Actress Terri J. Vaughn will star in the four-time NAACP Award-winning play “Da Kink in My Hair,” which makes it debut in Atlanta at the Cobb Energy Performance Centre September 6-8, 2013.
Why did you sign on to join “Da Kink in My Hair”?
I love the stories of each woman, the things we don’t like to talk about, but need to get out in the open, and the common bond we have as women. It’s an emotional roller coaster and a ministry for all of us in it and who see it. I wanted in from the beginning, for the challenge as an actor, as well.
Where do you find your inspiration to continue pursuing your craft?
Knowing that as artists it’s our responsibility to bring healing, change and encouragement to the world; knowing I am doing my part to make the world a little bit better through my authentic creative energy and knowing that we need to see more positive black roles for women on TV and film keeps me going.
How did you find your success?
By trusting God and having faith to follow where He leads me. When I feel in tune with what I am doing and what He wants me to do, I am successful.
What keeps you grounded?
My relationship with God, Christ and my family and friends.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets do you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
Confidence in yourself by being spiritually grounded and clicking into your purpose in life. Keeping real genuine people around you who are not afraid to tell you the truth. No “yes men” around.
Name two of your top role models: one in your industry and one from outside of it.
My mother and the greats like Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, Lena Horne … thinking about their journeys fuel me.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
Eat Pray Love, The Alchemist and Return To Love.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
Thank you God for all things, it is all for my benefit.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
Anyway there is beach, water, and mountains.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Everyone would automatically be supplied with their basic needs, anything more than that we would have to work for.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
The amount of stress I carry in my neck and shoulders. I hate that. I’m learning to not stress. I’m a work in progress.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Living your life and using your gifts for a greater purpose than oneself. There are many, Martin Luther King Jr, being one. The challenge as an actor as well.
Where you find your inspiration to continue pursuing your craft?
Knowing that as artists it’s our responsibility to bring healing, change and encouragement to the world. Knowing I am doing my part to make the world a little bit better through my authentic creative energy and knowing that we need to see more positive black roles for women on TV and film, keeps me going.
How did you find your success?
By trusting God and having faith to follow where he leads me. When I feel in tune with what I am doing and what He wants me to do, I am successful!
What keeps you grounded?
My relationship with God, Christ and my family and friends.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets to you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
Confidence in yourself by being spiritually grounded and clicking into your purpose in life. Keeping real genuine people around you who are not afraid to tell you the truth. No “yes men” around.
Name two of your top role models: one in your industry and one from outside of it.
My mother and the greats like Sidney Poitier, Diane Carroll, Ruby Dee, Lena Horne… thinking about their journeys fuel me.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Everyone would automatically be supplied with their basic needs; anything more than that we would have to work for.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
The amount of stress I carry in my neck and shoulders. I hate that. I’m learning to not stress. I’m a work in progress.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Living your life and using your gifts for a greater purpose than yourself. There are many: Martin Luther King, Jr. being one.
