Meet Raymond Power | Actor, Producer, Talent Scout

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

Hi Raymond, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic and creative career as an actor and filmmaker because it helped me express myself in a way that I never thought possible. I come from a rough background, I grew up with gangs and in a neighborhood that not many get out of. You had to be one way and that way was to be tough and make sure you survive. As I got older I missed out on so much; I found acting on a whim in a class, and it totally transformed me. I was able to dig down and pull out a side of me that was beautiful, that was expressive, a version of me that was always there but that I had pushed down so far. After experiencing such a breakthrough I had to make a career out of this, and I went on a mission to never hide that side of me again. I have been on a journey to tell my story and share it with the world so that other individuals that come from the same place as me can also experience what they were great at. I want others to know that anything is possible, and it’s never too late to figure out what you love.

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 have come far in my short time in the industry, and I think that’s because of my outlook and my dedication. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and I know I have so much to learn. I think of this as a lifelong journey; they say it takes 20 years to become an expert so I say let’s get it.

Team work makes the dream work. I’ve accomplished so much because I’ve put together a solid team behind me. Melissa Baldauf with Big Fish NW is my agent. Alexi Angelino, who has been with me since the beginning, is my manager and PR specialist. Last but not least is management company, Mind Riot Entertainment, where I am a producer. With these individuals and their collaborative efforts I have done a lot, and I continue to do more every day.

In 2021, I was a leading man on several indie feature films, and was supporting on a ton of other projects. Now in 2022, I was a day player on HBO Max’s, KIMI, opposite Zoë Kravitz. I have several projects with name actors in the works. I have done movies, shorts, TV and commercials. I continue to learn every day. I put in the work, I take classes and try to never stop learning, because you never know it all. One thing that I’m truly proud of is a series called Give Me Shelter. It’s based on the Seattle homelessness crisis and it takes stories from my life. It’s truly amazing to see something that I helped create come to life.

I think that I’m different because of my background. I have a lot of life experience and I have hit rock bottom so I look at life like I can only go up from here, and nothings gonna stop me. I do this for my community, my family, and for the individuals that come from the same place as me. The only other passion I have is in teaching life skills at prisons, and children’s prisons. I want to show them another way to living, that we can all succeed and there’s always a second chance.

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 would definitely take them to where I am from, Tacoma, WA. Tacoma is creative, beautiful and my home.

First the food, we would definitely have to stop by Southern Kitchen and pick up some soul food, and I’m Puerto Rican so we would have to go to Old San Juan in Lakewood and get some mofongo, and arroz con pollo, too. Oh! Being from Tacoma you can’t forget about Fish House Cafe; the cat fish hits!

From there we can go anywhere, out of the city to Mount Rainier to see the beautiful wilderness of Washington state, or head up north to Seattle to check out the Space Needle and the POP Museum. Don’t forget the roasted corn right outside of POP! If you want to do something different we can go to Hansen Creek and dig for crystals which is always kind of cool.

For me it would always be the good old East Side of Tacoma, walking through my old neighborhood and chilling at any of the parks and reminiscing about the old days. After that, for the night as I am an actor, we would definitely go catch a play at one of the many playhouses, or hit the AMC and go catch a movie. Washington has so much to offer. If we don’t wanna do city stuff, camping is always on the table. It’s something that I’ve done since my youth. Washington’s beautiful outdoors are always a great place to vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My story comes with twists and turns, going from dark to light. It’s a story of redemption, and overcoming things that you never thought you could overcome. I never could’ve overcome the obstacles in my life, nor continued my journey without the mentors I’ve had. There was a time in my life where I had no one to turn to so the ones that have helped me deserve all the credit.

The first step of my journey was in higher education. One of the first individuals that believed in me, who showed me my worth was Dale Trombley. He was an engineering instructor who put a spark in me that turned into a fire, who taught me the motto “never stop learning.” My journey then led me to Pierce College where I learned more about myself, and found my passion in an acting class with instructor, Patrick Daughtry. He helped shape me into the amazing actor that I am today.

My story can’t go any further without my amazing mentors at Mind Riot Entertainment; Hollywood screenwriter Johnathan Keasy, Jeremy Dodd, and award winning Director Josh Taft. This group of individuals took me to the next level. They showed me that I matter, that I was special and I had a lot to offer the world. They teach, and inspire me daily. They truly are friends, mentors, and colleagues.

Last but certainly not least, my family. I’ve got to give it up to my support system. My partner Chloes Ciara has my back and supports me daily. She is also creative and helps me create and move through life with confidence and love. My children, my babies, they are the ones that make me push for greatness every day to inspire them so that they know that anything is possible. That they can do anything in this world as long as they work hard, and believe in themselves. And finally, to my grandmother, Peggy, who was there for me when nobody else was. Thank you for instilling within me the values that have helped me succeed daily. You are my heart.

These are the individuals that have shaped me, and why I think mentors are so important.

Website: https://msha.ke/raymondpower/

Instagram: @theraymondpower

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-power-279220106

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raymond.powerromero

Other: Mind Riot Entertainment https://www.mindriotentertainment.com/ IMDb https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10491405/

Image Credits
Diana Gasanbekova Chloes Ciara Edward Dose