We recently connected with Raihyah and have shared our conversation below.
Raihyah, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity is deeply rooted in the values instilled by my incredible mother. Growing up, she exemplified kindness, empathy, and a genuine spirit of giving. Her selflessness left an indelible mark on me and shaped the way I approach not only my personal life but also my career in acting.
My mom taught me the importance of compassion and the joy that comes from making a positive impact on others. I’ve always admired the way she showed up for the people she loved and have always wanted to do the same.Her belief in the power of generosity and consideration, whether through small acts of kindness or meaningful contributions, has been a guiding force in my life.
As an actor, I carry these lessons with me onto every set. I believe in creating a collaborative, fun, and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
In essence, my generosity is a tribute to the values my mom passed onto me – values that continue to shape who I am, both on and off the stage.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Raihyah, an actress, creative, writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber based in Los Angeles, CA. Although I was born in Los Angeles, I spent part of my childhood in Kansas City, Missouri, and then the majority of my developmental years in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Growing up, I engaged in various activities such as playing piano, cello, basketball, acting, and dancing. I realized through all these things that the common thread was performing that truly captured my heart, and my passion for acting emerged as my ultimate calling.
Despite the limited resources around me, I took my first acting and modeling classes at 14, where I discovered newfound confidence. At 16, a showcase opened the doors to my first agent, who connected me with an acting coach helping me secure a spot at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, fulfilling my dream of moving to Los Angeles at 17. Graduating at 19, I signed with my current wonderful agent and manager, who have helped me book shows, movies, short films, and commercials.
Beyond acting, I am actively involved in creating my own content, shared on my YouTube channel, @raihyah. On my channel, I connect with like-minded individuals, sharing my experiences as an actress, self-help talks, vlogs, and comedy. I also am creating my own shows and short films.
As I navigate through life, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. I’m immensely proud of my journey so far and excited about the future. Living in the present moment brings me joy, and my biggest goal in life is to be happy and share that happiness with others. I am passionate about storytelling that connects with people, opens minds, and makes the world a better place.
My ultimate goal extends beyond the entertainment industry; I aim to make a positive impact by addressing basic human needs such as food, water, shelter, education, and mental health resources. I aspire to contribute in any way I can to create a wonderful world filled with smiles and joy.
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?
The three most important qualities that have helped me along my journey are believing in yourself, being able to adapt, and taking charge.
1. Believing in yourself:
In this journey, the belief in yourself will be a driving force, surpassing the opinions of others. In a world where many may doubt what you’re capable of, it’s CRUCIAL to believe in yourself more than anyone else. Despite the naysayers projecting their disbeliefs, your strength and unwavering confidence in staying true to your passion will be what separates you from others. Recognizing that you are the sole proprietor of your future, you’ll learn that no external force can deter you. When you face challenges and doubts, your self-assurance will propel you forward, making you unstoppable in pursuing your dreams.
2. Adaptability:
Adaptability is a HUGE MUST in this career. Especially because of the fast nature of life and the rapidly changing pace of the entertainment industry. The ability to embrace change with a positive mindset is invaluable and will get you so far. In an industry where things move at a fast pace, being flexible and navigating through challenges without succumbing to extreme stress is very important. Learning to adapt and maintain your composure will not only give you resilience but also the capability to get things done efficiently, while still having fun. Being adaptable, along with having a positive mindset, proves to be key in navigating the demands of a career in this industry.
3. Taking Charge:
Taking charge of your career will be monumental. Waiting for opportunities to come your way is not an option. You know your strengths and weaknesses, if you don’t learn them. Recognize these aspects and shine the spotlight on yourself. Rather than waiting for someone else to acknowledge your talent, make opportunities yourself by embracing opportunities. In today’s world, with the power of social media and the internet, there are numerous places to showcase your skills. Taking charge means putting yourself out there. Use these platforms to share your voice. But please know, it’s not just about independence; it’s also about seeking guidance when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Taking charge isn’t just about initiative; it’s a mindset that will help you when you end up in spaces where self-promotion and collaboration go hand in hand.
If you are still in the beginning of your journey, these skills will be KEY in having a promising future! The only way to develop them is to practice them as problems arise.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
There are many moments in life when the weight of the world feels heavy. When I’m overwhelmed, I take a step back. I pause whatever I’m doing, giving myself the space to breathe and reassess.
Deep breaths are my saving grace. With each exhale, I envision what is stressing me leaving my body. This is a mindful release of all of the tension that has built up. It’s a simple yet powerful practice, a moment of intentional self-care amid the chaos.
In those moments of introspection, I ask myself: Is what I’m overwhelmed with truly worth feeling this way? It gives me a quick reality check that I need. More often than not, the answer prompts me to reevaluate the importance of the stressor.
Then I give myself the gentle reminder: Everything is going to be okay. Everything is going to work out. I remind myself, stress is not bettering me in any way, it only worsens the situation. So, I choose not to let it stay with me.
My advice for anyone facing overwhelming moments is: Take a step back. Distance yourself, even if only for a moment, from the source of stress. Take deep breaths; you’d be surprised how much they can help. Let go of the tension, and affirm to yourself that you are okay, that everything is going to work out. It’s a self-soothing practice, a reminder that amidst the chaos, that you possess the ability to find calm and navigate through the storm. A reminder you have more control over how you feel than you think.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raihyah.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raihyahh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_JrbuAp4qwYtIlnfqkqjUQ
- Other: IMDB: http://www.imdb.me/raihyah
Image Credits
Dominic Leano, Tiziano Mammana
