This week on The Artistic Voice, we welcome one of the most creative souls I know. She’s an incredible poet, songwriter, and also one of the rawest and honest astrologers of today. Let’s welcome Sonja Marie.
TAV - What fascinates you about astrology?
SM - The ability to see true personality traits in another gives you the option to accept another for who they are without excuses, blame, or shame. It’s a blueprint of energy we all have access to better our lives on this unpredictable planet.
TAV - What is your driving force in life?
SM - To be the best person I can be by listening to Spirit’s intention for myself and thus being an inspiration to others to LIVE THEIR OWN TRUTH!
TAV - Where do you go to center yourself?
SM - The Pacific Ocean or bathing in music.
TAV - Complete this sentence: If I had to do it all over again, I would…
SM - Do the same thing!
TAV - What do you know for sure about yourself?
SM - I know I’m a great Mom, a brilliant writer, a mesmerizing performer, a great hugger, and a lover of Spirit! I also know I am evolving and having fun discovering the things I forgot about myself. The things I buried as a child defending myself from an existence, I wasn’t quite prepared for, I know that I’m never complete, so I have a great time being open to the greatness that pushes past the mundane. I know for sure I love being the BEST me…wherever I am!
TAV - What are some hard lessons you’ve learned on your journey?
SM - I learned a bunch! The one that stands out most is setting emotional boundaries so others cannot drain the love and care you should have for yourself. We often give away what is ours – our money, our love, our time – without recognizing you needed it more than them. I’ve learned the hard way to think of myself, first and foremost, so I can be present for others at a later time.
TAV - What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
SM – “Thank you, God, for another day!”
TAV - Who is the most influential person in your life?
SM - My son, Kamau!
TAV - What are you most passionate about?
SM - I’m passionate about a lot of things: Kamau, music, swimming, writing, laughing, spending quality time with people that matter, healing the heart, good food….to name a few!
TAV - What’s next for Sonja Marie?
SM - You’d have to ask God! I have a few projects in the works, but Spirit has her finger on the trigger, whatever She deems important enough to do next!
Listen to The Artistic Voice Podcast
To hear more about Sonja Marie, check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen: https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-9---Sonja-Marie-e11r7db Follow her @WordLifeSonjaMarie on Instagram and also visit www.wordlifeastrology.com
Favorite song of all times?
Definitely an unfair question way too many songs in the universe, BUT…the first to come to mind, “If it’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder
Favorite book?
Mine! Hehehe “The Signs: An Astrological Memoir”
Favorite movie?
Definitely another unfair question; however…”Bustin Loose” with Cicley Tyson and Richard Pryor just jumped in my head.
Favorite color?
Orange
Who would you invite to a dinner party?
You! hehehe
Who inspires you?
My son, Kamau!
Favorite vacation spot?
Maui
Favorite food?
Sushi
Favorite beverage?
Water and Lemon Ginger Echinacea juice from Trader Joes
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Spending hours listening to music with great people
Favorite quote?
“Remember what you came to the planet to do.”
– Sonja Marie ….I just made that up! haaaa
Pianist Eric Willis is an amazing musician whose passion for music is witnessed each time he hits the stage. Mr. Willis has worked with some of the top Jazz and Gospel artists such as Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Stephanie Mills, Gerald Albright and the late Roy Hargrove amongst others. His journey had not always been easy, but he has weathered the storm through music and writing. Today we welcome Mr. Eric Willis.
TAV - What drives you creatively?
EW - (For me) Creativity is a gift that is difficult to turn off. My analysis of thought, concepts, story narratives, musical phrases, maxims, production ideas is so keen that I cannot sleep to background music or television. (I need high-level distractions. For example: Listening to Plato’s Republic)
TAV - How do you define success?
EW - We attain success in many ways:
a. When we generate sustainable income.
b. When we receive awards and recognition for our work.
c. When our work transforms the lives of people around us.
d. When we make a significant contribution to our industry with our presence, intellect, and innovation.
e. When we are transformed by our own endeavors.
TAV - How did you get started as a Musician?
EW - My mother took me to a concert when I was 5-years old. I latched on to a bass line from one of the songs and started playing it on the spinet organ the following day. From there, I studied piano with Howard Nixon.
TAV – Outside of your profession, what type of activities do you enjoy?
EW - I love hiking in the mountains and biking on my three-wheel recumbent trike.
TAV - What’s one of your hidden talents?
EW - Encouragement! I have the ability to hear your story and offer you a myriad of ideas that will assist and inspire you to achieve your goal. (It took years for me to realize this as a talent/gift).
