Conversations with Nhadya Salomon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nhadya Salomon.

Hi Nhadya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure, I was born and raised in Florida by a Haitian mom, which is pretty cool because I grew up speaking Haitian Creole as a second language. This meant I could yell, “mommy her dress is ugly!” and no one would know 🤷🏽‍♀️. As a kid, I put a lot of energy into cracking jokes and performing skits for anyone who’d watch. At the mature age of 12, I decided I would be an actress. Although growing up in an immigrant household came with its unique perks, for me it also meant that the arts were considered a hobby, not a “real” career path.

Thankfully, God said otherwise. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of dream shows like Orange is the New Black, guest star and recurrings on major networks, and work with the legend Spike Lee. In addition to acting, I currently run a business called Dash Camp (www.dash-camp.com) that empowers fellow performers and positively entertains families across this country. My story is the story of following your gut and pursuing what you are truly passionate about. There have been days I’ve had to pinch myself, and I’ve only hit the surface.

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?
My obstacles and challenges in 2020 may be the obvious – navigating the pandemic shutdowns and deciding my next move as an artist. On the bright side, the pandemic inspired me to start a business that I’m super proud of. The industry shutdown meant filming stopped for many artists the vast majority of this year. I wanted to do something about so many incredible artists being out of work. So I co-founded a business called Dash Camp that helps employ fellow top teaching artists, and brings joy to hundreds of children and families across the country. What is Dash Camp you ask 😉? Dash Camp is an outrageously fun, exploratory, and interactive virtual experience. The love letters from both parents and teaching artists has brought me a lot of joy. Managing Dash Camp while working as an actor can be challenging, but I consider it a privilege more than anything!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My experience as an actor stretches across the following: NBC’s Chicago Med, Showtime’s SMILF, Orange is the New Black, She’s Gotta Have It, Night Sweats, 30 Day Promise, A Raisin in the Sun, National Tour of Freedom Train, and more. In addition to my work as an actor, I am the co-founder of Dash Camp. You can learn more from our feature in Fast Company (https://www.fastcompany.com/90524762/five-things-schools-could-learn-from-this-new-zoom-summer-camp).

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The crisis has encouraged me to reflect on how I show up in the world. During this period, I’ve found creative ways to fill my artistic tank, push the envelope, and create greater impact. Now more than ever, I believe it’s important to regularly talk to and learn from people who know more than you or people who offer a different (but intelligent haha) perspective. I’m not just talking about growing your knowledge bank. I find that when I work on myself emotionally, spiritually, and physically, the things I desire all begin to align. As a whole, 2020 has made me incredibly grateful for the people in my life, and the uncertainty of the year has somehow given me the courage to say “yes” to opportunities that may have scared me in the past. I’m grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nhadyasalomon.com
• Instagram: nhadyasalomon
• Twitter: nhadyasalomon
• Youtube: nhadyasalomon

Image Credits
Photo 1 (Teal Backdrop): Travis Chantar – Photographer Photo 2: Don Alsedek