Meet LaFaye Baker | Stunt Woman Xtrodinaire

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

Hi LaFaye, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always been a risk taker and trailblazer starting back at Angeles Mesa Elementary when I saw a lady with a dance troop and was taught how to hula hoop. From there I later was named in the Guinness Book of World Records, as the 1st Black Hula Hoop Regional Champion in California. I’ve learned to step outside the box and trying different things. This is what has made me an innovator. It takes a lot of courage to step out of your comfort zone. With the 3 D’s: Discipline, Dedication and Determination, you can accomplished anything you set your mind to.
I’ve mastered risk taking without support. I never give up. If someone else can do it, then I can do it too! There is a stigmatism that black women can’t do certain things and I’m living proof that we can do anything. I thrive on incentives; the doubt fuels my drive to accomplish it more. Rejection can throw you off course but you have to dig deep and tell yourself to keep going and that’s what I did time and time again.

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.
A. Some of my accomplishments have been- Guinness Book of World Records:
-1st Black Hula Hoop Champion in California and in the Guinness Book in World Records
-1st AA stunt woman to create an awards show
-1st AA stunt woman to coordinate a big budget project Dorothy Dandridge
– 1st AA stunt woman with a non-profit with a workshop with teen girls
Everything I do is for the betterment of women and young girls. I create workshops for them to become co-coordinators for stunts.
Achievements:
-Gymnastics at Crenshaw HS and cheerleader
– Auditioned for the ice escapades twice with hula-hoops at 18 years old
-mother removed me and made me go to college and major in Recreation and Administration Program Development
-gymnastics team at CSULB
-MBA from the University of Miami
-1st African American Stunt Woman on a Major Motion picture contract- Halle Berry on Introducing Dorothy Dandridge
-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Century City Alumnae Chapter
Many people don’t know that I struggle with ADHD. I talk and move faster than everyone else. After I started reading books, I understood something wasn’t right. People don’t respect me because I wasn’t smart. This has led to my own struggles with self-esteem.
Rejection and colorism in this industry are real! No matter how many no’s I get, I know that there’s only one yes that I need that will open the door to the next opportunity despite all barriors. I like to remember when Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.”
As I pursued my MBA, I was the most senior in the class, but nothing was going to stop me for accomplishing my goals. I thrive on challenges and incentives motivate me.
My mission is to bring recognition to Stunt Woman all over the world. Woman are doing amazing and extraordinary things. We are the Boss! When we’re executing a stunt, we call the shots.
I am a trailblazer and its important for me to educate under-serviced kids about careers behind the scenes that can create generational wealth. I want young girls and women to know its extremely important to:
1. Establish a legacy
2. Be high-achieving academically
3. Be a go-getter
Find an area where people are excelling and find a sponsor or mentor and think Big! Don’t give up, Don’t be fearful and utilize your stamina, be persistent and focused on YOUR VISION. Ignore Naysayers and No’s.
Community Service Innovation and Creativity is nourishment for my soul. All three inspire and motivates me to give back and encourage all to think outside the box, meaning dare to be different.
Acceptance is invaluable, understand its okay to let people go. It’s ok to be who you are under the rule of integrity and self-respect.
Know who you are and respect your space followed by the golden rule of integrity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Restaurants: LA Live ‘Fixin’ The best catfish nuggets and sweet tea
Orleans and York – Po’ boy Shrimp Loaf
Sweet Greens – Marina Del Ray I love salads
Crustaeans- restaurants
Courtyard Marriott- Marina Del Ray Brizo Restaurant- Ahi Tuna

Venues:
Crypto Center
So Fi
Santa Monica Pier
Drive up the coast (PCH)
Comedy Show – King Shuler

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God has been my inspiration I can always count on him when I want to move to the next level. The more effort I put into a project the more God always opens the doors of opportunity for me. If I want to do something I get in the deep water and God always meets me there. I would also like to recognize my parents and what a major influence they have had on my life. They were also entrepreneurs on a mission in real estate and were a huge success. My father started out without a high school diploma but was a hard worker who taught me to be discipline. My mother was a provider and nurturer and helped everyone. My parents were always extremely supportive and having both of them was truly a blessing.

Website: Stuntwoman.shop/ Actioniconawards.com/DiamondintheRaw.org /LafayeBaker.com

Instagram: @Baker.lafaye/@stuntwomanxtraordinaire

Linkedin: LaFaye Baker

Facebook: LaFaye Baker/Stuntwoman Xtraordinaire