Today we’d like to introduce you to Yonna Marcella
Hi Yonna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up between Durham and Oxford, North Carolina. I’ve always been interested in visual and performing arts. Upon graduating high school with honors as a scholar and athlete, I studied pharmacy at Hampton University where I continued to follow my passions through painting and acting in student films. After graduating from Hampton with my PharmD and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I headed straight to Atlanta. This city is a Mecca for Black art and entrepreneurship. I knew that I would be able to see my dreams through here. Since being here I’ve explored many avenues such as styling, exhibit curation, hosting paint and sips, becoming an educator, and a paid actor. After working on my first large production, Boomerang on BET, I knew that I had a vested interest in film and television. This world is where my efforts are aimed these days.
Alright, 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?
It has not been a smooth road. Going from a sure thing (a career in healthcare) to pursuing a career in the arts has been a road paved with question marks and obstacles. It has forced me to ask myself the hard questions like, “what is it that I’m searching for?”, “what life do I truly want to live?”, and “what was I made to do?”.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What brings all of what I do together is the fact that I’m a truth seeker and advocate at heart. Being an actor and curator has allowed me to preserve Black art and Black stories. What sets me apart is my unyielding effort to find authenticity and protect it at all costs. I am proud of the fact that I have found the courage through all of my challenges to be honest with myself and see all perspectives. I don’t think many people get here. Crossing that road into truth and bravery opens you up to all that life has to offer.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Honesty matters most to me. I believe that the more honest we are with ourselves, the more we discover what we need. The more we discover what we need, the less we take out our deficiencies out on others. The less we take out our deficiencies on others, the kinder we are and the more willing we are to give. This makes the world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonnamarcella?igsh=MTV5Zmp1YjNobjE2cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yonnamarcella?si=7Row0pPhnIqwXvTa
Image Credits
Shot by @trillbastro on instagram
