Meet Amajae Hardy-Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amajae Hardy-Jones.

Hi Amajae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began when my love for the arts began. I’ve wanted to pursue acting for as long as I can remember. At the age of 3, it was evident that my passion for the arts would be the cornerstone of who I am and my future. I began acting at the age of 14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I submerged myself in as many acting classes, programs, and performances as possible. I quickly became active within my community joining stage plays, interim programs, and local productions. My love for the theatre soon grew as I continued to debut at venues such as the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts and Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia, The Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, and The Charles W. Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Dallas, Texas.

With a rich background in theatre, I transitioned into student films, web series, and local short film projects within my community. Although I built a representation for myself in my hometown of Philadelphia, I knew there was only so much to offer. That is when God gave me the most challenging step of faith. To move to Los Angeles and be a working actor.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The transition from Philadelphia to Los Angeles was a struggle in multiple ways. Half of my family & I moved across the state with no resources, family, or idea of how to break into the Los Angeles market. Luckily, I’ve been fortunate enough to gain insight through navigating the entertainment industry business. When my family & I moved to Los Angeles, I began understanding what stepping out in faith looks like.

The life of a working actor can be a challenging road. It’s a journey and a constant test of your love for the craft and business you’re pursuing. As a Christian, I always had a strong foundation in my faith from my family and even school. I knew the trials & tribulations I was to face as a Christian pursuing an acting career. I was living a dream that felt so tangible I didn’t want to focus on the negatives or the statistics.

The biggest struggle in an actor’s life is believing in the dream even when it seems impossible. Only some people supported my decision to pursue acting, let alone move across the state to pursue an acting career. Before moving to Los Angeles, there were people closest to me who often doubted my dreams and questioned my intentions to pursue a career; very few people succeeded. Relocating away from family and my hometown was the most challenging task ever. There were moments in which I began to question myself being in Los Angeles. The doubts and fear began to clout my mind. I remember nights when I wanted to return to my hometown of Philadelphia. Over time, I convinced myself that quitting would be easier than making it out in Los Angeles. Nobody knew, but I was at my lowest when I moved out to Los Angeles for the first time. I knew I was crazy in believing I could build a career in a new state, let alone grow as an actor. As I reflected on what I went through, I didn’t fully appreciate the season I was in. God had placed me in a season of patience and gratitude.

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?
I am a working actress, content creator, and proud founder of my virtual talk show, “Aspire To Inspire.” My most recent television credits include appearing on a crime re-enactment series called. “I Met My Murderer Online.” “I Met My Murderer Online” is a 30-minute true crime TV series with expert analysis and crime dramatizations that reenact devastating dates with death and doomed online connections. I also had the opportunity of working on Urbanflix’s original series, “Cocaine Sisters.” You can watch the series on Urbanflix TV. I’ve also appeared on web series such as “Chicken Girls,” streaming on Tubi. Lastly, you can also see me in the anticipated theatrical release of the upcoming film “Phels High,” directed by Kevin J. Nelson. Fel’s High is to release this summer, June 2023.

While in Los Angeles, I’ve had unique opportunities of working in front of the camera. I also worked behind the scenes for two Urbanflix TV shows, “Cocaine Sisters” and “Heaux Phase,” as a production assistant. Outside of my accomplishments with acting, I am the proud founder of “Aspire To Inspire.” “Aspire To Inspire” is a platform built to inspire individuals from all walks of life. With this platform, I aim to attract like-minded individuals, such as actors, who want to inspire others through their God-ordained passions in life. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing young talented actors who’ve starred on various networks such as The CW, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, HBO, and even Disney. I created this virtual interview platform to highlight talented actors, actresses, and content creators making moves within the entertainment industry during a time when creativity seemed lost. I’ve had the privilege to interview Emmy-nominated actors & actresses you may have seen on your TV. By creating this interview platform on Youtube & Instagram, I’ve built lasting connections with future actors & actresses from across the United States. “Aspire To Inspire” quickly became a passion of mine, as I have interviewed over 50 working actors and actresses from all areas of the entertainment industry.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’ve learned numerous lessons due to the Covid-19 crisis. As ironic as it may sound, I wouldn’t have moved to Los Angeles if it wasn’t for the pandemic. After graduating high school in 2019, I knew I wanted to pursue acting full-time. With that in mind, I had no idea what was coming when the world experienced a global shutdown. The pandemic allowed me to trust in the unknown. When the opportunity presented itself to move to Los Angeles, my family & I took a leap of faith and moved across the country from the east coast to the west coast. Luckily I have my family’s support, who believe in me and what I’m capable of.

As a result of the pandemic, I’ve created and built relationships with industry professionals through interning, networking, and my talk show, “Aspire To Inspire.” After two years in Los Angeles, I began constantly creating & networking. Networking is the most important tool within the entertainment industry. My proudest accomplishment while being in Los Angeles is growing my talk show. I took pride in creating something from the comfort of my home while inspiring other working actors along the way. The pandemic made me more assertive about going after my goal & challenged me to use my resources to create an outlet for my vision.

Along with networking, building genuine relationships can improve an individual’s skill sets. These skill sets can include confidence and even self-assertiveness. While in Los Angeles, networking opportunities have placed me in situations that have furthered my career quicker than a degree. The overall importance of networking can advance your career and instill beneficial skill sets that can last a lifetime.

I desire to share my journey with others so they may see what walking in their purpose looks like. My love for the arts has opened numerous doors for me, but my faith has allowed me to stand firm in my reason for being on this earth. There is still so much I have yet to accomplish & I’m a firm believer in God’s timing rather than my own. Whoever reads this article, please remember that you can pursue your dreams. I took a chance on myself, and I’m now entering the best season of my life! Be encouraged & please pursue your heart’s desires!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amajaehardyjones/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amajaehardy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1oATAZmOiBCN2V913OoHnQ?app=desktop
• Other: https://linktr.ee/amajaehardyjones