Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle McFarlane.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Janelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my journey as a pianist at the age of six. I played classical and jazz piano until I graduated high school. In college, I discovered my love of acting and dance. I moved to Atlanta from North Carolina in 2015 to pursue my acting and dance career professionally. While studying and auditioning, I kept having friends express to me how they truly feel I should focus on comedy because I was so funny.
I started tapping into my comedic talent and making content on social media and doing stand-up comedy. Currently, I have a series that I co-produced with my business partner Jacobi Hoolingshed call Art And. It will be showcasing on Watch Blossom this summer. The series follows three artists and the hardship and sacrifices they face to become an artist, with a comedic twist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest obstacle I have faced is building up my resilence. This industry can be tough and constant auditioning can be tough as well. Keep good energy and build a circle that will motivate you. If you notice someone is not supportive of you, it’s ok to remove them from your circle.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an actress and a dancer. Right now, I dance with an afrobeat/soca group call ATLbeatz, which I absolutely love.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Because of social media, the barriers to entry have leveled. New people can build their own brand and promote themselves easily and create. Create, do not wait!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Janelle_am
Image Credit:
SlingShotATL, Janelle_AM
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