Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciera Payton.
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?
My journey in acting has been like a patchwork quilt – a collection of moments, some shining, others a bit frayed, all coming together to shape the actress and advocate you see today. It all began with a simple Louisiana PBS special where I, along with my fellow classmates from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, shared the story of the Louisiana Purchase. That experience was like planting a seed for a future I didn’t quite see coming. Fast forward to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – a time of heartache and questioning.
Amidst the chaos of losing my home and grandmother, a call from a local talent agent came, changing the trajectory of my life. Imagine me hanging out with my older brother at a local po-boy shop when this opportunity to audition for a Steven Seagal movie fell into my lap. I hesitated, but my brother nudged me with a simple, “You never know.” Long story short, I found myself on a plane to Romania to play CIA Agent Jessia in “Flight of Fury.”
That experience was a game-changer, which over the years has led to me garnering leading roles in productions like Tyler Perry’s The Oval and Wendy Williams: The Movie. All of which has been a blast to be a part of! It’s still a bit surreal.
Beyond the glitz and accolades, my heart has always beat for ways to make deeper and more personal impacts. Growing up in the 3rd Ward of New Orleans with an incarcerated father wasn’t easy. That pain birthed The Michael’s Daughter Foundation (MDF), a haven for individuals to use the arts to tell their stories, break free from stereotypes, and embrace their brilliance. Since 2013, The Michael’s Daughter Foundation has been providing workshops and services throughout LA. Just recently, LA City Councilwoman Imedla Padilla recognized these efforts in a ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall. I’m still pinching myself!
When the lights dim, you’ll find me pouring my heart out and highlighting other amazing creatives on my creative lifestyle website, The In Trive. It’s where I share stories that have touched me, wellness tips that have healed me, and a peek behind the scenes of this unpredictable actor’s life.
I like to define myself as a creative human on a journey, imperfect and real. Through the highs and lows, I’ve learned that impact is about connecting hearts like ripples in a pond. And you know what? I wouldn’t trade this quilt of a journey for anything in the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
You know, the struggles and obstacles in this journey have often been tangled up with my own mindset. I could spill stories about the drama – the personal family chaos in the middle of chasing roles, the near misses, and those moments where I seriously contemplated throwing in the towel. But here’s the real kicker: as I’ve grown and reflected on those times, it all comes down to mindset.
It’s like this magic trick of life – what you focus on, you end up expanding. If you’re stuck in the mindset that nothing’s working out and everyone else is luckier or more blessed, guess what? That vibe reflects right back at you. Now, understanding and applying this concept? Easier said than done, especially when you’ve got thought patterns etched into your brain since childhood. But you know what? I’ve put in the work over the years to retrain my mind.
Whenever I’ve felt victimized, underestimated, or just plain disregarded in my career or life, it’s usually because of the thoughts I’ve been feeding myself. Those thoughts have this weird superpower – they radiate outward, and others respond accordingly. Instead of carrying the heavy burden of resentment when someone else snags a role I had my eyes on, I’ve learned to shift gears. It’s like, “Hey, that’s awesome they got that role! Now I’m one step closer to mine.” A simple shift, but man, it makes all the difference.
Don’t get me wrong; there have been moments of disappointment and plans not panning out the way I hoped. But here’s my secret sauce: I let myself feel the disappointment for a day, and then before you know it, I’m busting moves in my kitchen to some ’80s hits or funky tunes. It’s my way of telling myself, “Alright, that didn’t go as planned, but joy, here I come!” Because I know what’s meant for me is on its way and joy? Well, it’s like the express lane to get there!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
You know, this question is always so interesting to me. There was a time when I was solely fixated on being known as an actress, but these days, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced wearing different hats – as an entrepreneur, serving as the CEO of The In Trive, and stepping into the roles of founder and Executive Director of The Michael’s Daughter Foundation. It’s been an exhilarating journey!
In the realm of acting, my career has unfolded over nearly two decades, sprinkled with around 50 credits that each tell a unique chapter of my story. But it doesn’t stop there.
The Michael’s Daughter Foundation isn’t just your typical non-profit; it’s a living piece of my heart, born from navigating life with an incarcerated father. I wanted to turn those personal experiences into a force for good, using art to illuminate the path for Los Angeles’s inner-city youth. It’s all about creating a haven where young minds can converge, get inspired, and let their brilliance radiate.
Then there’s The In Trive, a creative hub that I hold dear to my heart. It’s not just another platform; it’s a realm where creative adults can authentically let their light shine. My belief is in being creative in ways that weave people together, transcending the boundaries of acting alone. The Michael’s Daughter Foundation and The In Trive – these are my avenues for making that magic happen.
What sets me apart? It’s not confined to my roles on the screen; it’s about crafting potent platforms that unite people. Whether it’s empowering youth through The Michael’s Daughter Foundation or nurturing the brilliance of creative adults on The In Trive, I see myself as a catalyst for connection, creativity, and a shared journey of shining our lights together.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me? It’s a beautiful mix of love, connection, faith, and the freedom to shine without anyone dimming my light. There’s something magical about connecting with people through creativity – whether I’m stepping into the shoes of a character on screen, crafting short films with The Michael’s Daughter Foundation, or simply sharing hearty laughs in a podcast episode on The In Trive.
The essence of it all lies in allowing ourselves and others to shine. It’s about creating spaces where brilliance is not only encouraged but celebrated. Love, connection, faith – they’re the threads that weave through my journey, guiding me to be a source of light and connection in everything I do. In a world that can sometimes feel dim, these are the things that matter most to me – spreading light, sharing love, and connecting through the beautiful tapestry of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: theintrive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cierapayton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActressCieraPayton
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cierapayton/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cierapayton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLx-YeI_8BOUTaY35yUvwQ
Image Credits
Ashley Robertson
