Today we’d like to introduce you to Naja Small.
Hi Naja, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
That’s a simple and complex answer! I born in Savannah, GA and for as far as I can remember I have loved everything arts, entertainment, dance, acting, etc. Just to give you a brief summary of my background, growing up I loved to sing, dance, and perform. From elementary school to college I was in the band, In High School I was involved in multiple other activities such as student government, step team, karate, soccer, and a four year wrestler. I believe my love of entertainment as a child came from watching music videos and wrestling. At age eight and nine I was boxing in the Junior Olympics. From age 10-18 I achieved my Black Belt while training in Martial Arts. When I got to high school I won multiple wrestling championships and captained the team for three years. Being in front of a crowd has always been my thing. At the end of my high school journey I had to decide if I would take a music scholarship or the wrestling scholarship route. Music won the battle, simply from the financial aspect. Throughout college my major changed several times, but eventually my love of entertainment and being on camera resulted in my final major, Mass Communications, focusing on Television and Radio. I learned so much about video editing, directing, filming, graphic designing and more. Same as in high school, I was a part of multiple organizations and even started the first official hip-hop dance team for the school.
In my last few months of college I interned with CBS. My internship decided to higher me right out of school. During this time period I was still dancing, choreographed a few plays, performed in some plays, and I knew entertainment was my final stop. After about a year I knew I did not want to work in News. News just wasn’t my thing. I really found it to be boring. I decided to step out on faith, move to Atlanta to pursue my entertainment goals on another level. Atlanta was able to bring out all of my talents. It wasn’t easy at first. I had gone through some jobs I hated with printing and graphic companies. I had some stages of unemployment and struggle, but I kept going. I signed with a major dance agency. As Najasism, I wrestled professionally and I performed original music on many stages and in multiple cities. I won awards in multiple cities for my music and won a contest for an International Tour in China. While all this was happening I was building my brand and clients for my production company, Najasism Productions. Graphic Design, Video Production, Marketing, Etc. All though my music and wrestling career was on the upward trajectory, I still wanted to build my company. In 2015, life hits us all, I had some financial challenges and went through a stage of depression. I was burned out from booking shows, doing all the choreography from the shows, traveling, and things not always working out as expected. I stepped away from music and wrestling to focus on the production company. Since then, I’ve written projects, directed films, planned and organized major events, worked with many companies and also some celebrities. In 2018, I was a part of starting The Acting Club Of Atlanta.
In the summer of 2019, I took over as the full owner of The Acting Club Of Atlanta. I never knew my knowledge and past experiences could impact so many kids, actors, and individuals. The school grew quickly and within a short time over 100 people have been members and taken class with T.A.C.A. Many of our students obtained agents through us, booked roles, and grew to a completely different level. Teaching Acting for me was exhilarating. I felt like I walking in purpose helping these kids. 2020 was a crazy year of ups and downs, changing to online classes, and then taking a break to close for a while. Although we are currently closed for regular classes, we don’t know exactly what the future holds for T.A.C.A. When you are a true Artist at heart, the Artist inside never dies.
In 2018, I also began to focus back on Acting and Entertainment. In 2019, I signed with TDH Talent Unlimited Agency. I’ve auditioned for major films, booked a few roles, and am continuing to grow as an Actor. I started a Web Series, It’s Variety on YouTube, in which I am all the main characters on the show. At the beginning of 2020, I also started back training in wrestling, dancing and singing again. The Artist never dies. It all came back like it never left, and my company Najasism Productions is continuing to grow. The future is bright and I will never give up on my dreams. For more information on Najasism Productions, visit www.najasismproductions.com and for more information on Naja small, visit www.najasmall.com.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe whatever God has for you, is for you. I believe in prayer. I believe in hard work.
Contact Info:
- Email: najasismproductions@gmail.com / najasism@gmail.com
- Website: www.najasismproductions.com / najasmall.com
- Instagram: @najasismproductions / @najasism
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvlrt62YcbWAbxVQaU9pr9g
