Meet Atika Greene | Actress, Poet, Producer, Improviser

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

Hi Atika, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risks are necessary to win at anything. You have to fail to succeed. More chances than none when you take a risk you take a chance to fail. I’ve learned through all of the risks that I have taken. Moving to Los Angeles was a risky move that I was willing to take. It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences to date. I believe that moving to Los Angeles guaranteed more opportunities for success in my field. Ever since I moved to LA I have been afforded opportunities that were unimaginable at some point. Deciding to move to Los Angeles helped me step into my career full force. I was very comfortable living at home and I believe that my career wouldn’t be as far along if I stayed. Moving out West helped me learn the business of acting and network with many gatekeepers. These connections have afforded me a life that I don’t take for granted.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve found gratitude in being multi-hyphenated. I started out as an actress working to be on the next hit show, but when the ebbs and flow of this career occur I learned to lean on my other talents. That has been. discovery in itself, but it was a necessary one. I think what sets me apart is my courage. I can’t quit no matter how hard it gets. No matter how many times I’ve cried or considered a different career path my heart beats louder. My passion, dedication, and resilience set me apart. I know that my big break will come. it isn’t a matter of “if” it’s a matter of “when.’ My belief in myself and my commitment to the people around me who are inspired by my journey keeps me going. I am most proud of taking a leap of faith and moving to LA and being blessed with my first TV credit. I had the opportunity to work on HBO’s “Insecure” in 2017 and it will always be one of my most fond memories in my career. I manifested that opportunity before I even knew that there was an opportunity. That will always be the most memorable set because it was my first. I got to where I am today professionally because of my support system. I am nothing without them because they keep me on my toes and help me see my own strength when I cant. It was not easy at all. It continues to be a challenge, but this is a challenge that is worth fighting for. I’ve overcome a lot of my challenges by continuing to find ways to stay grounded. Daily practices like meditation, journaling, and creating visual art have helped tremendously. I have learned the importance of rituals and daily practices that promote discipline and consistency. I want the world to know I fought for my dreams with everything inside of me. I want them to know that quitting was never an option and that I have found strength in my transparency and vulnerability. Using my voice has been helping me remember the power I have for my own success. Atika Greene will be a household name one of these days.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting I’d want to find a Hollywood party to attend. One of those random mansion parties that you only experience in LA. We would start our day at Matador beach in Malibu, then head over to the winery for wine tasting, we would get massages and facials. One of my friends is an amazing private chef. I would have a nice dinner prepared for us to enjoy at our beautiful Airbnb off the beach. After being pampered, fed, and catching some Z’s we would have a stylist come by and get us dolled up for our epic LA night. This mansion party would be with the likes of actors, models, and other entertainers. After fan Girling and networking at the party. We would end the night at Mel’s Diner. The food is yummy and it’s open late at night. I enjoy new experiences and meeting new people. I am always down for a random LA night at an exclusive club or party. I also love finding quaint dinner spots with epic views. LA has so many scenic spots yo offer and I do my best to check them out when I can.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shout-out to my family. They are my backbone and strength when it gets hard in LA. I have been blessed to have a very supportive family. Without them, I would’ve gone back home years ago. I know it isn’t easy for them to see me struggle at times because of the fluctuation of this business. They continually hold me accountable and push me to keep going. We talk about ways to strategize or create a new way to go about this dream. Although they are 3,000 miles away it means a lot to know I can call on them when I need them. I am also very grateful for my LA Tribe. It took me a really long time to find my extended family, but I’m glad I found them. We all root one another on when we win, we soothe one another through the pain and encourage each other when needed. They are a dynamic group of creatives who are multi-hyphenated, melanated, and dedicated to their craft.

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