Daily Inspiration: Meet Ajza Irving

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ajza Irving.

Hi Ajza, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It started in high school theatre class. I looked at theatre as something fun to do, not a passion or a dream. My parents divorced and my father left when I was eight years old to chase his dreams in the entertainment business. In the back of my mind, I never wanted to let my mother down by becoming an artist, even though I was fascinated with it. In class, whether I was performing or watching someone perform, time seemed to stop as long as class was in session. In college, I double majored in psychology and theatre. I suffered a traumatic event where I was assaulted and permanent damage was cause to my eye and face. The experience made me distance myself from almost everyone I knew and my classes were a form of therapy and even escapism. Psychology and theatre were coupled perfectly like an introvert/extrovert friendship. Self expression met with introspection. I leaned in to what felt like a new form of self love and performed indie series and films, released music, did stage performances, landed an agent and booked two tv roles.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know if any artist has had a smooth road if they were an artist long enough. There’s so much rejection that happens for actors especially. The creative side and the business side are not as separate as they used to be. Artists, musicians, actors… we give a lot of ourselves without a guarantee of reciprocity, especially monetary. But I’ve still had to invest in myself whether it’s equipment or just the craft. Also, it can be difficult to have a set schedule. Everything is very on the fly. For example, an audition should be submitted within a day to a couple of days unless it’s really long. And if they book you, it’s not unusual for you to be asked to be on set for an unknown amount of hours the following week. But if you love what you do, it’s kind of an addiction lol. I’ve “quit” a few times.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actress and music artist. I’ve written songs and realeased an EP titled “Where We Left Off” on Apple Music. I’m proud of that because I wrote 100% of the lyrics for every song and it was pure self expression. I’ve performed in a short film titled Take. I’m proud of this because it wasn’t the typical “pretty girl” role I’m asked to audition for. My character was very raw and I got to do some firearm training too. I’m also in the television show Kold x Windy on WeTV and Rap Sh!t on HBO Max. I’m proud of those because both of those auditions required a lot of improv. I’m also proud of my Youtube channel, mainly because I’m intentional with different angles, creative edits, variety in content… it’s like my own little mini production that I get to have full creative control over. I think what sets me apart is my ability to be open and intuitive. Sometimes when people listen to me talk or hear some of my music they’re a little surprised about the things that interests me.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Oh my gosh, yes. I booked a role right before I went on vacation for an indie production. Unfortunately, they could not change the final dates so they’ll be casting someone else, but what is meant to be will be. I did the audition but during editing, I thought of a different way to play the character that was completely opposite of what I did. I didn’t know if it was the right approach but It seemed more interesting to me. I reshot the whole take. Even though I had to decline the role, they sent another email saying the tape was amazing. Another risk I took was moving to Los Angeles last year. A huge risk for anyone in this economy. Even though I’m from Clayton County, I felt like my heart wanted to visit a new place for a while. All my people begged me not to go for a multitude of reasons, but no one has to walk in your shoes everyday but you. There were things I was intentionally leaving behind that no one knew about. Being an artist, you have to follow your intuition regardless. Your tendency to do that and to follow your heart is what makes you an artist. If we all just did what everyone thinks we should do there would be no inspiration to do anything. All risks are important. How else do you know what your full capacity is?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/AjzaSierra
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@ajzasierra
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11172951/?ref_=fn_t_1