Today we’d like to introduce you to Simeon Daise.
Simeon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Firstly, let me start off by saying I am extremely humbled to know what it feels like to understand part of my purpose at such an early age. I was only five months old when my family and I began filming Gullah Gullah Island. I had a job before I could count money. I understood what it meant to be committed to something before I could spell it out. The time in which Gullah Gullah Island was on Nickelodeon was pivotal; not only for the Gullah Geechee culture but for the African-American family, which is something I have grown to appreciate even more in my adulthood. Shows like that did not exist at that time; where the black family could see a mirror of themselves on a national children’s television show on a network as big as Nickelodeon. I’m honored to have been a part of my parents dream for our people and it inspired me; their drive to tell our story, our way.
Being the baby from Gullah Gullah Island had its perks and many people show love to this day, but it came with its share of persecution and jealousy. I was naturally humble, as both of my parents are, so I tried not to get caught up in the negativity I received at times. I didn’t even really understand who I was or what it meant to be “famous” at that age, but as I matured, I started to realize that being a creative was something I was intended to be and something that I didn’t have to apologize for. As I got older, I began to dabble in many different areas of the arts: acting, singing, dancing, writing, etc. I enjoyed sports too, as most young boys do. I played basketball and soccer, and I didn’t suck at either one.
After graduating from high school in 2011, I didn’t further my education. I had to find my own path even if it meant taking the road less traveled. I moved to Atlanta in 2013 and furthered my career. Since then, I’ve made guest appearances in Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and The Have Nots”, “The Bobby Brown story”, “Novella”, and now I am a series regular on “American Soul”; a show coming to BET in 2019. I aim to exemplify what it means to forge your own path and define your career. The business can be a rollercoaster, but being introduced to the industry at an early age has equipped me for the ride.
God has positioned me from birth to become who I am, and the journey is just now beginning. I’m just grateful and humbled by it all.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Fame doesn’t equal riches. The path of an Artist is not always as glamorous as it seems. There will be times of feast and famine and sometimes you have to remind yourself that there was a feast at one point.
Please tell us about your work.
I offer taping and coaching for both working and beginning actors. I pride myself in my unique style of teaching scene study and character breakdown. The formula I use helps actors of all levels connect and understand the text while delivering a truthful performance. Also, photography is provided for actors who need headshots or who are interested in photoshoots. My goal is simple; keep actors booked and working.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Everyone will not see your vision or understand your struggle. I wouldn’t change anything! I accept every trial and tribulation that has crossed my path. It’s contributed to my authenticity as an artist and individual. I’ll tell any artist “it’s hard to bring your work to life if you haven’t been through shit.” Always aim to do good business and be passionate about what you do.
Pricing:
- Taping/Coaching= $15 a session (unlimited time if no other apt. is scheduled)
- Photography= $80 hr
Contact Info:
- Email: Simeondaise23@gmail.com
- Instagram: realsimeondaise
- Facebook: Simeon Daise
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
