Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaria Simone.
Zaria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began acting in 5th grade and fell in love with it ever since. In High School, I wrote a lot of poetry to work through all the teenage angst. I also participated in Acting competitions nearly every week. In these Speech competitions I won state Dramatic interpretation and Duo interpretation. Nationally, I placed top 7 for my poetry interpretation. In college, I preformed 30 minute and 15-minute sets at libraries and cafes. Graduating early from college, I got a PA job and landed my first series regular role as Power Pop on The Super Pops.
Has it been a smooth road?
Is any road to success smooth? I can say my path has been aligned. I think the biggest struggle, as a black woman, is being a black woman in a society not built for me, but built, largely, by my people. Hell, Band-aid just came out with something that might match my skin tone. Shades of brown undergarments are a new phenomenon. We have a long way to go. Being a woman in the industry is a feat alone. I have experienced my own bouts of sexual harassment in the workplace. I have experienced pay discrimination based on my skin color. Sadly, that is more common than not.
Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as and what sets you apart from others.
I am an actor and writer. Technically, I am the business. So, I guess my International Business degree does come in handy. …Thanks Mom!
When I began acting, I felt magic for the first time. I understood what it meant to reach out and touch someone without touching them at all. That, to me, will always be magic. I’ve been in Black-ish and had some other co-starring roles. But, one of my proudest accomplishments is the support I have of the fans of my character PowerPop. It means a lot to be someone that children, especially little black girls, can look up to. I remember how much I LOVED Raven Symone. How much it meant to me to feel represented. Though, I have left that role, I am endeavoring to write a 120-page poetry book. I am so thrilled and excited to be able to publish a labor of love during this civil rights movement. Because I have used writing as a therapeutic resource, I am excited to say that my book, We Got A Lot To Be Mad About, is on sale now through my website. Along with the book, I am creating merchandise to wear, sip from, and carry. I get butterflies just thinking about someone wearing my poetry.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that it feels like home. I was born here but I moved around a bit. So, I never take for granted the beautiful sunshine. I love how many creators live here. I love that work is in LA, because it’s in LA, and because I love my work.
I hate the traffic… typical..
Pricing:
- We Got A Lot To Be Mad About — Book — $20
Contact Info:
- Website: zariasimone.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/zariazariazaria
Image Credit:
Personal photo by Travon Free
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