TAV - When did you realize you had a gift to share with the world?
EW - I started composing music at 12-years old. That’s when I wanted to share with the world.
TAV - Thinking back, what did you want to be when you were a kid?
EW - I wanted to tour professionally, record, and take the stage with great artists. (The reason I tolerated Math and Science was so I was qualified to play in Band).
TAV - What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
EW - Do something: a. meaningful (today) b. that matters c. relevant d. important This has kept me working at a higher level, so much so that it bothers me when I’m not doing something meaningful. (Sometimes, it turns out to be sweeping the floor and washing a load of clothes).
TAV - Who are some of your favorite musicians?
EW - Sean Martin, Bobby Sparks, Jason Thomas, Robert Seawright, Budd Powell, Thelonious Monk, Richard Smallwood… (not self-absorbed), I think I am one of my favorite musicians. (This is something that I’ve never said or thought before). I have enjoyed my own development, advancement in composition, the process of creating and have been pleased with the latest results.
TAV - What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the business?
EW - Operative Word: Business a. Do everything you can to hone your creative skills but have the tenacity to pursue an in-depth understanding of business. Take a basic business course and learn business math. Join a business organization and be inspired and mentored by those with experience and success. Your authenticity will generate help from places that you didn’t realize existed. b. Travel and visit family and friends from all over the country. Play local gigs in those places. (The locals will always see you as national). In ten years, you will have developed a national name from having performed (locally) all over the country. c. Reach out to successful people and organizations on social media. Arrange an audition or send material that solicits work for your skillset. You’ll be surprised by the positive responses you receive.
Listen to The Artistic Voice Podcast
To hear more about Eric Willis check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen: https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-8---Pianist-Eric-Willis-e11dvvf Follow him @EricWIllisMusic on Facebook and Instagram
Favorite book?
Looking at Philosophy, Mere Christianity
Favorite movie?
Mo’ Better Blues
Favorite color?
Blue
Who do you most admire?
Martin Luther
Who inspires you?
Joe Sample
What motivates you?
Teaching others to analyze and compose music.
Favorite vacation spot?
St. Martin
Favorite food?
Gumbo
Favorite beverage?
Coffee
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Sleep, read books and yard work
Favorite quote?
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved with the same level of thinking we were at, when we created them." –Albert Einstein
Visual Storyteller Andrew Evans makes his mark as a photographer and director with his upcoming installation Visibly Invisible and the mini-docuseries The 16-Year-Old Experiment. We had a chance to sit down with Andrew and speak about his journey and some exciting new projects he has coming up. Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Andrew Evans. Hear his voice.
TAV - What drives you creatively?
AE - Being alive, thoughts and ideas come to me like downloads all day, and I feel the duty to birth them.
TAV - How do you define success?
AE - Giving my kids and their offspring’s an excellent head start in life.
TAV - How did you get started as a photographer?
AE – I actually started in photography by using my cell phone to take pictures.
TAV - Outside of your profession, what type of activities do you enjoy?
AE – I enjoy all things chill.
TAV - What’s one of your hidden talents?
AE – I would have to say acting
TAV - When did you realize you were a creative person?
AE - When I was put in the slow class for daydreaming.
TAV - Thinking back, what did you want to be when you were a kid?
AE – When I was a kid, I would say, I wanted to be a doctor.
TAV - What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
AE - I am Healthy, Happy Wealthy and Well.
TAV - Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
AE – In 5 years, I see myself directing films, writing, producing, and hosting my radio show.
TAV - What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
AE - Don’t be scared to win.
TAV - What’s next for Drew Evans?
AE - All things Fresh!
Listen to The Artistic Voice PodcastTo hear more about Andrew Evans check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen: https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-7---Andrew-Evans-The-Visual-Storyteller-e10tfce follow him @RiskyCereal on Facebook and Instagram
Favorite book?
Monster
Favorite photographer?
Me, of course!
Favorite color?
Blue
Who do you most admire?
Women
Who inspires you?
God inspires me.
What motivates you?
My kids.
Favorite vacation spot?
Any place with a beach.
Favorite food?
French Fries
Favorite beverage?
Water
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
I have no days off.
Favorite quote?
“You should be getting it while the getting is good”.
Too Short
Country music was never the same when Miko Marks (Redtone Records) stepped onto the scene in 2005. Since then, she has paved the way for many black female country artists today and is back with a new album entitled, Our Country. The road wasn’t always smooth, but the lessons she learned on the way were valuable. Join us today on The Artistic Voice podcast as we spotlight Miko Marks and learn about her incredible journey.
