

-Richard Leider

What if from the very moment you begin your day down to the last few minutes before ending it , every step you took correlated to everywhere you wanted to go? (ie: toward the things/goals/dreams/aspirations you want to attain) If you can imagine this or even begin to identify with having days like this you have an idea of how our next featurette, Noree Victoria perceives and experiences the world.

Originally from Baltimore, MD, this young yet seasoned actress keeps success well with in reach while at the same, cognizant that to continue along the path of success constantly looks to improve herself. Interestingly enough what makes this all possible is the fact that Noree does what she loves and doesn't have any plans on letting go of her dreams.

[As told to Why Blue Matters...]

Interest(s):

Acting of course...And ourside of my craft, I enjoy a good book, writing children's stories, fashion, traveling, dancing, people watching, cooking, the company of good friends and anything that involves speed or the stimulation of adrenaline.

What do you like most about acting?

I'm IN LOVE with the process of constant evolution, growth, learning and transformation that acting encourages. And if I don't have it, like when water stands still, I feel stagant. Acting allows me to fulfill my most fundamental personal desires, without having to actually commit myself to being a real life "gypsy." From week to week , day to day, or sometimes even hour to hour, I can be someone new, live a different life...experience everything from being a crack addict to a scientist to a queen. I'm never bored. Boredom and montony are torturous to me. What I do is the ultimate fantasy ride, all of my own creation once I breathe life into a new character.

What inspires and motivates you?

More than anything, I'm inspired by people who wander off the beaten path to accomplish great things...And I'm motivated from within-knowing how blessed I am to be able to what I love. Never wanted to let go of this dream, is more motivation than I'll ever need.

How long have you been involved in Performing Arts?

I come from an entertainment family, and grew up around a sister who went to Juilliard and made a very successful career for herself in the Performing Arts (Penny J Jerald), but I've only been acting full time for about 3 years now. I went to college first, earned my undergrad degrees in Biology and Writing, and a Masters degree in Information Technology - none of which I found particularly fulfilling, except for creative writing which I still do. Now, I am doing what I truly love.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I don't proclaim to be the best, but I am good at what I do, and I'm constantly getting better - because I work hard and I train hard, and I remain open to learning. I'm in LOVE with my craft. I'm married to it, and I take care of it. I respect it. That being said, as long as I don't give up, I see my progress each year growing exponentially from the year before. In this business, that doesn't necessarily mean more roles, or more notoriety or even more money, but it means that you're growing, and eventually, you'll be recognized for the awesome things you bring to the table. In 5 years, what I have now by way of talent and deserved blessings, will simply be magnified.

Tell me a little about how your travels lead you to link with Jay Goldenberg?

I won Best Actress in my category in a national Actors' competition (AMTC) in Orlando at the beginning of this year. A representative from the New York Conservatory of the Dramatic Arts was there scouting, and she observed my performances. I was then invited to audition for her personally, and after performing my monologue, she was impressed enough to award a partial scholarship for me to come and study during this summer. Jay Goldenberg - Associate Artistic Director of the Conservatory, and Salma Hayek's personal acting coach, is one of my instructors for the duration of my studies.

Any future projects?

Since studying at the Conservatory, I was on somewhat of partial hiatus from auditioning. My schedule consisted of 9 hours of training everyday, followed by 4-5 of assignments. However, I'm slated for a role as a young mother/drug addict in a docudrama called Saving Children's Lives, filming in Atlanta. And right before coming to the Conservatory, I worked on a short film, "The Battle from Within" as the lead, and on "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock.

Any advice for those looking to pursue their Performing Arts dreams?

I once attend a phenomenal workshop with two casting directors - one of whom opened with this statement:

"Actors are some the laziest people in this work. They routinely just don't do their homework...Except for the good ones."

And from that moment on, he had my undivided attention. He went on to ask how many of us had ever ridden the subways of New York, and if we have, we'd know that a train comes approximately every 30 seconds, unlike smaller cities where train arrivals are spaced at longer intervals. So if you happen to be talking or dawdling, no worries, the next one is coming right up. However, he said, there are people that will run you OVER to get inside that train before the door closes, knowing full well that another is arriving in the next 30 seconds.

"Anything less than that level of drive and commitment to your career is unacceptable," he said. And I have always been inclined to agree.

What we do is difficult. It's competitive. "No" is the answer to 99% of our questions. Rejection is the norm. So given that the path is already strewn with obstacles before we even begin, we do ourselves a great disservice when we create our own. Embracing laziness. Accepting defeat. Pursuing your craft without passion. Letting the opinions of others eat away at who you are...And adding insult to injury, are those that mull along at their own pace on subway platforms, gawking at the person running as if they were a madman.

I say, let them gawk. Not everyone wants to take the journey with you, or even understands it. You can't please everyone, nor should you want to. There will be those who don't understand your drive or passion, and it's not your job to make them. That being said - just be awesome at what you do.

Do your homework. Study. TRAIN. Pursue opportunities, and leap through open doors. Be prepared to sacrifice greatly, but for the greatest rewards. And do not believe for one second that anything will be handed to you.

And when those doors just happen to keep closing, or worst yet, when there are those that intentionally step into your path...Remain upright and limber on your feet...and never stop running for that next 30-second train.

Model On The Rise (4)

I want to leave a positive impact, showing that you can make it without compromising your values and morals. Never lose sight of where you came from and who you are.

-Glenaliz B.

the who: Glenaliz B.
the what: Student (Communi Disorder/Speech Therapy Major), Dancer, Model, Actress
where: The Sunshine State (Florida)
interests: Modeling, Acting, Dancing, Sports,
First(s): Started modeling @14, Professional dance 4 years ago
inspiration: Mother
the present: finishing up studies in college
the future: Aspires to pursue acting in California
quote: "Be yourself and always stay humble. Especially for young girls, don't ever feel you have to be half naked to be sexy and beautiful. all you have in life are your morals and values, and at the end you will be respected more for it. It might take you longer but at the end it will be worth it. Also always have fun with what you do and smile. And definitely be patient, it might feel like forever until you get your break, but if its for you, it will happen."

Diamonds Are Forever

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
-Lee Holtz

As I attempt to gather my thoughts and compose this piece about today's feature, I can't help but to sit in awe and be completely taken aback by what Nikki Giavasis has done, what she currently does and what she will do with all the phenomenal things she has going on. Nikki G., is an Actress. She is a singer. A life Coach. A motivational Speaker. An author. A wellness Advocate. Nikki has so many facets about her that she can put the most intricate pieces of jewelry to shame.

Nikki Giavasis is brillant, has depth, and ascetic appeal. The combination of those attributes along with the inspiration she gives to many allows her to shine bright. A comparsion to anything other than a diamond is unfitting to say the least.

For more on Nikki Giavasis:

http://www.officialnikkigiavasis.com/

http://www.myspace.com/nikkigiavasis

http://www.twitter.com/nikkigiavasis

How far will you go to hustle for your dreams?
http://www.hustleforyourdreams.com/