Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jaquita Ta’le. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jaquita with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I inherited my work ethic from my family. I come from a long line of hard workers who love to do the best and most thorough job possible, regardless of what they’re doing. My grandmother became a professional hairstylist for television and film “late” in life after raising two boys, and absolutely loved her job. At almost 95, she still talks about waking up before the sun to go “on location”, and how much she relished the process- preparing her tools, packing her bag, dressing appropriately (all black, of course). She didn’t retire until her 80s and even then still worked a bit sporadically. I grew up hearing her talk about preparation, readiness…and money. I’d be remiss to point out the fact that my grandmother has deep respect for folks who love to pound the pavement and EARN.
For better or worse, I’m especially vigilant about showing up to my projects ready ready. And on time. Or early, actually. On time is actually late.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Born and raised in LA, I’m a 3rd generation artist and have acted professionally since I was a kid, in commercials and tv shows. After college (NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts), I got deep into the downtown music scene and performed as 1/2 of the Afrodiasporic Hip Hop duo, Nola Darling. We then found ourselves on the west coast, opening for the likes of J. Cole, Phoebe Bridgers, B.O.B, and more. It was a wild and fun time that prepared me for what was to come next…
In the last decade, I’ve worked primarily as a Voice Over artist for tv and film. My most exciting role to date has been “Sabina”, a marionette ballerina, in Disney’s live-action production of “Pinocchio”, directed by Robert Zemeckis. In theatre, I’ve performed at The Getty Villa, Boston Court, The Road Theatre, and was proud to be nominated for an Ovation Award for my work at The Broadwater (“Too Heavy For Your Pocket”).
Music continues to be a driving force. I also DJ, under the moniker “Eartha Littt”, at venues like The Line Hotel, The Craft Contemporary Museum, The Montalban, Los Globos, and Space 1520.
And now, I’m in the midst of a “first”- my directorial debut. We’re currently knee deep in the rehearsal process for a one woman show, “I Sell Windows” (written by and starring Kacie Rogers). The show goes into previews at Outside In ArtBox (in Highland Park) on May 18th and opens on May 25th. I’m thrilled to have played such an integral part of what I know will be an incredible show.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Curiosity – I’m interested in a LOT and have tons of weird niche interests. I think my big ideas and curiosity in the world at large keeps me open and allows cool new experiences to keep flowing my way.
I’d offer that up to any and everyone- stay curious! There’s so much to learn and discover about the world around us and the people we may encounter.
2. Joy – It’s not always easy, especially in the world we live in, but I think keeping a sense of joy makes life a bit easier and can help transform even the less than ideal experiences I may have. Joy keeps me resilient.
I know joy isn’t always accessible, for a litany of reasons. And I’d never encourage anyone else, let alone myself, to just “be happy”. It’s not easy and or realistic. Depression is real. But if it’s something that one can cultivate or has the ability to tap into, I say do that! The “little” things compound. Small joys can be found and remixed into larger joys.
3. Time – Arguably the most valuable thing any of us have. I surprise myself sometimes when I’m feeling unsure of my skills and talents, and am then reminded that, at the very least, I’ve put the time in. I can always rely on my life/work experiences to inform what I’m doing.
In general, my advice to others is…take all advice with a grain of salt- including mine! Especially mine. Nothing is a better teacher than real life experience and often, others’ advice is only applicable to their own story.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever “did” for me was expose me to art and culture through a Pan-African lens. I have friends that will jokingly call me “Jaquita-pedia” and my husband calls me “walking IMDB”. Growing up, I thought everyone was watching and learning about the things that I did in my household. As an adult, I know now that that couldn’t be further from the truth. Favorite memories include my dad taking me to Tower Records and buying me Zap Mama, Mos Def, and Susana Baca cds. My folks taking me to see Daughters of the Dust AND Sankofa, two of the most significant independent Black films of the 20th century, in the theaters!
And it’s not that I think every kid “needs” or desires that kind of childhood! But it really benefited me… I’ve always been a sponge aka nosey lol. I want to learn everything. I want to see everything. I love to be all up in all things.
When I think about my artistic career, I can’t imagine walking this path without the deep and rich artistic exposure that my folks gifted me (and still are gifting me with).
Contact Info:
- Website: earthalittt.com
- Instagram: @earthalittt
Image Credits
Rebecca Drake Stephanie Girard JJ Hawkins MF Romasanta
