Check Out Raymond Roberson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Roberson.

Hi Raymond, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started in my hometown St. Louis, Missouri. I was a Midwest kid who absolutely loved film & television, but there weren’t a lot of film and tv opportunities out there. So, I had to get a job and learn how to drive a forklift instead (haha). Even though I was working long shifts at a warehouse, my love for the craft of acting never stopped. I started doing theater again, then I found April, my acting agent in St. Louis. I booked some commercials, which led to me doing some short and independent films. After that, I really wanted to be in a city that loved the arts. I was trying to decide between Atlanta and Los Angeles, and I took a leap of faith and moved out to Atlanta in 2019. Thank God for those forklifting skills which came in handy with keeping a roof over my head.

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?
Well, when the pandemic hit, that time forced me to slow down and evaluate myself. I would say the biggest struggle I had was waiting for confirmation on things. I think a lot of people who want to pursue a life worth living secretly wait for confirmation and may struggle with too much people pleasing. We try too hard impress people and to get confirmation from friends, family, coworkers, the internet, a random person on the street, they wait and just hope a voice from burning bush to tell them exactly what to do and how to do it. But it doesn’t always work like that. That’s why it’s called faith– you don’t know how it’s going to work out, you just trust God’s got a plan. For years, I stayed in places that were no longer serving my purpose because they were familiar, but eventually, that voice inside kept calling me to move on. So I acted out on faith, it’s been rewarding. There’s been a lot of growing pains, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m blessed to say my success hasn’t been singular! I’m the Manager of Operations at Goodness in Grains, which is a start up business that serves healthy meals to communities in need. Through my journey, I met a lot of people who sacrificed their health to get ahead. That’s why it’s so important for me to work with this company. We can provide healthy and affordable meals to everyone on the go and anyone who may not have access to healthier options where they live. Even while managing Goodness and Grains, I’m still an actor. I’ve got an amazing agent out here named Carol Shaginaw. I’ve been able to read for films and shows I’ve always wanted to be a part of. My latest project is starring in a great film called “Shades of Someone Else.” I’m also very blessed to continuously book tv commercials. I acted out on faith and got blessed times three. I’ve got an amazing wife and two beautiful daughters. My wife, Courtnee, once said to me “If you ever made a dollar doing what you love, you’re a success.” And that really helped me. It goes back to what I was saying about confirmation, if you seek it from EVERYONE, you’ll never be at peace. Not everyone measures success the same way, but if I wake up and I’m walking in God’s grace, then I did something right.

How do you think about luck?
The pandemic hit a little bit after I moved to Atlanta. So, as far as acting and other pursuits went, that all shut down. But guess what? Warehouse workers were essential, so I was able to keep a roof over my head by managing a warehouse and teaching people how to drive forklifts. The best/luckiest thing to happen during those years was that I was able to meet my wife. Our paths crossed in the most beautiful way. We did our first date over Zoom, and then when lockdown got lifted we celebrated my birthday at a steakhouse.Now 5 years after that, we’ve got the house, the kids, a white picket fence and two spoiled dogs (haha). When I was in LA looking at places, it turned out she was out there the same time as me. We talk about some of the parallels in our lives and how we feel made for each other. My advice to people is, don’t try so hard to make things go your way and trust that there’s another way already prepared for you. Before moving to Atlanta, I had a plan, and that plan absolutely FELL apart. But thank God something better fell into place.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.goodnessingrains.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the1rayroberson?igsh=MXZqdnd5ZjhqOHl4cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4960240/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Chase Anderson David M Watson