Today we’d like to introduce you to Veshana Hamblin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a model, actor, and entrepreneur. I wear many different hats and consider myself someone with many gifts and talents. I am a born and raised Jersey girl, but, in my heart, I always knew I wanted More. Growing up in New Jersey has always been difficult for me and or any artist. I’m from a small town, Lawnside New Jersey. Being raised in a small town can hinder growth and opportunities. I always knew I wanted to be in the industry. I always loved to model around the house in outfits and heels. I would pretend to be on tv shows and commercials. I sometimes even wrote my own stories with different characters. When I got to high school, I decided to join theater and I began acting classes. It was difficult trying to juggle school, sports and acting classes. I decided to stop classes, but for some reason, it was always on my conscience. Once I graduated high school, I knew that it was time to take it up a notch. I began one on one acting classes which were quite intense.
In the process, I was working alongside my acting coach and picking up extra gigs and side work. In my heart, I still felt that I wanted more for myself. I knew that it was time to make a change. After visiting Atlanta for the first time, it immediately felt like home to me. I finally decided that it was time to step out on Faith and leave New Jersey. I will never forget being on set for the first time and the feeling I got. I was so anxious practicing my lines the whole night before. I’ll never forget the director’s comment to me ” You were born for this; I see so much talent in you”. It was a feeling I had never imagined. From that day forward, I knew that it was time to stop playing with my own potential and to chase my dreams. Now I have left New Jersey and enrolled in acting classes at Evolv acting studio. I am chasing my dreams while networking with many dope artists in the area.
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?
This journey definitely has its challenges. You have to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. The biggest lesson for me was trusting God’s timing and not my own. In 2016 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and I also lost my older brother in an accident. These were major eye-openers for me. Fast forward to now, I knew it was time to chase my dreams because life is too short not to. I left behind my family, friends, and clients. This was one of the most challenging things for me to do. Although moving to a new state has been a struggle for me, I knew it was necessary for my own growth and success. Once you find your own confidence and your own strengths, blessings will fall into your lap. Another struggle for me was staying in the loop of things. Coming from such a small town to a big city, it’s imperative to keep up with the now. Things are constantly evolving, and education is the strongest weapon. It can be very discouraging but also very motivating at the same time. It is all about perspective. This journey has taught me patience and to trust God even when things aren’t going the way I envisioned them to go. I want to encourage anyone with a dream that won’t leave their heart to leave their hometown. Change your surroundings and it will change your life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of acting, I am a full-time hairstylist. I graduated from Rizzieri Aveda in 2018. Back home, I have a following of clientele. I began doing hair in 9th grade. It first started with me doing friends and family’s hair. Before I knew it, I had people texting me to get their hair done. From my mom’s kitchen, then a shop, to my own salon suite. I specialize in braid styles, natural hair, protective styles, and color. I love making others feel beautiful when they get out of my chair. I have gained great relationships with my clients over the years. I will forever pride myself in being so resilient and headstrong. No matter what life throws at me, I never give up on myself. I left behind a successful hair business to follow my dreams. I believe what sets me aside from others is that I wear my heart on my sleeve. Anyone that knows me knows I have a heart of gold. I will remain humble and grateful for all that I have. I’m always willing and ready to learn. I have experienced so much more than the average 23-year-old. With experience comes wisdom. Once you know better, you do better. “If you don’t like something, change it, if you can’t change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mentor who is also my acting coach, Sasha Allen. She instilled so much confidence in me. Sasha was a blessing in disguise in my life. From the very moment I began classes with her she always motivated me. One thing she would always say was “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready!'” This is something you can use in your everyday life. Preparation is the key to success. You never know when it will be your time! For an audition or any opportunity. She always pushed me to show up and give 100% no matter what was going on in my life at that moment.
My clients also motivated me big time to leave my comfort zone. I was told by one of my clients that my talents were bigger than NJ and what I was settling for. It’s amazing to me how others can see your potential before you can. The only person holding me back was myself. When God tells you it’s time to move listen to him. Things may be uncomfortable for the moment, but it gets better. The best is yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veytheactor/
https://www.instagram.com/_itsvey_/ - Other: https://www.instagram.com/thehairstory1/
Image Credits
@douglasgorenstein
