Life & Work with Sierra Upshaw

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Upshaw.

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?
I was chosen to be an artist. I’ve always had a vivid imagination and expressive personality. As a child, I would create songs that my mother thought I learned from the radio. She was skeptical because I never wrote anything down. I spent a lot of my time daydreaming, thinking of countless possibilities. In middle school, I decided to audition for the Cleveland School of the Arts as a theater major and my life was transformed for the better. I learned under masters and was surrounded by divinely gifted students whose talent is still hard to match. I was groomed with the best. My theatrical studies continued at Coppin State University; an HBCU in Baltimore, MD. After graduating college, I joined Womb Work Productions; a social change theater group. My nine years in Baltimore gave me grit, matured me and I left with a deeper appreciation for my people. I moved to Los Angeles in September 2021. This transition has been intense yet empowering. I’m currently studying voice with 9th Realm Music Services and teaching line dancing classes at Studio 216; both owned by my friends from high school. I love a full-circle moment. I am excited to utilize all that this city has to offer and welcome LA to utilize all the resources that I have.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I live a blessed life but my journey has not been easy. In achieving my goals lack of resources has been the biggest factor. My creativity was always greater than my budget. This has made me resourceful. My experiences have taught me the art of finesse. One thing I know how to do is MAKE IT WORK. Though I welcome abundance, my background has given me something money can’t buy; an unbreakable determination.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a renaissance woman, I specialize in all that my heart desires. I am a trained actress and gifted writer. I also model, creative direct and produce content. My Youtube show ‘UPSHAW’ allows me to entertain while sharing my life. I am most proud of my brands Live Upscaled (an online boutique) and Above Below (an astrology store) co-created with my sister Natalie Anise. Live Upscaled is my first baby who showed me I could really curate. Above Below is rare in its focus of making Astrology accessible, artful and enjoyable. Our 2021 Astrology calendar is a useful tool for learning while being beautiful. Our online content is just as innovate. No one is telling the story of Astrology like we are. I am a varied storyteller with a reputation of showcasing Spirituality through all forms of beauty. I stand in the knowing that I am one of one. With my Midas touch, I create with authenticity and the outcome is always a true reflection of my inner world. This realm has never seen a light like mine. I stand out effortlessly. My current focus is long-form video content/filmmaking yet my artistry continues to take new forms. Who knows what I’ll create next? I’d say it’s best to stay tuned.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
This time has reminded me that community is vital. We need each other more that we allow ourselves to believe. I have also re-focused my desires and what I give energy to. Time is too valuable to misuse.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.officialstudio216.com/classes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierraupshw/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKC2r3OjMU80ZV_Qo1vprzg
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/abovebelowstore/

Image Credits
Elle Wright, Malik Doss, Nafis Watson, Jaszmine Christine Sierra, Upshaw & Natalie Anise, Anna Divinagracia, Shyann Willams