TAV - Who’s your greatest inspiration?
Miko - My greatest inspiration is my Mama. She started me out at three years old, listening to music and exposing me to all the greats, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and all the gospel greats you can think of.
TAV - What would you like to accomplish that you haven’t already?
Miko - I would like to perform for thousands of people. To give my music to them and receive their energy back would be a soul shot of goodness that I have yet to experience.
TAV - If music wasn’t an option, what would you have pursued?
Miko - I would be an attorney for sure. I have always been in love with the law and fighting for justice.
TAV - What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Miko - The best advice I have received and continue to take is to never give up.
TAV - What are some hard lessons you’ve learned on your journey?
Miko - I’ve learned that there are barriers in this genre that are hard to overcome. When I first started, I was unaware that it might not matter how good you are; there are gatekeepers that, in some ways, have the power to keep you out.
TAV - Who are some of your favorite artists?
Miko - Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Patsy Cline, Tanya Tucker, Brandi Carlisle, Joni Mitchell, and so many more.
TAV - What’s your biggest motivator?
Miko - My biggest motivator is my gift. I know that using my voice is a gift from God, and I am to use it to share with others.
TAV - What do you miss most about performing live?
Miko - I miss the exchange between the audience and myself. It is a feeling like no other.
TAV - Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?
Miko - Dolly Pardon and Chris Stapleton
TAV - What’s next for Miko Marks?
Miko - More music and hopefully performing for thousands of people.
Listen to The Artistic Voice PodcastTo hear more about Miko Marks check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen: https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-5---Country-Artist-Miko-Marks-e101f5p , follow her @MikoMarksMusic on Facebook & @MikoMarks2u in Instagram
Favorite song of all times?
I Will Always Love You
Favorite movie?
The Five Heartbeats
Favorite color?
Orange
Who do you most admire?
Mya Angelou
Favorite place to relax?
Carmel, CA
Favorite vacation spot?
Jamaica
Favorite food?
Seafood
Favorite beverage?
Sparkling water
Favorite quote?
“A closed mouth don’t get fed.”
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Rollerskate
This week on The Artistic Voice podcast, we welcome the highly talented writer, poet, educator, and community activist Jolivette Anderson also known as "The Poet Warrior." We had the pleasure of sitting down and learning more about her incredible journey. Let's give three snaps up as we welcome to the stage, The Poet Warrior, Jolivette Anderson.
TAV - If you could choose anyone in history to have a one-on-one conversation with, who would it be?
Jolivette - Eslanda Robeson, wife and manager of Paul Robeson.
TAV - What would you like to accomplish that you haven’t already?
Jolivette - I would like to be a detective or villain in a Murder Mystery film or stage production.
TAV - What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Jolivette - “You ain’t better than nobody and just as good as everybody” – Jethro Anderson Sr. (My Dad)
“You got a name, and that baby got a name, and that is all that matters.” – Helen V.M. Anderson (My Mother)
TAV - What are some hard lessons you’ve learned on your journey?
Jolivette - As human beings, we lie to ourselves, causing us to lie to each other. Lies create chaos, so chaos is always around us. We must acknowledge it so we can fight against it.
TAV - Who are some of your favorite poets?
Jolivette - Sonia Sanchez, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Margaret Walker, Ephraim David Tyler
TAV - What’s your biggest motivator?
Jolivette - Knowing I am Star Stuff (made of the same matter that makes up the Universe, so I matter) and my daughter.
TAV - What do you miss most about performing live?
Jolivette - The energy on a good night of poetry when the poetry is used to teach while it entertains.
TAV - Do you have a favorite place to write? If so, where?
Jolivette - I like to write in the booth at the neighborhood Starbucks.
TAV - What would you like your legacy to be?
Jolivette - I would like other human beings to seek the sound of my voice, my writings, and my performances when they need to heal, love, be loved, and find the strength to get through a difficult time.
TAV - What’s next for Jolivette Anderson?
Jolivette - Writing my dissertation, getting my daughter through school, and seeking out opportunities to perform, write, and teach other human beings (and to be taught by others as well).
