Life & Work with Kamia Imani of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamia Imani.

Hi Kamia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I always knew in my heart that I wanted to be an actress. With my naturally energetic, bubbly, perky effervescence, I loved the idea of being heard, seen, and fully free in my expression. As an only child, I poured my energy into everything I could get my hands on — especially athletics. I was a Junior Olympic swimmer and Junior Olympic track athlete, eventually getting recruited at the Division 1 level at UC Berkeley (Cal), where I earned my undergraduate degree as a first-generation college student.

Discipline and focus were instilled in me early through sports, but storytelling was woven into my upbringing just as deeply. Every weekend, my mother, grandmother, and I spent entire days at the movie theater — sometimes watching five to eight films in one sitting. Those long, magical days in the dark, mesmerized by characters and worlds, planted the dream that has carried me throughout my life.

My fascination with people and stories led me into journalism. I loved sharing the journeys of athletes and other inspiring figures — it felt like an extension of my own experience as an athlete, and a way to connect deeply with others. After completing my M.S. at Columbia University’s Journalism School, focusing on Sports Journalism telling the trajectories of the NBA G League Grind, I planned to enter the professional world, but something in me knew I needed to honor my inner child first. Commercial agents already wanted to sign me — my personality made that part almost instant — but I wanted range, depth, and craft. So I invested in myself and enrolled in a full-time, two-year acting conservatory: The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, home of the Meisner Technique. There, I trained intensively in vocal technique, physical theatre, stage combat, jazz, modern dance, on-camera work, and scene study.

Education has always been incredibly important to me — I believe it’s powerful, transformative, and full of opportunities. That’s one reason I also incorporate my journalism and hosting background in Los Angeles, especially in sports and entertainment. It keeps me sharp during slower acting seasons and gives me another avenue to stay creatively fulfilled.
I’m also passionate about voiceover. Growing up watching Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network sparked my love for animated performance, and I’m excited to continue expanding into that realm as well.
Alongside acting, I am a singer, model, spokesperson, private jet flight attendant, and content creator. I’m grateful to have been crowned Miss California USA People’s Choice — my first ever pageant. I had dreamed about competing for years but wanted to do it for the right reasons. For me, it wasn’t just about glitz and glamour; it was about representation, authenticity, and using my story — including overcoming domestic violence and stepping into my “me season” — to empower other women.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful. One of my biggest challenges has been vetting people for my team and ensuring everyone around me has genuine intentions. Los Angeles can be full of empty promises, and navigating that requires discernment, intuition, and spiritual grounding. I truly believe what is for you has already happened, and rejection is God’s protection — a redirection toward what’s meant for you.
Balance is another situation I face. I wear many hats — actor, singer, model, dancer, spokesperson, content creator, private jet flight attendant (including the Renaissance Tour), and aspiring nursing student. LA’s fast pace and endless opportunities can be both exciting and distracting. Knowing your “why,” mapping out a clear career plan, and practicing intention have been key for me. Being social and in so many rooms is a blessing, but it requires discipline and alignment to choose wisely.
Transitioning from theater to film and television had its challenges. Coming from a stage background, I initially lacked professional reel footage. That forced me to take initiative — building my own projects, collaborating with other creatives, and developing material that reflected my abilities. Through that process, I learned resourcefulness, how to prioritize, and the importance of finishing one project with excellence before moving to the next.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Work, Achievements & What Sets Me Apart
I’m a multi-hyphenate – an actor, singer, model, spokesperson, dancer, and content creator, specializing in authentic, emotionally grounded storytelling across film, theater, lifestyle branding, and digital media. I’m known for blending elegance, intellect, and heart — an energy shaped by my journalism background, on-camera experience, modeling foundation, and even my work as a private jet flight attendant. I also hold a black belt in Kempo Karate, which taught me discipline, poise, and drive.
One of my proudest full-circle moments was with All American on the CW. I had been a huge fan of the show long before my acting training. Earlier this year, I attended their wrap party, connected with a crew member I had met previously, and was later invited to audition for the final season — a dream opportunity that came without representation.
After returning to California from New York, I competed in the pageant and booked a feature film, playing the antagonist in Yellow Broken Road, which is now in marketing and distribution.

Since beginning my creative journey in LA, I’ve organically grown my platform to over 116K+ followers on Instagram. I’ve built an influencer brand through charity events, galas, red carpet premieres, movie screenings, lifestyle content, and collaborations with like-minded creatives. I credit my entrepreneurial mindset to my mother, Elvy Rodil, who instilled ambition and versatility in me.

Recently, Sunset Pictures, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, noticed my online presence and invited me to the studio to discuss becoming their main spokesperson influencer, showcasing the exciting projects they’re rolling out in 2026. I am now a Media Partner with them and assist with scouting prime time film and TV projects in development. Lamont Pete, Head of TV at Sunset Pictures, played a key part in recognizing my synergy and potential.
As a spokesperson and creator, I have partnered with brands and organizations including:
Ness Healthcare, Hale Bob, CosmeticRx, GLOW by Kylie Jenner, OTH Network, the Micheaux Film Festival, and more.
I was invited to the Micheaux Film Festival to create promotional content and recap videos. This November, I’m partnering with the Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival (PTAFF) as a moderator and red-carpet host. Their “Creators at Work” panel investigates labor, economics, and the creator economy — and aligns deeply with my passion for storytelling and digital culture. Their 2025 theme, “Labor and Wage Equity,” is timely and powerful.
I’m proud of the synergy I’ve built between my journalism background, influencer platform, and acting career. My long-term goal is to continue expanding my brand and launch my own product line, merging entrepreneurship with artistry.

Can you share a pivotal moment that confirmed you were on the right path?
There was a moment in the Warner Bros lot — walking onto a soundstage at sunset with executives such as Lamont Pete, who genuinely believed in my potential — that shifted everything for me. I felt like my dreams weren’t just dreams anymore; they were turning into direction.
Another pivotal moment was being invited to showroom pulls and brand events where designers, PR teams, and creatives responded to my presence, my energy, and my professionalism. Those moments reminded me that this is bigger than aesthetics — I’m building trust, reputation, and longevity.

Plans & Future Goals
Next year, I plan to pursue my final degree through an accelerated BSN nursing program. I believe in having a stable foundation — whether through flight-attending or nursing — that allows me to continuously invest in my craft, projects, and long-term creative career. I’m committed to evolving through both fast and slow seasons, always learning, growing, and elevating.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I Love Most About LA — And What I Love Least
What I love most about Los Angeles is its vibrancy, diversity, and endless opportunities to meet like-minded creatives. It’s a city where dreams feel possible — a place where manifestation and hard work truly coexist. I love my poodle and cat I recently adopted. You can catch my pupply poodle, Manika (means “doll” in Tagalog, the native Filipino language, hanging out with me on the Warner Brothers Lot, she is my best content creator friend. I recently released two new songs, Slow Brn and Midnight Whispers. She joins me in my music making/song creation process.

What I like least are the distractions and the relentless pace. It’s easy to lose focus if you’re not rooted. Also, people who talk a lot of talk and game but do not back it up with action. For me, staying aligned requires intention, prioritization, self-care, meditation, faith, working out, and hot yoga. These help me remain grounded and committed to the vision God placed in my heart.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justkamia/