Rising Stars: Meet Akia Takara

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akia Takara.

Hi Akia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Toledo, Oh, while spending my summers in Casco, Me at an all-boys sports camp, Camp Cedar. I know, my best friend and I were some lucky gals, but I played sports as a child. I was involved in volleyball, basketball, soccer, and was in the field when it came to track & field with a specialty in the pole vault, shot put, and discus; but thanks to camp, I was able to experience all sports. I am the eldest and have six wonderful little brothers who consider me a role model. Growing up, the arts were heavily influenced by my family. I was always entertaining or performing, from African dancing to band to family talent shows…and oh my, let me tell you my family talent shows are a BIG DEAL.

I started acting in high school and the first moment I was on stage as an actor, I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I dropped all dreams of becoming a teacher or working with children and proceeded to go to The Ohio State University where I studied theatre with a minor in disability studies. There I fell in love with American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture and became an advocate for people with disabilities especially in TV, film, and all media. I learned that ASL and acting can be connected and that was life-changing to me. I realized I’m here to make people ‘feel’; whether that’s laughing, crying, screaming, or anticipating something. I want them to go through an experience when they experience me. After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles and soon a little girl’s dreams were her reality. It’s been three years since I’ve moved to LA and I can say this is home for me now. I have found work in acting and modeling and I only know my career is going to be more successful from here!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Are all roads smooth!? Of course not! I wish I could say it has but I won’t complain too much. I’ll definitely say coming from Ohio to California was an obstacle in itself and I did that drive out here, so it definitely was a bumpy ride. It was a huge financial shock, but I’ve learned that’s for anyone moving to California from another state. You have to adjust to another life and routine. I’ve learned to have patience and if you know anything about astrology, I’m an Aries and we don’t know what that word means. Learning to have patience leads me to what being an actor in LA has been for me and how it is a super competitive field; from finding agencies/managers that’s right for you and auditions, trying to get yourself in the room. I really do believe patience is a virtue and everyone’s experience is different. The real struggle has been Covid-19 and how that has halted all filming at studios and productions for safety reasons. I know at the beginning of this year I was due to start filming for a couple of films, one in particular as the lead. Of course, covid-19 had other plans for us all, but it was hard not to be able to see those productions through.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress and model. I’ve worked on music videos, short films, and films. I’ve done brand and commercial work for companies such as Shoe Dazzle and Stitch Fix. I was recently able to do a film during Covid, “A Christmas Love” by Gregory Hatanaka which is on Amazon Prime now. I must say set life is so different but it felt so good to be on a set in front of a camera. I’m also learning during this time, creating your own opportunity and creating your own work. I’ve seen the incredible ways of how people are accommodating yet still creating art and I can’t wait to try my version. I feel that my warm affectionate personality sets me apart from others and that helps me with networking. Having connections and knowing people is everything and it helps a bunch when people can help you, but it helps even more when you can help yourself.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Perhaps not in the way you mean, but most importantly that family is everything! If this year has taught us anything, it taught us to communicate more, to say, “I love you” more, to laugh and cherish moments we usually wouldn’t think to hold onto. For me, it’s been difficult being miles and miles away from my entire family but I’m grateful for technology. Who knew Zoom would be my best friend but it lets me know my family is safe. To be grateful is a lesson I’m sure we’ve all learned but Covid reminded me for sure.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.akiatakara.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akiatakara/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtMpWB_kBXcYH4S9ZlpZ8oA

Image Credits
On a Whim Studio, Marcus Redd, Erika Orozco, and Lady Donica