Listen to The Artistic Voice Podcast
To hear more from The Poet Warrior, Jolivette Anderson check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen: https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-4---Jolivette-The-Poet-Warrior-evjln4
Also, follow her @jolivette_thepoetwarrior on Instagram and Facebook
Favorite song of all times? – Let’s Get it On by Marvin Gaye
Favorite book? -- Of Water and the Spirit by Malidoma Patrice Some
Favorite writer? -- Shakespeare
Favorite movie? – The Color Purple
Who do you most admire? – My Parents
Favorite place to relax? – Black Cultural Archive Café in Brixton, London UK
Favorite vacation spot? – Jamaica or any Caribbean Island with a lot of Black people on it.
Favorite food? – Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp and Orlandeaux Tarter Sauce
Favorite beverage? – Vanilla Iced Coffee
Favorite thing to do on your day off? -- Sleep and Read
Favorite quote? – “The moving finger writes and having write moves on…” – Edward Fitzgerald’s The Rubaiyat of Omar Kayyin (a Poem). The modern-day version of this line is something like, “Okay, that’s a done deal, face your mistakes, move on, grow from it and fuck who got something to say about it because their perception of your errors don’t matter in the long run.”
Akil The MC is one of the founding members of the world-renowned hip hop group Jurassic 5. When he steps up to the mic you can only expect fire! His lyrical style flows so smooth you don't see him coming until he hits you with a lyrical 1-2 punch. We had the pleasure to sit down and get to know the man behind the mic. Welcome to our stage, Akil The MC!
TAV - Out of all the songs you wrote, which one is your favorite and why?
Akil - Thin Line with Jurassic 5: This song exemplifies the idea of "Keep it simple stupid K.I.S.S. Yet, its meaning and actions are very complicated, complex, and relatable. I love the execution and scientific method used to make a song relatable to men and women that's not corny and typical.
TAV - What is the driving force behind your music?
Akil - The Creator and life experiences, the good and bad times.
TAV - How do you define success?
Akil - When you're thankful for your accomplishments yet still striving to do better.
TAV - What’s the most real advice you can give someone entering the business?
Akil - never forget this is the Music Business realize. Business is the Bigger of the two words, so you have to determine you are in the music business or the business of music and understand they are not the same.
TAV - What are some hard lessons you’ve learned on your journey?
Akil - Underestimating that this is a business not being on top of My Business when it came to taxes ...Doing good deeds but not documenting it financially caused me some problems ...so financial literacy is where I failed.
TAV - What is your morning regimen before you get your day started?
Akil - I give thanks to my Creator, get me some warm water with lemon and Cayenne pepper, then I plan, plot, strategize and materialize.
TAV - If music wasn’t an option, what would you have pursued?
Akil - I'm not sure if what I like outside of music is a direct or indirect result
of music, lol!
TAV - When did you realize your gift?
Akil - When I was about 8, I just didn't know exactly what it was, but I knew it was something.
TAV - What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
Akil - Accept and Don't Expect.
TAV - What’s next for Akil, The MC?
Akil - Live and Let Live & keep creating God willing.
Listen to The Artistic Voice Podcast
To hear more from Akil The MC, check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen: https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-3---Akil-The-MC-ev3kmh
Also, follow him on social media @akilthemc.
Favorite song of all times? Parliament/Funkadelic
"Not Just knee Deep"
Favorite book?
Biography of Malcolm x
Favorite movie?
Once upon a time in America
Favorite color?
Brown
Favorite quote?
"In order to be where you never been, you have to do what you have never done"
Who do you most admire?
Malcolm x
Who inspires you?
My Family
Favorite vacation spot?
New Zealand
Favorite food?
Enchiladas
Favorite beverage?
Banana juice
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Take Photos
CBABI (Creative – Black – Artist – Battling – Ignorance)
BAYOC (Blessed – African – Youth – Of – Creativity)
The name alone says it all.
He was born to create and tell such vivid stories through his works of art. Cbabi Bayoc is living his passion every day as he makes the world a more beautiful place one paint brush stroke at a time. You’ve seen his work in books, magazines, on CD covers, and on school walls. He’s a social media favorite with his 365 Days with Dad project, which displays positive imagery of black fathers, a subject that’s near and dear to him. Cbabi has an incredible journey and is giving us a peek into his world. Enjoy!
TAV - Who inspires you?
Cbabi - I watch a lot of interviews and talks by artists. I am inspired mainly by individuals that share their hearts: artists, singers, athletes, and just good people.
TAV - What is the driving force behind your art?
Cbabi - The story. The way colors work next to one another, finding the beat in a piece, the rhythm created by the placement of colors and movement inspired by line.
TAV - If art wasn’t an option, what would you have pursued?
Cbabi - Could have pursued music or cutting hair. I played in a high school band and learned music quickly. Wonder what would have happened with the same commitment.
