We were lucky to catch up with Tajianna Okechukwu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tajianna, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I feel like it came with just knowing the very basic principle of “if you’re not confident in yourself, how can you expect others to be?”. You should radiate the energy you want to give back and it also sticks to others as well…giving confidence boosts to everyone in your reach.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi! My name is Tajianna Okechukwu and I am an actor, filmmaker, and teaching artist here in the Bay Area. My work in front and behind the camera often focuses on stories that explore social issues through the lens of the Black experience. I strive to tell stories that will shift paradigms and shake culture to achieve racial reconciliation in our society. I am in love with storytelling. There is something about putting up a mirror to society and telling it about itself that is very fulfilling.
My primary focus is on avante-garde, experimental storytelling with influences from Afrosurrealism and Afrofuturism. In the near future, I hope to launch a production company & educational platform that exists to elevate stories from the voices of emerging Bay Area talent in front & behind the camera.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would have to say that the top 3 qualities that have gotten me to where I am today are: being teachable, being a risk-taker, and being compassionate. I also emphasize that being teachable is extremely important. You are not always the most knowledgeable in the room and others may have better ideas! It’s a beautiful thing to learn. Taking risks is something that can feel scary but may be necessary. My mom always tells me, “Don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you, create the door.” And lastly, always lead with compassion! You want to be known as a pleasant human to be around 🙂
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Always looking to collaborate with other emerging filmmakers and actors! You can connect with me via IG @tajiannaokechukwu 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: tajianna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajiannaokechukwu/
Image Credits
Paco Mallari Jennifer Chen
