Today we’d like to introduce you to KaRonda Amor.
Hi KaRonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ka’Ronda and I’m a Singer- Songwriter, Actress and Model from West Palm Beach, Fl. I moved to Atlanta Summer 2018 and I always knew I wanted to be here. Atlanta popped my cherry. Lol. My 1st. 1st time I left my home state, 1st time I got on a plane and my very 1st Photo Shoot all happened for me right here in Atlanta, so I knew I had to be here. Music is my passion and my first love. And although I grew up singing in church, I didn’t start pursuing my dreams until 2017. That’s when it hit me. My entire life literally flashed before my eyes. I was like OMG, I’m turning 30, Married with three kids, in an abusive relationship and never really did anything that I wanted to do. You know like when you’re young and you tell yourself what you wanna do when you grow up. Everything I said I’d be….. I wasn’t any of it. I hadn’t do anything.
I decided it was now or never and just went for it. I had always dreamed of walking FASHION WEEK. I knew with no runway experience I’d at minimum need professional photos to submit for castings. I started looking for a Photographer and came across a post for a Power Shoot in Atlanta. It was the World’s Finest Magazine 1st Annual Power Shoot Hosted by Marc See. “Shout Out to Marc See”. He was also the 1st photographer to shoot me. But yea, I went to the link, it was on Eventbrite. I registered for the package that included a Flight and 2day Hotel stay. Transportation was to and from The Shoot Locations we’re also included. They picked me up from my hotel and brought me to where we’d be shooting. I met so many beautiful and talented models and amazing photographers. The 1st location was Piedmont Park, The 2nd was Krog Street Tunnel and the 3rd and final location was Studio Prime Time.
My heart was full. Two Amazing Days filled with everything up that until that point, I had only dreamed of. It felt like I’d waited my whole life. Anyway, Along with some great photos to submit for Fashion Week, I left with the fire that ignited my drive to really make my dreams come true. When I got back to Florida, I went home and told my kids, “I’m going to New York”. They were so excited for me and they really are my biggest cheerleaders. I submitted my measurements and photos for Fashion Week and I got an email with an invitation for Casting Week. So I booked my flight and went to New York. I was so nervous because I had never done runway, and I really wanted to walk. The only experience I had was watching America’s Next Top Model and practicing everything Tyra was Teaching the girls on the show. Casting week was one week and The week of the shows was the following week. I knew I didn’t have enough money to stay in New York for two weeks.
So Casting week, I pretty much just Rome the city during the day and sleep in the Airport at night. Listen, It was so worth it because out of the 9 castings calls that I went to, I booked 6 Designers. Back stage was crazy and I was so nervous.
The Fashion Show was held at Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan. I booked a room there the day before the show so that I could get a good nights rest and not be late for hair and makeup. I killed that runway. I was so filled with joy I cried real deal tears. I knew that this was only the beginning. On the plane ride back home, I started writing. I knew once I got back home, I had to put my foot on the gas and really go for it. I booked a session and got in the studio. I recorded my 1st song and started doing shows. It was really hard because at the time, I had no experience, no fan base, no supporters, nobody. I’m Miami, you couldn’t even pay to perform unless you brought a crowd and I definitely couldn’t do that. I just needed one person to give me a chance. Someone finally did. The very 1st person to give me an opportunity to use their platform and perform was Tone C. aka The Mayor Tone C. Mayor Management in Miramar, FL.
My 1st performance was so bad, I didn’t even take pictures. I just wanted everyone to forget that I was even there let alone had performed that night. I cried, laughed at myself, then I got serious and started working on my stage presence. I got better and even booked a few shows. People started following me and my journey on Social Media. As my support grew, I outgrew my situation, I packed my bags and moved to the city that started it all. Atlanta. I moved here with $900. I know that’s no money but I had decided I was leaving and left. I had found a room for rent for $600/month with a Single Mom who had put an ad on Craigslist. He ad said that she was a Single Mom, fresh out of an abusive relationship and wanted to help another Single Mom. It really felt like this was the way out that I’d been looking for, so when I saw the ad, I said “this is it” my chance and I took it. My kids and I drove the 10hrs from West Palm Beach, FL to Atlanta, GA. Met the Lady, gave her $600 for The Room, Then I started my life.
Fast forward, it’s been 4yrs and where did the time go. I have music on all streaming platforms, my Single “REALITY” got its 1st Placement and will be featured in the upcoming Movie “New Year, New Us 2” Love Goals. Shout Out to Nina Stakz and Onyxtheoryarts for the Opportunity. My Movie “The Betrayal” is on Tubi, Amazon Prime, Hoopla and Vudu TV. And Part 2 drops October 25th. Y’all please go check it out, I play Alicia. Shout Out and much love to Ms. Shadeiah Henderson of ATP FILMS. This Lady gave me my 1st acting opportunity. I’m telling you the work that we did together on The Betrayal really gave me what I needed. My journey wouldn’t have been complete without it. Everything I did with ATP FILMS prepared me for everything I’m doing now and I will love, respect and appreciate her 4L. I have new music on the way and a new movie too so stay tuned. You’ll be hearing about me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The BIGGEST struggle was definitely having to really be a single parent. Although I had been separated from my children’s Father, he was still active and helping me as far as time-sharing and financial support. He used to CashApp me every week. Then In December 2019, during the Trump Administration, he was Detained and Held for 9 Months in ICE CUSTODY. (IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENDORSEMENT) until he was Deported in September 2020 back to JAMAICA. Trying to maintain the bond and relationship that my children have with their Father while trying to Heal and pursue my Dreams have definitely been something I know I could not do without GOD.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an Actress, Model, Singer and Business Owner. I also do Hair. My Salon Suite is located in Lawrenceville, GA and it’s called “The Blair Shop”. I am most proud of the fact that I never give up. I will most definitely take a step back from any and everything except being a Mom. Whenever I feel like something’s gotta give, it’s never being a Mommy. I put my kids 1st and to me, it’s their world, I just live in it. They’ve been with me through it all and they love me no matter what. I don’t take that for granted and I give of myself to them. Everything I have in me, I give to make sure they are good. Feel loved, seen, heard and supported.
What were you like growing up?
I’m the 2nd oldest of 5 siblings and we not Talking about them. Lol. As for me, I was very outspoken but low-key. I didn’t have many friends. Only (2) really good friends, Nesrene and Mandy. I ran Track in High School and That was my Everything. My race was the 400, 4 x 400 Anchor Leg, and Triple Jump.
I was pretty sheltered and my parents were strict Christians so I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere. I could go to Nesrene House but that was about it.
Pricing:
- I’m currently running a Special for Knotless Braids
- JUMBO KNOTLESS $100
- LARGE KNOTLESS $150
- MEDIUM KNOTLESS $175
- SMALL KNOTLESS $200
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mynameiskaronda
- My Single REALITY: https://open.spotify.
com/track/ 2hkozU5w789ap7uiE6jthT?si= epgb0hKqQSCYlw0JqvWh8w
Image Credits
– Betrayal Cast Episode 1 Group Photo: CREDIT – ATP FILMS – Headshot Photo: CREDIT – SlingShots Photography – Professional Feature Photo CREDIT – Marsell Basi ShotByMarsell