TAV - What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Cbabi - What sticks with me the most is to keep the viewer in the canvas by either the subject or use of line to circle back to the middle of the canvas.
TAV - What are some hard lessons you’ve learned on your journey?
Cbabi - 1. That every dollar isn’t yours. Gotta pay the man!! 2. Every part of painting isn’t enjoyable but unavoidable (i.e., sketching, preparing your surface, packing art). I just love to paint, but I know these other things are reflections of quality, and shipping to customers brings gratitude.
TAV - Who are some of your favorite artists?
Cbabi - KAWS, John Biggers, Charles White, Julie Mehteru, Kara Walker, Kadir Nelson, Craola, Sebastian Kruger, to name a few.
TAV - What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
Cbabi: What a blessing to be in the position to be wanted/pursued/hired for the thing you love doing.
TAV - What does your morning regimen look like before you get your day started?
Cbabi - Get up and think of working out. Make a cup of coffee. Watch a video or two of some artists and dream of my own goals and desires before working on something I owe someone.
TAV - Other than your art, what do you love most about yourself?
Cbabi - My heart. That I care.
TAV - What’s next for Cbabi Bayoc?
Cbabi - Create a personal body of work based on my story to share with the world.
TAV - Everyone, please give it up for the talented Cbabi Bayoc. We thank you for your time and contributions to the world of visual arts. Continue doing great things and living in your purpose.
Listen to The Artistic Voice Podcast
To hear more from Cbabi Bayoc, check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Just click on the following link to listen https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Cbabi-Bayoc--a-man-on-a-mission-eso7to Also, follow him on social media @cbabi or visit www.cbabibayoc.com.
Favorite song of all times?
Home Is Where the Hatred Is- Gil Scott-Heron
Favorite book?
Warmth of Other Suns
Favorite movie?
Great Debaters
Favorite color?
Green
Who do you most admire?
Kerry James Marshall
Who inspires you?
Street artists
Favorite vacation spot?
Savannah, GA
Favorite food?
Various Veggie Rice Bowls
Favorite beverage?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Take day trips
Favorite quote?
“It is Worse to think about it than to do it.”
Actor and Stunt Performer Jwaundace Candece is a real-life superhero. When she steps on a TV or film set, she transforms into that badass chick who may be lit on fire that day or doing tricks on motorcycles or, better yet, crashing cars. Don't be fooled by her outward appearance - she is a trained wrestler, fighter and let's not forget a talented actress whose resume covers almost 200 film and television projects including, Watchmen, Spiderman, The Avengers, Captain America, Let's Be Cops, Good Girls, Naked, P-Valley, Bessie, Selma, Girls Trip, and The Suicide Squad to name a few. If you don't know her, pay attention because you're about to. Let's welcome Jwaundace Candece!
TAV - Let's jump right into it. How did you get started in Film and Television?
JC - I got started in film and TV as a Professional Wrestler and Tag Team Champion of WOW (Women of Wrestling) in 2000.
TAV - What do you like most about being a stunt performer and actress?
JC - What I like about being a stunt actress is that I get to be physical with many of my characters. I feel that many characters “move” naturally, and I want to bring that aspect to life.
TAV - Looking at your body of work is incredible! How many film and television projects have you done?
JC - I have acted and performed stunts in over 175 film and TV shows. It sounds crazy even saying that but, I am grateful.
TAV – Wow! You have worked on many projects. Tell us about one of your favorite roles and/or stunts.
JC - My favorite role or two, I must say, was in (film) “Let’s Be Cops” as “JaQuandae” and (TV) ABC’s “Resurrection” as Mrs. Camille Thompson. Both roles are the complete opposite extreme of each other, and that’s why I like them both. I love portraying characters so far from who I am. As for stunts – there is a TV Show on Adult Swim called “Tropical Cop Tales” where I had to be set on fire and drive a motorcycle while on fire…that was fun, I must say.
TAV – That is incredible being set on fire. With all that you’ve accomplished in your career, what drives you to succeed?
JC - I can’t really answer that question. "Driven" is an innate characteristic that I have always been my entire life. And as far as I have been told. So, I don’t know how to be anything other than that.
TAV - How do you mentally and physically prepare for a role?
JC - I have to shut down and get off the book mentally. It’s so much easier to evolve into the character if I am of the book. Then, I study the character’s backstory because, to me, that’s an important aspect of “becoming” the character.
TAV - As a stunt performer and actor, what does it take to make it in this field?
