Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Debraux
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?
Of course, I’m a dreamer transformed into a believer. As a kid I had dreams but never truly believed in the creation of them in my life, like being an actor. That felt so out of reach and unrealistic until one day I started saying I can do that, be an actor. But before I did, I got my degree in Forensic Psychology and had a 9 to 5 job for over 7 years. Here’s my story,
I often think back to the streets of the Boogie Down Bronx, where I grew up as the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and a Black American father. Those roots shaped me—taught me resilience, grounded me, and gave me the spice and grace I carry into every room I enter. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it’s one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
While earning my bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, I juggled multiple lives: studying, modeling, and working part-time at my corporate job. Somewhere in the chaos, I found my passion for storytelling. It wasn’t planned—my first time on set was as background on The Good Wife—but something clicked. I knew this was where I was meant to be.
Breaking into this industry wasn’t glamorous at first, but I stayed committed to my craft. Out of college, I attended classes at HB Studios, Susan Batson and so on as I slowly started booking independent films like Secret Guilt and Pushing Dreams. These projects taught me so much about preparation and persistence. They also helped me channel my life experiences—the pain, the joy, and the lessons—into characters that felt real and honest.
By 2018, I was hitting my stride. I booked roles in High Maintenance and Law & Order: SVU. Sharing the screen with the likes of Ice-T and Kelli Giddish was surreal, but it wasn’t just about being there—it was about showing up fully, grounded in my authentic self. Then came my lead role in The Rest of Us, a film that brought mental health awareness to the forefront. It became more than just acting; it was a chance to spark a conversation that so many people needed.
During that time, I also began hosting Instagram Lives, creating a sacred space for honest dialogue. It was important to me to give back, to hold space for others navigating challenges. I’ve learned that showing up with strength and gratitude is how we grow.
But my journey wasn’t without its challenges.
What you don’t know is, for years, I hated my voice. The thought of speaking in front of people made me quiver. It felt like my voice didn’t belong like it wasn’t enough. And In 2016, that was challenged.
I faced one of the darkest moments of my life: the unexpected loss of my older brother. That loss forced me to take a hard look at my life. I began asking myself questions I had avoided for too long: What do I want? Who am I? How do I see my life? Where do I want to go in this lifetime? What makes me happy?
Those questions sparked a journey of healing—healing the inner child within me and learning to trust myself again. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Slowly, I began to peel back the layers of fear and self-doubt that had held me back for so long. And as I grew, so did my understanding of what it meant to truly live authentically.
This journey led me to create my podcast, Mindset Artistry, I co-host with Janel Koloski. This podcast is a space where I could share my voice unapologetically and invite others to do the same. It also helped me redefine what it means to be a “working actor.” For me, it’s not just about booking roles or climbing industry ladders—it’s about embracing my unique journey and using my art to connect, heal, and inspire.
Now, I’m living bi-coastal between NYC and LA, a dream that took root when I was 21. It’s a surreal experience to call both coasts home, but it’s also a testament to believing in myself, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. This duality—a Bronx girl with a Hollywood vision—fuels me daily.
I’m thrilled to share that I’m getting ready to film as a series regular on the upcoming TV pilot Generations. This project is a culmination of everything I’ve fought for: the late nights, the countless auditions, the moments of doubt. It’s a chance to tell stories that matter and to continue growing as an artist and a person.
I’ve also stepped behind the camera, producing and directing projects like Act Nice for the 72 Hours Short Film Challenge. Collaborating with amazing creatives, like Melissa Sutkowski on the anthology series Untitled, has sharpened my skills and expanded my vision. And as a certified Life Coach, I use my platform to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves and create lasting change.
Today, my voice—a voice I once despised—is one of my greatest tools. Through Mindset Artistry and my work as a certified Life Coach, I’ve built a platform that inspires others to heal, grow, and embrace their own journeys.
Acting will always be my first love, but it’s the life I’ve built around it—the healing, the creating, the connecting—that makes this journey so fulfilling. Whether I’m on set, hosting a podcast episode, or walking my dogs in the park, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
This is my story: one of passion, pain, joy, and growth. And I hope it reminds anyone reading that it’s never too late to redefine your path, trust in yourself, and embrace the life you were always meant to live.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely NOT. The amount of rejection and shifts I’ve faced along the way has been difficult, but never impossible to overcome. There was that time when I was dropped from an agency right after leaving my 9 to 5 job, and I feared that I’d have to start all over and no one would want me. (WRONG!!!!!) Then there were the many callbacks, holds, and avails, that tuned into being passed on, again. An interesting moment that I truly forgot about until recently recording my podcast was, the time a casting director told me, right to my face in a workshop, that I would never make it—that I didn’t have the looks nor the talent. She literally handed my headshot and resume back to me because she didn’t need it. I walked out of that room with my head high, passing other actors in the hallway who looked hopeful and prepared, and all I could think was, “Don’t cry, don’t cry.”
But don’t get me wrong—I didn’t let that one casting director define all other casting directors. It helped me recognize that the perception I have of myself matters more than anyone else. So, I let myself cry, to release the hurt, and used her words as fuel to keep going. Because, I knew in my heart what was meant for me, and I was determined to prove her wrong but most of all prove myself right. Even though there were far more No’s than Yes’s, there were amazing Yes’s too—like getting my first agent, becoming SAG, booking off-Broadway work, booking numerous commercials, narrating a children’s book called The Mystery of AGI, and helping others bring their stories to life. Those moments kept me going, reminding me that despite the struggle, the journey was worth it.
