Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayo Dada.
Hi Ayo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ayo Dada and i’m 21 years old. I’m a model and actress in Atlanta, Ga. Growing up, I was the youngest of three, being raised by a single mother who only first came to this country 5 years prior. Like most mothers, she worked tirelessly for her kids and wanted the most for us. I got my start when I was 4 years old, and got signed to a children’s agency for modeling and acting. I was trained, and had multiple sessions for practice, in addition to school and soccer daily. Now little Ayo was the tommiest tomboy you’ve ever seen. So even though I loved being in the starlight, I pushed more for soccer than anything. Although soccer was my life, acting was my dream. I would watch the VS fashion show and walk the walk when no one was looking, hit the replay button 10 times to practice lines in my room. Where no one could see me because I was ashamed. I put myself in a box that confined me for years, because I felt like no one like me could be on the tv. Today, boxes don’t even exist to me. I draw the lines and I decide who makes the rules. I’m actively working and looking to grow wherever I can. Acting is my passion but I still love modeling, as that was where I got my start. I work with freelance, beginner, and established photographers around the Atlanta area, getting in work wherever I can. I practice monologues in my free time as many aspiring actors do, and am always looking for projects to better myself, whether that be student projects, smaller non-union projects, actor workshops and groups in the Atl area, etc. Consistency is key, and all progress is good progress. Every day I’m proud of myself for pursuing a passion that fuels me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course there’s been bumps, there still are bumps every day. Money, resources, connections, etc. When it comes to getting up every day and pursuing a passion that, at the end of the day, may not amount to the level you want, may not support you emotionally or financially in the way that you need. It makes you question. At times, other aspects of my life have to take priority. Although, to be real, the biggest obstacle of all has always been myself. Growing up I had OCD, anxiety, and depression that affected me greatly. So my biggest struggle was always on the inside, not the outside. I still work through these issues day by day. But every day I choose to be greater than I was yesterday. And I think that works for me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I stated earlier, Im an actress and model in Atlanta, Ga. When it comes to modeling, and acting even, every opportunity is a good opportunity. It gives you a chance for exposure, networking, resources. But before I began to model again, and start pursuing my acting career, I decided that not every opportunity would be the right opportunity. Not for me anyway. Exposure is great and I still look for opportunities that may come easier to others. And thats okay. But over time I realized, the reason this is what I choose to do, is because I love art. To be real with you, Ayo can’t draw, sing, or dance, okay? But I love being creative, & working creatively. Being around art, being apart of that creative process, thats what drives me. And if I can’t create the art…I wanna be the medium for others to experience it as well. I want to communicate that message to you. I try to let my work reflect that. And as I continue to grow I hope thats what people can draw from me. I hope that’s what sets me apart. Because thats what I’m most proud of.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To collaborate or reach out, you may contact me through email at: ayodadabusiness@gmail.com at any time. To support, you can find me on Instagram @ayospics, Youtube @ayowantwar and Tiktok @ayowantwar
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayospics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gix46DZey/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ayowantwar
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ayoswrldd
Image Credits
@keyeshoots @idyllicshooter
