Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Joy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Abby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey began very early in life. My mom likes to joke that I came out of the womb performing, and she would know because I was born at home. I started singing at four years old and began performing on stage as soon as I could memorize lines. Some people find their calling later on in life, but I was born knowing.
Music and acting have always been an equal love for me. I found my passion in film during my time at the Academy of Arts in Denver after performing in my first short film.
As an actor and an artist, I have always been more empathetic to the things around me, this has been the heart of my pain and love, and the birth of my songwriting. I am a passionate person who tends to put a piece of themselves into everything I do.
I put my dreams on hold during a part of my life that held me back, but made me who I was and allowed me to flourish later on. I have no regrets for anything in my life because it brought me to where I was. After being shortly married and divorced which brought me to the great state of Texas, I told myself I would never let my fear hold me back again. That year, I was in more films and wrote more songs than I had in four years. I found who I was in my suffering and it was a beautiful metamorphosis. Since then, I have grown as an actor and songwriter in the Dallas community. It is a good feeling to see people love my work and crave more of it. I plan on continuing to grow with the other talented people who surround me and make my dreams a complete reality.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If you do not have a passion for the arts, I highly recommend you do not follow this path. This is not for the soft-hearted. You are constantly told no, that you are not good enough, that you are too tall, too big, not willing enough, etc. It is a job with no consistency, no stability, and very little reward. It is a small percentage of actors who are making enough to support themselves on a consistent basis. It is normal for us to have day jobs, do side jobs, live at home or whatever else we can do to make our dreams happen.
I am lucky enough to have family and friends who support what I do and get angry when I don’t chase my dream 100%. Not everyone is that lucky. Most actors/musicians have their close loved ones telling them to give up, to find a “real job” or to grow up.
As an artist, you constantly go through a flow of doubt. One month, you are empowered, have consistent work, are making money, are making strides, and feel like you are doing it all the right way! The next month, you are out of the spotlight, you question yourself, you question your field and you want to give up. The only thing that fuels you is knowing that your soul will never be complete unless you do what fills the flask. My heart is empty if I am not on set, writing a song, playing with my band or doing something to push towards that goal. It is never an easy road, nor will it ever be, it is my fire.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Abby Joy – what should we know?
I am an actress, singer, songwriter, and model. I have been known for my work in Ouija 3: the Charlie Charlie Challenge and Carl Jackson’s the Jesus Freak as well as a multitude of other films as well as soundtracks.
I pride myself in my variety of film genres. I love doing comedy, but my inner being has been pulled towards more dramatic roles as of recent. I write original songs for film as well as for myself and my bands. I love being on set or in the studio! People know me as a very easy going and goofy individual who loves to laugh no matter what I am working on.
I truly invest myself into anything that I do and I want that to translate into my music or on screen. If you need an actress or a song for your project, I am here to have fun and get the job done.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family is my greatest supporters. They are constantly focused on me following my dreams and not letting anything stand in my way. Growing up with six siblings and two loving parents, I have been blessed enough to have them all at my side.
I want to give a shout out to all the people who made me fight for my dream. My theater teacher in high school, Mr. Mitch Travis really showed me what an actor should be and pushed me to grow without even trying. The nameless man who gave me my first guitar, you changed my life, Madeline Brazell who really showed me how to use my voice, Kris Ann Russell who showed me my love for film and how to really chase my passions.
There are a nameless amount of people here in Dallas who I love and made me everything I am. Issa Currie, an amazing friend, and Director/Editor, all the guys in Four Horsemen Productions (Tyler, Austin, Tayor, and Justin), you guys allowed me to shine, Tony Couzelis, one of my best friends and musicians. You all are so amazing and there are so many others who made me what I am today, I am sorry I could not name every single one of you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abbyjoymusic.com
- Phone: 7208393580
- Email: abbyjoy0125@hotmail.com
- Instagram: Abbyjoy0125
- Facebook: facebook.com/abbyjoyactress
- Twitter: Abby_joy0125
Image Credit:
Tim Drake, Perfective photography, Joshua Davis, Kailee Werk Photography, DK2 Dallas Media
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
