Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephanie Astalos Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Astalos Jones.

Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m an actor, an artist, a writer, a cancer survivor, and someone who believes in looking out for our brothers and sisters in need. When diagnosed with breast cancer, I chose aesthetic flat closure. Some women have a hard time convincing their doctor that they KNOW what they want. For 3 years, I hosted a podcast called FLAT is where it’s at. It’s still available online. As an artist, I create pysanky. It’s an ancient Ukrainian artform, creating designs and symbols on eggshell using melted hot wax, so it’s basically batik on eggshell.

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?
Trying to convince my doctor that I wanted aesthetic flat closure was a major battle. My first surgeon absolutely did not listen to me and left me with sagging, painful lumps of flesh. It required a different surgeon and a whole new procedure to get the closure I’d asked for.

Choosing art and acting while also choosing to live in rural Georgia is like choosing to bang your head against the wall. But I’ve managed to create, to find a life, and to explore many paths while being here.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been an actor for 48 years. I’ve worked in film, television, theatre, and even a couple years of stand-up. What brings me the most joy is performing my one woman show, More Disgruntled Fumes. Years ago, I went to a poetry open mic and the hilarity I found in the sincerity of bad writing, the poignancy of good writing, and the mix of unusual characters inspired me to create this show. I’ve been doing it for years, adding new characters or adding new poems to old characters. That allows it to just keep rolling along. It’s a chance to offer humor, depth, weird musical instruments, a little improv, and quite a gamut of humanity.

Any big plans?
I hope to book my show into several venues in Athens and I’m looking for venues in Atlanta.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stephanieastalos-jones.com

Image Credits
Stand up photo by Alia Gosheh
Headshot- Tracy Bosworth Page