Today we’d like to introduce you to Andromeda Jones.
Hi Andromeda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the epitome of a creative. I love all things artsy. I am a hairstylist by profession. I’ve even been awarded the Church Stars award for my work and an actress at heart. I’ve done film, commercial, voice-over and stage productions. Theater is probably my favorite because I love the rush of a live audience and the instant gratification. I have also been blessed to Direct, Assistant Direct, run sound, lights, Stage Manage, lead the hair and makeup team, and so much more behind the scenes. I am also a classically trained Ballet dancer and have danced with various organizations on a professional level. Most recently, right before the pandemic began, I tried my hand at standup and actually won fan favorite in a team competition last March. I would say the only talent I don’t have is the ability to sing, but I’ll do that too if you ask. Any chance I get to entertain, I’m probably going to take it. Oddly enough, when I’m not entertaining, I’m probably at home Mom-ing and being boring. I’m your classic introverted extrovert. I leave it all on the stage and go home and act like the world doesn’t exist
The pandemic hit and life changed overnight. Everything I love to do requires the presence of other people. At least in my mind it did. I had to find a way to pivot. I needed something that gave me a chance to keep myself “fresh” in entertainment but also safe in this crisis. I have always wanted something that spoke to who I am as a Black Woman, so I decided to start a statement tee line. I came up with my brand name “Gumbheaux.” My shirts speak to all aspects of and the beauty of Being a Black Woman. Even more amazing was it came at a perfect time. We are in the middle of history right now, and Black Women are leading the charge. We have turned this country around and upended what America has stood for, for as long as America has been standing. The backs America once stood on are stronger than ever, and the bodies are bucking and it’s AMAZING to see and even more to be a part of… Back to my shirts… Gumbheaux (Gumbo) is a brand that speaks to Black Women being multifaceted. We can run the boardroom and the bedroom, and the country and my website contain shirts that speak to all of that. It’s about being okay with being a boss and also being okay with being a sexual, sensual being and people knowing it and accepting it. If they don’t accept it, that’s okay too.
Once I started Gumbheaux, I realized it could go in so many different directions. Just like actual Gumbo has many ingredients and flavors, so does my Gumbheaux brand and the Women that are my target audience. That said, I decided to turn it into a podcast of sorts. Every Wednesday, at 7 pm CST, live on my IG (@gumbheaux), I have a Black Woman that owns a business, product or is simply a Boss, comes on and speak about her career or product. In the second half, we talk about sex. We go as deep or remain as shallow as they like. So far, these women have been opening up. We have a lot of fun and share a lot of laughs. I have had the Founder of Brown Girls Do Ballet, Radio personality ‘Lil D” Porter, and even a local Judge and more. I have been amazed at how many women have been happy to sign on to speak with me. I always close each interview with my guests leaving an inspiring word for Black Women. I even throw in a #MCM one Monday a month. They talk about the same things, except in their interview, I ask that they tell what they love about Black Women. I’ve had Comedians Kevin “Damn Fool” Simpson, D’Lai, Corey Sherril and others on to give the ladies something special. After the interviews, I always post an item I want to feature from my site and encourage my viewers to share and purchase. After all, we’re supporting Black Women, right?
All in all, I have really had to pivot in this pandemic. Doing hair has become scary. You never know what is going on with this virus or who has it. I’ve survived Covid myself. Gumbheaux has been another creative outlet and it’s been fun. I have so many more ideas and so many other directions I want to take my brand. I also have a lot of support from those that love me. I’m still looking to act and hopefully on a much larger scale someday and I’ll always be behind the chair (@andromedastyles). Gumbheaux has just opened up a new space in my heart and added “Host” to my resume. When the world opens back up, I’ll be back on stage and screen, but for now, catch me on IG and Facebook. 2020 may have been one of the strangest years of my life, but it definitely caused a shift in my thoughts about life and my career as a creative. If you want to keep up with me and my brand, follow me on Instagram and Facebook @andromedastyles (hair), @1actdrama (personal) and @gumbheaux (dope stuff). I can also be found under the same on Facebook and Twitter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has absolutely not been a smooth road. I’ve had several hiccups. 2020 itself was a road of potholes and plot twists. Probably the most stressful year to date. On the flip, its a year that gave me the most clarity about my personal life and myself as a person. The primary struggle has been gaining an audience for my newest venture, Gumbheaux. Secondary to that was acting gigs pretty much drying up for a bit, and even once they began to pick back up, things have changed so much, and there are fewer jobs and roles available due to Covid.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist and actress. I specialize in silk presses and maintaining healthy hair. I’m probably most known for acting. It’s what I love the most in life. I can get on stage or in front of a camera and transform into a different person, and it feels like I go into a different realm. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is my personality. I am most known for my big mouth and larger-than-life persona. Most people that know me from social media meet me and immediately comment on how “tiny” I am. I’m only 5’3″ and 135lbs, but people seem to think I am much larger. They always say its because my personality is so big. If I had to say the one thing I’m most proud of, it would be my ability to adapt. Change is nothing for me. I see it as a new opportunity to showcase my “dope.”
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be my first dance solo. It was a tap dance solo to Paula Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl.” I was about five and it was my first experience with all eyes being on me. I don’t remember if I got a standing ovation or if I even knew what one was, but I feel like I deserved one. LOL. That was when I was bit by the entertainment bug and my dance instructor was the first person to tell me that entertainment was a perfect fit for me. I shined on that stage and not just because I was in sequins. I’ll never forget how I felt that day. I’ve been chasing that feeling since then.
Contact Info:
- Email: gumbheaux@gmail.com
- Website: www.gumbheaux.com
- Instagram: @gumbheaux
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gumbheaux
Image Credits
Some Sweet Photography
