Actress, spoken word artist, singer, writer and graphic designer, Lisa Beasely is on the journey of using every ounce of talent in her bones. Hailing from Gary, IN, she moved to Memphis, TN where she studied Classical Jazz Studies at LeMoyne-Owen College earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her college career she began to sing live and perform throughout the city gaining recognition as a spoken word. After graduating, she relocated to Hollywood, CA and attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and trained with the top entertainment industry’s professionals. Lisa now performs in Chicago, IL in several stage play productions and continues to thrive as a performing artist. Her dedication on stage led her to a nomination with the Black Theatre Alliance Awards. Lisa Beasley is also an entrepreneur with her own Graphic Design company, Lifted Soul . She is a freelance writer for several including Persuade Magazine and CB Publishing.
Time to meet Lisa B!
You are a young lady who rocks many hats! Being a singer, actress, writer, graphic designer and spoken word artist, what made you pursue all of your talents?
Everything I do now survived the “Let’s See If She Quits” test. When I was younger, my mother allowed me to take up and quit as many extracurricular activities as I wanted. Trying this different approach proved to her the things I really cared about. I used to want to be a ballerina, a track and field star, a swimmer, a gymnast, sociologist, and a myriad of other things that don’t interest me anymore. (Although with acting, I can pretend to be all those things!)
I have never quit performing, which led to my singing and acting career, and I never gave up my love for paper, which led to a career in graphic design. I always believed that you should live to work and not work to live. I wanted to be able to establish a career out of things I genuinely loved to do.
Poetry is a powerful way to get your emotions across while also relaying a message to the audience, how did poetry become an outlet for you?
When I was a sophomore at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN, I joined a group called the Poetry Society. That was when I was introduced to poetry as a spoken word art form. I have always written poems but I had never recited a poem in front of a group of people. My first poetry reading was NERVE-WRECKING. I was scared. S-C-A-R-E-D! I didn’t bother memorizing the piece and I stood with both of my hands clutching the piece of paper that I’m sure was rustling because I was shaking. I was presenting a very personal piece and that was the first time I felt vulnerable and naked in front of a crowd. Yet, when I began talking, I was at ease. It’s easier for me to share personal information through poetry as opposed to talking about it in everyday conversation.
After encouragement from a fellow poet, Jada, I participated in my first poetry slam a few months later. During that moment, at 19, I experienced freedom sharing ideas that I wrote in solitude. People were listening to what I had to say. Ever since, I realized that poetry is an amazing platform to call attention to important issues or to speak on the behalf of the voiceless. Poetry is my way to tell someone how I feel without the awkward silence. Poetry is my way of telling someone off without getting into an argument. Poetry is my way of venting, loving, sympathizing, being funny, entertaining and educating.
You own the fantastic graphic design company, Lifted Soul Inc., what made you want to start your own business?
I wanted to eat. Lol. No, but really, when I graduated from undergrad, I had two choices: Begin working in the corporate world of Enterprise Rent-A-Car or attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, CA. I choose the latter.
I have a B.A. in Music and I knew that I wanted to pursue a professional career in the arts every since high school. After I graduated from college, I felt pressure to begin a career that I could make a lot of money in however, my desire to further train in the arts exceeded the traditional path others thought I would take. I wanted to pursue my passion. I wanted to do what I loved to do.
However, passion doesn’t pay the light bills. Love won’t put groceries in my refrigerator. I’ve always loved designing images on my computer and when I moved to Hollywood in 2009 I decided to turn that love into a business. I used some money that I should have used for tuition and invested in an MacBook and Photoshop and got to work!
Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged when pursuing your dreams, how do you stay positive to continue to conquer your goals?
It does get discouraging and sometimes LIFE has a way of distracting me from my overall objectives. My foundation and faith in God helps me to stay relaxed, positive, and confident that if I stay on the right track everything I plan to do will prosper. I talk positively to myself out loud everyday and I also have a “Faith Book.” It’s a small book that I carry with me everywhere I go that has a bunch of pictures and phrases that reminds me of all the dreams and goals I hope to reach.
I also stay positive by hanging around positive people. NO NEGATIVITY ALLOWED. That stuff is contagious.
You were nominated in the Black Theatre Alliance Awards, how has acting impacted your life?
Stepping into the world of another person that isn’t real and pretending to be somebody else is sooooo much fun! It allows me to explore other life situations that I may never experience. It stretches me to think outside of the box and think, “How would the character respond?”
Acting has also impacted my life by teaching me discipline, strengthening my work ethic, and it encourages me to stay physically fit and mentally sharp. Right now, I’m working mainly on stage. That requires a lot of rehearsals and a lot of energy. I have to make sure I am focused and alert.
I have been acting professional in Chicago for almost a year now and the relationships that I’ve built are irreplaceable and I am definitely enjoying working with some of the most talented people in the industry.
What are 2 pieces of advice you would give to girls who wanted to pursue their dreams but are nervous?
You are the only YOU created. There will never be another you. EVER. Nobody can do what YOU can do. Are there a million doctors? Yes. Are there a billion writers? Yes. A there a trillion singers? Yes. But nobody can do what YOU can do like YOU can do it! Be confident in your abilities and what you have to offer. You may not only be the missing piece to solve a puzzle, but you may also be the first piece to a puzzle the world never thought to solve.
Consider everything a learning experience. Learn from setbacks. Learn from heartbreaks. Learn from past failures and move on!
We are all about empowerment at C.O.R.E, what does empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment is a women’s secret weapon. Empowerment is inspiration for others to keep going. Empowerment is the “get out of bed to change the world” kind of attitude that makes people motivated to keep going. Empowerment is giving yourself permission to be amazing and not apologizing for it!
Fun Faves- Fave Food,? Artist? Song? Celeb Crush?
Don’t judge me. 🙂
Fave Food: Macaroni and Cheese in any form. Homemade, from a box, microwaveable snack packets, or any other form I haven’t discovered that I’m sure will be amazing. Macaroni and Cheese with a ice cold Pepsi on the side.
Fave Artst: Beyonce is my homie.
Fave Song: It’s a tie between A Song For You by Donnie Hathoway and Here Without You by 3 Doors Down.
Celeb Crush: This answers changes every two minutes. Today I’m in love with Jesse Williams from Grey’s Anatomy. Yesterday, it was Mehcad Brooks.
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