Daily Inspiration: Meet Giovonnie Samuels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Giovonnie Samuels.

Hi Giovonnie, 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?
I started my career as a child star on “All That” on Nickelodeon for season 7-9 in the early 2000’s. Following that I appeared in several movies, like “Bring It On; All or Nothing’ and “Freedom Writers” heading back to tv on the Disney Channel for “That’s So Raven” and “Suite Life Of Zack and Cody” From there I started teaching and coaching young actors getting started in the industry, later created a company called GS Acting Workshops. More than acting classes, GS Acting workshop is a career development experience design to help actors master their craft, built their brand, and navigate the entertainment industry with confidence. We bridge talent and opportunities through personalize coaching, professional development, and real-world industry inside. Still acting in smaller role and later reprising her role “Betty Jane” in “Raven’s Home”

In 2024 I was highlighted in the Emmy nominated 5 part documentary series “Quiet On Set; The Dark Side of Kid’s TV”. After sharing my story I still felt like something was missing. I started doing speaking engagements across the country advocating for a child safety, and better laws for protecting children onset.

I shifted my focus to behind the camera with a podcast called “The Tokens Podcast” highlighting other former child stars and their experience of being a token person of color on set. From there I saw another need and created my production company Soul Not For Sale Productions. Soul Not For Sale Productions develops and produces bold cultural shifting films, TV, and digital content that entertains, inspires, and create lasting impact. We partner with visionary talent, brands, and studios to bring authentic stories to life while building legacy through powerful storytelling and integrity.

Co-Producing with Wonderwide Productions and stared in my first leading role in a movie called “The OG Bootcamp” premiering earlier this year and is available on Prime Video now.

I want to continue acting, coaching with GS Acting Workshops and producing amazing contact with my company, Soul Not For Sale Productions. Filling in the gap and giving opportunities in the industry with integrity and little bit of fun.

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?
Nothing about my career has been easy. I am grateful for my opportunities and recognize that I was the only point of representation for a lot of people. I was the third person in Nickelodeon history to have locks/ natural hair and I had to do my own hair. Most of the time I was the only black person on set and they didn’t have the right shade of make up for me, or I was considered plus size for time. All of that didn’t matter to me because I knew that my talent would open the door for not just me. When you’re doing something you love it’s not difficult. I also have a full life outside of work and that gives me balance. Most actors tend to forget that part. You can’t perform life if you’re not living it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m proud of the work that I’ve done and every phase of my life from being a child star to acting coach and now a producer with my own production company. You never stop learning and growing in this industry.

I love the fact that I am a childhood staple from Millennials and Gen Z. I understand and value the responsibility of representation I gave them being a funny black girl on TV and film. I love meeting my fans and hearing stories about how I made them feel like it was OK to be different, to be funny, to be curvy seen and beautiful.

GS Acting Workshops is my way of helping people in the industry that may not know or have had the opportunity. One thing about the entertainment industry is it’s a learn on the job business and I discovered a lot of things the hard way in my 25+ years of working.

With Soul Not For Sale Productions I can I produce content that I feel is missing today. Shows back then you could walk away something more than just entertainment.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My peace and family are the most important things in the world to me. Being famous is fleeting and money comes and goes, but my peace, integrity and the people I spend it with is priceless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.GiovonnieSamuels.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/only1giovonnie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028848023048
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Only1Giovonnie
• Other: https://www.gsactingworkshops.com