Body image

While I was growing up, having a dream to become an actress was like saying pigs will fly one day, okay maybe not that extreme. But it was not something most people saw as obtainable. It also didn't help that I grew up in a small town outside of Dallas, TX. We live in a world now where just being on the internet you have a chance at becoming famous overnight. However, before we go there, let's back up.
My name is Jasmine Alexander. I was born and raised in Flint, MI. It wasn't until I was 14 when my family packed up and moved to Texas. Growing up in Michigan is when I realized I wanted to become a famous actress. Many cold snowy days sitting at home. I remember being a movie buff at a young age. I would watch some of my favorite movies over and over. It wasn't until I watched the movie “What Love Got To Do With It” that I realized I wanted to be an actress. It was something about Angela Bassett and the way she embodied Tina Turner's character. I knew every word of the movie and I felt every emotion when watching. The hurt, the passion, and love are all displayed by one person, one character, one movie. ‘‘What Love Got To Do With It” told me exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
My mind was made up but I had two things standing in my way. How in the world am I going to get on TV? And will I be able to speak once I make it? Let me explain, I was not your typical friendly outgoing child. I was actually very shy and quiet. I remember my mom telling a story about my elementary teacher advising her I would need to be transferred to another class due to my inability to talk. My mom laughed at the teacher and said she can talk, she just doesn't want to. Once she is comfortable she will. Oh, boy was she right, I remember hearing stories growing up about my motor mouth but only with family members I was comfortable with.
This shyness lasted well into my adulthood. It wasn't until I moved to Houston, TX on my own when I realized I had to do something about this. I remember signing up for modeling classes. I thought this was the perfect way to break into the industry without doing too much talking. Well, obviously, I didn't know what I was signing up for. The school took us through several mock interviews to enter, continue and advance. I knew I had to do something about this ‘shyness” or I would never make it to my dreams. I quit modeling school 3 days before completion. My pride wouldn't allow me to complete something that I did for the wrong reasons.
I started to socialize and get out of my comfort zone more which was easy given Houston's nightlife. Little by little I started to gain more confidence. However, getting on tv became the main obstacle. Every time I turned around I was running into one scam after another. After a couple of years of getting nowhere, I took it as a sign. I figured the universe was letting me know it's just not going to happen for me. I decided to go back to school, complete my degree and just work a regular job. So I did just that.
During that time I reconnected with my now-husband. Being with him allowed me more freedom to solely focus on completing my degree. During that time I got pregnant with my now one and only baby boy. At that point in my life, I was content. But I still had this burning passion to act.
Out of nowhere, my partner met a new guy at work that used to be an actor and had been on huge film sets and just wanted a break from set life, Coincidence? I think not. My partner worked in the oil and gas industry. What are the chances of an actor walking up to him? At that point, I knew the universe wasn't done with me. I gave up too easily. After networking with the actor, I found myself on shows such as Murder Made Me Famous, Texas Flip N Move. I later

went on to do numerous short films and web series. I finally felt like my life was moving in the right direction, then covid hit. Ok, universe what now?
I found myself sitting around waiting for studios to open, praying to see casting calls. One day it dawned on me. Why am I waiting on opportunities when I can create them? I started doing my research on how to create a short film. What equipment do I need? Do I need money? During this time my partner got a job offer in Atlanta, Ga. Without hesitation, we took the offer and moved. Since the move, I have created 6 short films. The goal was to complete just 1.
Sometimes we think we have all the answers when the path is already laid out for us. Dream big and go after it no matter how many times life gets in the way. My journey is just beginning and if I can do it you can too.