Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamya Jamerica.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. I fell in love with performing at a very young age. I knew that I would see myself on the same television I tried biting the character Ike, portrayed by Lawrence Fishbourne, on, from my first favorite film “What’s Love Got To Do With It” directed by Brian Gibson. K-5th grade I was in the magnet program at Carver Elementary, where I learned more about dance, instruments and my favorite “DRAMA”. I continued my journey at Baldwin Middle, where I quickly discovered that it wouldn’t work for me. It was diverse, very different from my elementary. The academic work also became too much. Although I loved the arts, I was missing the culture, I felt very overworked and out of place. Little did I know this place was preparing me for the life I’m currently living. I told my mom that I wanted to go Brewbaker for the remainder of middle school, she was hesitant but she allowed it. Anything regarding theatre, I got involved. It continued through high school. Senior year approached, I was scared that I wouldn’t live out my dreams. My mom was disappointed in me, my fearful speech had no care. Until I saw her get really emotional about it, she had so much faith in me that I could only dream of. I talked with Ms. Hines, my high school history teacher, she made me sit at the computer and apply to Alabama State University. I attended and graduated from The Alabama State University Cum Laude with a bachelor’s in Visual and Performing Arts.
I was awarded Best Actress in a Drama for the play Flyin’ West by Pearl Cleage and Best Make-Up Artist for a Musical, Rent by Jonathan Larson. I attended New York Film Academy LA three years after graduation. During my attendance at the academy, the cancer my mom was battling became worse. My grandmother told me to come home, I was confused because I talked to my mom everyday. It was crushing her because she wanted me there with her but she also wanted me to follow my dreams. A month after coming home she passed…… I lost myself, I didn’t want to act anymore. I dealt with depression, anxiety and substance abuse terribly for about nine months. I started back serving tables, the hope was dead, so I thought. One day I received a random call from a friend telling me what God was about to do. A few weeks later, a college friend of mine reached out with a production assistant opportunity at Tyler Perry Studios. It changed my life! I’ve been climbing since I’ve gotten here. I recently landed my first film acting gig. I’m excited for this chapter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Very opposite of smooth. My main struggle has been grief. Gratefully, God has guided me. God started to shake life up when I was 22. On January 27, 2017, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. That was a month after I graduated college. I put my plans of moving to Atlanta to pursue acting on pause to be by my mother’s side. As of August 20, 2018 she beat the cancer. I remember the look she had in her eyes, it gave, this isn’t over. We still continued with the plan. I started applying for apartments, I found a potential roommate and a nice to job to help save for the move. I kept getting denied, my potential roommate couldn’t move anymore and I lost my job. I began to explore different options, meanwhile, my mom had a terrible cough. March 1, 2019 we found out the cancer had metastasized to my her lungs. Which is the same week I started my NYFA application process. When I received my acceptance letter, we looked at each other and said “if not now when.” I pushed my enrollment until September to be by her side. I even tried to convince her to move with me. September came, my mother’s cancer numbers were as low as they had ever been. I was so happy that she got better, it made me more confident to move. September 11, 2019 is when I took my first huge leap of faith, moving to LA with a loaded car, attached uhaul and first months rent. My cousin, aunt and mom came along for the 29 hour drive. My life changed when I watched my mom walk into the airport. I cried the entire hour drive back to my apartment. My schedule was hectic. I attended class Monday – Friday, sometimes Saturday, door dashed after class and I attended my job on the weekends. I struggled to pay my bills. It got so tough I had to find the strength to add workdays during the school week. Eventually, I lost my car. During this time, the cancer mutated. The news continued to get worse. March of 2020, I returned home to my mother. Catrina Alexander passed away April 12, 2020. I completely lost myself. I tried my best to stay strong for my brother, I got weaker by the day. Things got better with time. When I started working at Tyler Perry Studios, I had to live with a family member and friends. Every week there was a new issue with my car. I thought I would never catch a break. I must say, throughout the hardships, so many people have been a blessings to my life. I’ve been blessed to have so much support on my journey. I got my apartment last year in November. I’m now working on getting a more reliable car, elevating myself care and starting my film acting career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actress. I specialize in comedy and drama. I’m known for my funny videos, I love making people laugh. I’m most proud of my commitment to keep growing, chasing and adapting throughout my hardships. I’m original, open and willing. My authenticity is my originality. My spirit is potent and contagious.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My mom loved the song “Love” by Keyshia Cole. “Mya, I wanna learn the words!!” she said through a laugh. I remember like yesterday. We went and got the bootleg, sorry Keyshia, got our pins and pads and she started dinner. She wanted to learn line by line. “Let’s write down each line then go back and sing it” she was so excited. It made her so happy to spend time with my brother, D’Anthony, and I. The smiles and laughs we shared that night are unmatched. I feel them every time I hear the song.
Contact Info:
- Email: contactshamya@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shamyajamerica?utm_medium=copy_link
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC8QTj7J6F24Ii0C7qJM_KJA
Image Credits
@salimgarcia @digitalbydash Alabama State University
