We had the good fortune of connecting with Sallieu Sesay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sallieu, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
After a 10 year relationship where I was blessed to have two beautiful healthy children, I was given the ultimatum to either stop my artistic pursuit and return to my home town of Seattle or let the relationship go. I chose the later. I decided to pass on the ultimatum and live my life here in Los Angeles. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. I later found out that it was a very wise decision. I believe that people who believe in you will support you in any environment. It’s easy to tell someone you love them when you’re benefitting greatly from the relationship. The true test of love is when things grow difficult, financially, or when the time and attention a person once received becomes limited by their personal pursuits. I’ve had to make sacrifices that cause delayed gratification in order to reap a much greater reward in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career in theatre. I love the stage. My very first play was the Laramie Project. In that production I played 6 or so different characters, from the Reverend Phelps to a Baptist preacher to a man serving a jail sentence. Hearing the audience’s reaction in the form of gasps when things were said or sniffling with tears streaming down their cheeks reinforced the fact that I was indeed on the right path. What sets me apart from others is my inability to quit. Despite the many hardships I’ve faced along this pursuit in the arts, primarily in film and television now, I’ve continued to persevere. I’m most proud of my decision to move to Los Angeles. I’m blessed to have met my friend, mentor and other mother Miss. Julia Higueros. I lived with her when I first moved to LA in Dec. of 2014. By May of 2015 she had helped me to secure a foundation here in Los Angeles with the purchase of my first home. I got to where I am today professionally by FAITH. Faith in myself, faith in those around me, faith in the process. Things take time. You will not have a baby in one month by having 9 different pregnancies. It hasn’t been easy. There were times that those who loved me the most suggested that I sell my home and return back to Seattle. There have been people who I’ve met, trusted and who drug me down an incorrect path. There have been tough decisions that I’ve had to make. Along the way I’ve learned that it takes a village. I’ve learned that I needed some to doubt me and my ability. This forced me to work harder. I’ve needed people to abandon me during my hardships in order for me to grow even more resilient than I already am. I’ve needed more obstacles to build my tolerance. I fell as though God has been building my endurance. I feel He is doing this to prepare me for night shoots on set, followed by an early morning workout, discussions with publicists, perhaps an attorney, agent or managers meeting; all while balancing relationships that are important to me. What I want the world to know is that if you believe it then you can achieve it. I’ll write a book one day, semi-autobiographical and inspirational. In the book I’ll detail all of my hardships. I’ll wait to publish this book once I reach a certain level of success. When success is seen, that’s a good time to present people with the bricks that were laid day after day, month after month and year after year. The idea is that my story will provide hope and a healthy point of reference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ll start by saying that I don’t get out as much as I would like. Again, this goes back to sacrifice. I typically work as a Registered Nurse during the weekend. I’ve been known to leave home Friday morning and go to work, around the clock. I’ll be off Monday morning. I would then focus on my acting career Monday through Thursday. My suggestions therefore are going to be health driven. I would take family and friends on a hike to Runyon Canyon, this would allow for exercise and a great view of the Los Angeles skyline. I would take them to the Santa Monica Pier on another day and a nearby restaurant with good food. One of my favorite beaches is El Matador in Malibu. I’m sure there is much more to do and see. However, as I mentioned I’m extremely focused on building my career a majority of the time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people in my life who are an intricate part of my success. I believe in a higher power. I believe in God. I believe that He is my source of strength when my hardships have become overwhelming. I have a very supportive mother who has always stood in the gap for me. Since childhood she has shown me first hand what it means to sacrifice. She made sacrifices in time, sacrifices in her own personal pursuits and interests for her children. On the topic of children are my very own. Ayessatou is my eldest daughter, she’s 8, named after my mother. Sallieu is my son and legacy holder, he’s 5 this August. The both of them keep me honest. They keep me on a righteous path. I was blessed enough to have two siblings. Abdul whose 2 years younger than me and Haja-Isata who is 15 years younger. My brother is a Respiratory Therapist at a level 1 trauma hospital. My sister, a university graduate, works for Kaiser. I have aunts and uncles who are phenomenal. Who have grown to become friends and advisors. Aunty Ramatu, Aunty Fatu, Aunty Adama and many more. Being raised by a single mom I have a deep respect from strong dignified women who have principles. Last but most definitely not least I have a cousin Mohammed who is an ex marine and currently working for the US Government. He’s a lot less of a cousin and much more like a brother. He has been my best friend and a sounding board. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my team.

Website: https://www.sallieusesay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallieu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Iamsallieusesay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUZMq0adijD61ElZBEwBRSg?view_as=subscriber
Other: Tik Tok https://vm.tiktok.com/KYwEBD/