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?
Woah, specialized, I’d say being a bright light. The have the ability to create spaces where others can truly be seen and believe in the impossible. My work revolves around encouraging people to recognize that while challenges will always arise, there is always a solution. I strive to expand people’s belief in themselves and inspire them to try things they might not have thought possible, all while staying true to who they are. I’m not here to be anyone else but myself, and I encourage others to do the same.
What sets me apart is my authenticity. I’m deeply committed to helping others believe in their potential, and my work reflects that. I’m proud of the community I’m building—one that not only supports me but is also growing and helps others along their own journeys. I’m especially proud of booking a TV pilot, Generations, which is a dream project. It’s a period piece that switches between 1943 and 2023. Being apart of this cast is a true testament to never give up.
I’m also proud of my multifaceted approach to creativity. Whether I’m producing, narrating, writing, podcasting, or acting, I give myself the chance to try new things. It’s all part of me being a woman who gives life all she’s got.
My voice, once something I struggled with, is now something I share proudly to inspire and uplift others. I’ll never forget receiving a message on Instagram from someone who said my posts helped her through a dark moment and made her feel seen and loved. That connection is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I’m especially proud of my podcast, Mindset Artistry. It’s a space where I get to share my voice unapologetically and connect with others navigating their journeys of growth and self-discovery. Through the podcast, I’ve been able to delve deep into topics that matter to me—mental health, creativity, personal growth, the acting business —and offer a platform for people to hear the stories and insights that inspire them to take action in their lives. It’s become an extension of my mission.
I probably can go on, and on about proud moments, but it’s more than that, it’s the milestones in between goals, like booking roles in Law & Order: SVU and Blue Bloods. As someone who once dreamed of becoming a cop and an FBI profiler (hence my degree in Forensic Psychology), being on those shows felt like an “a-ha” moment. It was a beautiful intersection of my passion for the mind, curiosity, and my love for acting. The inner child within really got a kick out of that. We get to play dress-up for a living, travel, laugh, love, and create stories that reflect who I am.
My hope is in a few years I can share two short films I’ve written, which were inspired by my life and my curiosity in the supernatural. I plan to direct and produce them, leading up to my feature film—a project dedicated to my dad and grandma.
Finally, I’m proud that there is so much more to come. I’m constantly evolving, learning, and pushing myself to new heights. And on a personal note, getting to experience Paris for my birthday, proud but most of all grateful. It was a dream come true to create my Amanda in Paris film/memory, which was a beautiful moment in my life. From the Boogie Down Bronx to a woman who’s living out her dreams—this is just the beginning, and I couldn’t be more grateful for what’s to come.
P.S. For the animal lover, I’m proud of being a dog mom of Benny Blanco from the Bronx, who gets treated like a king with his homemade food and treats. And when he’s not getting treated like a king, I treat myself by making and crafting my own skincare products such as my revitalizing coffee scrub, facial oils, flaxseed hair gel among other items. Crafting and working with nature’s elixirs to beauty, internal health, being vegan is my safe-haven.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To Keep Going Despite the No’s
The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout my journey is to keep going despite the No’s. Rejection doesn’t have to define who you are. In fact, it’s often the redirection or the motivation you need to shift toward something truly meant for you. What I’ve also realized is that sometimes we live so deep in rejection that the things we wish for and desire—the very things that serve our purpose and joy—are rejected because we’re stuck in a mindset that doesn’t allow us to receive. We have to understand that to achieve the things we want, we have to be open to receiving them. This may mean letting go of old patterns, people, or the weight of past trauma that no longer serves us in our present moment.
Another lesson I’ve had to learn is the importance of slowing down. I can get so caught up in moving and achieving goals, constantly striving for more out of my life and career, that I forget to pause. It’s crucial to reconnect, recalibrate, rest, and refresh. I’ve realized how important it is to take the time to appreciate what’s already around me—whether it’s the people I love or the beauty of Mother Nature.
Recently, I had the important lesson of valuing my skills—no matter how small I thought they seemed. Those skills matter, and they’re freaking cool! Over time, those skills can turn into income, projects, and lead to exciting collaborations. So, always nurture the person within you and recognize that everything you’re learning and growing into is, valuable.
Finally, I’ve learned that my journey is worth sharing. My story matters. Every part of it, from the highs to the lows, shapes who I am today. And I know my story can inspire others to recognize their worth and potential. Most importantly, I’ve learned to laugh, love, and embrace the adventure—because life is too short not to enjoy the ride.
P.S. Be okay with saying NO and honoring your boundary.
Pricing:
- $111 Inner Voice: 3 Session Coaching Package
- $222 1-MONTH PACKAGE – PRE VALENTINE HOLIDAY SPECIAL
- $444 2-MONTH PACKAGE – PRE VALENTINE HOLIDAY SPECIAL
- $197 Path to Empowerment & Career Planning for CREATIVES
- $52.50 The Mindful Artist’s Creative Freedom Toolkit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AmandaDeBraux.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AMANDADEBRAUX/
- Facebook: www.AmandaDeBraux.com/lifecoach
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindsetartistry
- Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/@amandadebraux
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/shesalifecoach/
