Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashani Roberts.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born in Miami, FL, I was raised in a Performing Arts family. My mother had a non-profit organization (ACAPAI), so my childhood and summers were spent doing theatre, art, puppetry, dance and community service.
Being surrounded by the arts, I grew love and respect for it and knew that I wanted to be in entertainment but taking it to the next level wasn’t something that happened in the neighborhood where I grew up… So I eventually strayed away from it as I got older, and decided to get more involved in sports, later earning a Track and Field scholarship to Florida Atlantic University. Track had become my new goal because it was viewed as a more “realistic” goal to everyone around me. Until a torn PCL knee injury cut my USA Olympic Triple Jumper goal short, forcing me to fall back on my degree.
However, after graduating with my Bachelors in Business Finance, I found my way back to pursuing modeling and acting part-time. After a year of trying to juggle both, I quit my finance job and decided to put Acting and modeling first, while working three part-time jobs that were more flexible to allow me to make auditions and castings. After a year of building my resume, I was finally able to call myself a full-time Actress and model.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road and journey was far from smooth for me. After my first year of getting back into the entertainment industry, I was diagnosed with a rare Desmoid Tumor that’s was growing so rapidly that it required four months of chemotherapy immediately, causing me to put my career on hold. After finally gaining the courage to chase my dreams, my entire life flashed before my eyes and I had no idea what would happen next.
Throughout those four months of chemo, I had a lot of time to think and I grew tremendously mentally. Life was suddenly too short to spend doing jobs just for the money. So I made a promise to myself to do what made me happy, despite others saying that it wasn’t possible, safe or the smart thing to do.
The next year I struggled physically and suffered mentally to match my previous image and headshots due to the weight and hair loss from the chemotherapy. I got turned down for multiple jobs and received hurtful comments, but I refused to let it bring me down or stop me. I had come too far to give up. That obstacle taught me so much about myself at a young age, and I don’t regret it at all. I never knew how strong and determined I was until then, and because of it, I know that there’s absolutely nothing that will get in my way.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an Actress, Stunt Performer and Commercial Model who moved to Atlanta in 2017 after studying in Los Angeles for four months with the Ivana Chubbuck and Speiser/Sturges studios.
I am known for my recurring roles on American Soul (BET) as Andrea Tucker, Star (FOX) as Nakisha, and Love Is_ (OWN) as Wendy on the Marvin Show. I have also appeared in What Men Want with Taraji P. Henson, and have had to pleasure of Stunt doubling Tyra Banks and Issa Rae, as well as doing my own stunts in two productions. I’m also known for local and regional commercials, along with modeling print jobs for companies like Walmart, Office Depot and numerous Internal training videos.
I am most proud of my perseverance and success despite the hurdles and naysayers. Today I stand confident in my craft and know that my past does not define me; it is what makes me different. I am a real person, who is relatable to many and a fighter who won’t stop until I win.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite childhood memories was when I refused to go on stage during a theatre play (mid-show) because I was too afraid. I stood off-stage when my cue was given and all I could do was cry. That memory is a constant reminder of how far I’ve come in life. From being a shy little girl who allowed her fears and doubts to interfere with her Love of Performing, into a brave woman who won’t let anyone, anything or her circumstances get in her way of being the best Performer she can be, and finding joy in every day of her life that she has left. This journey was not an easy one, and I know that it’ll only get harder from here, but I am ready and excited to show the world what that little shy girl is truly made of.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.imdb.me/AshaniRoberts
- Email: Agency: Aligned Stars Agency
- Instagram: @Ashani_R
- Twitter: @ItsAshaniR
Image Credit:
Headshot – LA Photographer Ana Ochoa, Afrocentic – Gabriel Sheffield, American Soul (BET) as Andrea Tucker (2 photos) – Andrew Thomas Clifton, Group Picture of Love Is_ (OWN) Premiere in L.A. 2018, Stunt Double of Tyra Banks on Life Size 2, Sports portfolio photo – B. Alyssa Trofort, Headshot – L.A. Photographer Paul Smith, Post Chemo Pic – Photographer Francy Nunez
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