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

Hi Rise, how do you think about risk?
The Risk Factor is something we will all experience, the main question is … Will YOU take the leap and risk it all?

Well for me the answer is pretty simple and has always been “YES!” the moment I risked moving to NYC at 18 years old with $100 and 1 suitcase was the moment my life truly began and I stepped into my POWER. While chasing an Acting + Hosting career with no back up plan, may not seem ideal to most. I saw no other future, taking that risk has allowed me to live freely and happily even when the going gets rough. I’ve learned there are many pros and cons that comes with risk taking…

like for example a “PRO” I get to make my own schedule, and inspire others by my career path. A “CON” I get to make my own scheudle because I dont know when my next gig will come & early on if i’d even make rent that month. So of course its not always the glamorous lifestyle we hope it to be, but I would never trade The Risk for a saftey net. Be the creator of your own life !

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.
Rise is a Creative Entrepreneur, she began to pursue her acting career professionally at the age of 18, after leaving her homewton and moving 3,000 miles away to NYC. She chose the career of acting in the hopes to inspire others to dream big and never give up on yourself. Being someone that grew up in a toxic/unsafe house hold she wanted to make a difference for people going through the same experiences.

While pursuing Acting has been her heart of hearts her whole life, she was then lead into ‘Hosting”. Little did she know after booking a series with Seventeen Magazine, hosting would be the way she truly changes lives. That being said im happy to announce she will be starting her own Talk Show revovling around “Emotional Wellness” sharing stories of her trauma and how she prevailed agaisnt all odds, giving tips & tricks on how YOU can Take Your POWER back and be the creator of your own life.

The Dream Chasing hasnt always been the easiest, but its all been worth it to turn that dream into a reality. I was told many times I wouldnt make it, that my trauma will always be who I am, had very little support along the way… Thankfully I never let doubt enter my safe space when it came to pursuring my career, I’ve been blessed to work with brands like ‘Glamour” “Seventeen” “Sephora” and Big names like “Baz Luhrman” “Rihanna” “David Schwimmer” early on in my career. Studying with one of the greats “Anthony Abeson”, taking his classes truly took my career to the next level as he is a enthusiastic, stariught foward and real acting coach 10/10 recoomend haha

When it came to certain challenges in my career i would always remind myself how far I’ve come and how many young lives I had already imoacted and that were looking up to me especially my 6 younger siblings. It truly inspired me to keep going each and everyday.

Some very imoortant lessons I’ve learned along the way are…

1. Everyone does not have your best interest, and its important to set your boundaries and stand your ground
2. You create your own reality, your mind, soul and body are sacred and its important to be mindful on who you surround yourself with.
3.Growth comes in many different forms, if somethings not working dont give up just try a different approach.

One take away I would love for the world to know is “Dont be a victim of your circumstances, be the creator of your own life” -Rise Powell

I strive for success and conitue to do my best to inspire others daily, my goal is to be able to open up a non-profit to helo those wanting to pursue a creative career but not having the support from adults etc around them.

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?
As I sit to answer this question it becomes a bit hard, I wish I could look back and say one specific person or loved one from my childhood changed my life or helped me with my career. To be honest it was always the people who knew me least but That I brought a random sprout of joy into thier lives. Starting with the person who dropped me off at the airport to start from scratch and leave behind the career i began in LA, The person who gave me $100 at the airport, The person who let me sleep on thier couch when I was doing over nights on set, The person who gave me shoes when I only had converse and it was snowing in nyc, The person who gave me $20 to get home when I had no way, The person who picked me up off the ground when self doubt, depression and anxiety started to creep in. The people who knew little of me but saw my vision and belived I was not just some dreamer but that I would truly make it with no doubt in thier mind.

Shoutout to those who shaped me my Mother with tough love, My Father with Adveristy, My Siblings with inspiration, My Grandma with guidance & love, My Aunts as Role Models, The family that took us in when we were homeless, My relationships for showing me just how much more I deserve out of life.

Instagram: instagram.com/<risepowell>

Image Credits
Jelani Cleghorne 1-800 Flowers Darnell Bennett Headshots Courts Cannon (Courtney Moore)

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