JC - It takes a special set of skills. To have the ability to incorporate both skills is a challenge but also an asset. Most of us either train to become a stunt performer or train to become an actor. I’ve trained in both all of my life without “knowing” it. Transitioning into one or the other or both has been quite smooth so far.
TAV - It seems to me you were destined to be in this space. Why did you choose this profession?
JC - I’ve always wanted to entertain my entire life. I was born to do this.
TAV – So when did you realize you had a gift?
JC - The moment I was able to speak and when I was in middle school, I fell on stage during a play---and LOVED it so much that I incorporated it into my character…a clown…at that moment. It worked great. And the audience laughed and enjoyed it so much. I didn’t realize it at the time, but at that moment, I was doing stunts.
TAV - Thinking back, what did you want to be when you were a little girl?
JC - At first, I wanted to be a doctor, but I fainted at the sight of blood---so that was over. lol
TAV - That's funny! Will you describe yourself as a child?
JC - I was quite shy and insecure. But when I performed, you would never know. However, I had a witty side, and which I was always voted as one of the class favorites. And since then, I have worked so much on my self-esteem that it has been an important aspect of my self-care.
TAV - Tell us more about your creative process. Aside from acting and stunts, you have developed an amazing website for stunt performers of color called “Stunt POC.” When you created Stunt POC, what was that process like? Did it flow effortlessly?
JC - StuntPOC was created because many stunt coordinators nationwide would call me looking for ethnic Stunt Performers. Then, I would call around looking for them myself. Therefore, over the years, I discovered that there are so many stunt performers of color who are UNION and who are TALENTED that I didn't even know. With the motivation of a group of my stunt peers, StuntPOC was created. It started just as a simple database listing, and then overnight, it grew. Then Canada jumped on board after my discussion with Angelica Lisk-Hann, a talented StuntPOC Stunt Coordinator. After that, I decided to hire a professional, creative web developer to upgrade my website and brand. Now we have a new interactive website. StuntPOC initially had many backlashes, and I knew that it would come with the typical responses. However, as time went on, our popularity grew, and our members started to book work. It became known worldwide for what it was created for - a database listing for coordinators and casting to find qualified Stunt Performer Color throughout the US and Canada.
TAV – That is awesome! You found a need within the industry and filled it. You’re so multi-talented and creative. You’re not just a talented stunt performer and actress but also an author, producer, and host of your own Wine segment on Instagram called “Wine With JC.” Tell us more about your wine show and how it came about.
JC - Most of my friends know that I love, love, love wine. And when the pandemic started, we were stuck in the house for weeks. I started writing, spending creative time with my son, but I also wanted to do something fun. That's when @WineWithJC was created. I wanted to interact with people who also had a love for wine or newcomers who wanted to know more about wine. My page is both educational and fun. It's a great escape for me, especially during this time.
TAV - When you see ideas, or when an idea pops into your head, do you see it in color or black and white?
JC - Honey, I see EVERYTHING!
TAV - I hear that! What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
JC - It’s on my wall that I see first thing in the morning “I wake up every day with the thought that something GREAT is about to happen.”
TAV - I like that. You're literally speaking great things into existence. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
At the OSCARS, the EMMYS and the SAG-AFTRA awards were nominated for a small but GREAT PIVOTAL role in a movie.
TAV - That's awesome! How do you define success?
JC - To me, success is the continuous ability to push forward in your journey to achieve all of your goals and dreams.
TAV - What advice would you give your teenage self?
JC - Continue to be fearless and “F” what people say or think about you.
TAV - What’s next for Jwaundace Candece?
JC - Stay tuned.
TAV - Everyone, please give it up for the talented Jwaundace Candece. We thank you for your time and contributions to the world of entertainment. Continue soaring and living in your greatness.
If you would like to hear more from Jwaundace Candece, check out The Artistic Voice Podcast available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, PocketCasts, and Breaker. Also, follow her on Instagram @jwaundace, @stuntpoc, and @winewithjc.
Jwaundace Candece
Favorite fiction and non-fiction book?
“The Notebook” and “Becoming”
Favorite movie?
“The United States vs. Billie Holiday" and
"What’s Love Got To Do With It”
Favorite color?
Black
Who do you most admire?
Viola Davis, Oprah Winfrey, SO many more
Who inspires you?
My amazing friends
Favorite vacation spot?
Mexico so far
Favorite food?
Sushi
Favorite beverage?
Wine
Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Spend time with my son and/or watch a movie
Favorite quote?
"Don’t put off tomorrow, what you can do today."
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