Meet Astaris-Michael Elliott-Yates

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Astaris-Michael Elliott-Yates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Astaris-Michael, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I don’t like to be told no. I like to turn things into a yes or work towards that yes every-time I can. I remember how I’ve been told I couldn’t be a artist, I’ve been told I couldn’t sing, I’ve been told I’m too feminine, I’ve been told I could never model runway that I’m too short. How I wouldn’t be able to make it far and how I’ve surpassed all of those things out of spite and the sheer willpower that I Can, and I will. I don’t limit myself because I’m a androgynous black LGBTQ artist in heels, I’m empowered because of it.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

When it comes to fashion I became a style assistant for celebrity stylist Lana Rae, walked NYFW & DCFW besides several other fashion shows. Became a published model in British Vogue at the age of 19. Did promotional work for Kiehl’s Pride campaign 2024. Published in various magazines like BmoreArt, Baltimore Mag, Baltimore Weddings and etc.

When it comes to Acting I have a Upcoming Tv Web-Series known as Reaction where I play a visibly black lgbtq male lead focusing on a college friend group, in my own opinion comparable to shows like Euphoria, Grown-ish or Degrassi. I’ve done Background acting for shows on Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime and MUBI.

When it comes to school achievements I’m at Morgan State university apart of the first class of MT majors there having performed in the personal shows of Dreamgirls & The color purple. Performing for celebrities like David Talbert or Donald Lawrence besides also being apart of the Morgan state university choir having traveled and performed with them as well.

For me this isn’t something the average kid from Baltimore goes out to achieve but I’m proud I can say I’m someone who did it.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Networking and Charisma- having a good heart and a good personality can take a person far but building a relationship with those around you is what really takes a village to make a star. Because of the people in my corner I’ve been able to go places I’d never knew was possible until it happened.

Perseverance/ Determination -I had to keep going after being told no. When you live in the context of the way the world labels you, it boxes you within who you are and not who you can be. I could’ve stopped myself from practicing my craft and stayed with a fixed mindset but I chose to grow forth from the bubble and put myself into classes and the spaces I knew I needed to be in. Like when I was told no to modeling the first Baltimore met gala I worked backstage on that show, became a style assistant than later a model as well for Lana Rae and walked for the second Baltimore met gala and here I am about to walk for the third time. My advice on this is to continue practicing, researching and honing your craft. Being a forever student is vital for longevity survival and success. Breaking a karmic circle is honing your craft and having introspection for where you are. I felt the full circles come around every time i would achieve the goals on my vision board, not just because I saw it within my dreams, but because I worked to make it a reality.

Love & Passion: there is nothing without love for what I do. I wear my heart on my sleeve because I love what I do and I thank god for blessing me with the ability to continue doing what I’m doing now. I just want to share this gift with everyone for as long as I can because of the love I have for it.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

The goal is to continue building the acting and modeling career. I want to be on Broadway, I want to act in movies for studios like A24. I want to model again in NYFW/ the CFDA for brands like Dior, Prada, Mugler or Off-White. I just want to do it all. The sky is the limit. I want people to connect with me on my work and my mind. The characters I portray whether on the runway, the stage, the studio or silver screen. I’m always down for a collaboration. the best way to reach me is by email or social media.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jeff from Jazzystudios for the all white background group photo

Haruna “Ruru Photos” Williams for the all white outfit main picture

@reaction.series for the show promo pic

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