Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Pernell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrea. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have flirted back and forth with performance and modeling, but it was never anything that was considered realistic in my world for too long, unfortunately. I moved to New York after college and I experienced the exact opposite that I had hoped or imagined. I traveled over 1,500 miles to stay just at a month and I had done the most growing up in those days than I thought I had in my entire 22 years. I had experienced quite a bit of life but trying to create a life and new existence in New York really broke me down in order for me to be rebuilt.
In hindsight, it was a beautiful thing. When I returned home, which was Oklahoma City at the time; I put my degree to use and joined a speaking program called Toastmaster’s through the corporation I worked for. That club was where I learned that the audience was not as intimidating as I had imagined. It also polished up my leadership skills and made me realize how much I was learning so late in life. This compilation of experiences made me instantly think of my small-town raising in Atoka and how no matter what, I had been intent on getting out of there and doing something BIG with my life. I eventually got my fill of OKC and relocated to Dallas in 2015 with one thing on my mind; complete domination of my life and the best ways to experience all that I am.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all! When I first moved to Dallas, I believed I was on the right track and then the job I landed was over. Just like that. No explanation; even after a great review on a big project. What I had built in six months crumbled in less than three weeks after that. I became completely distraught and depressed, pulled it back together and then watched it fall apart again almost a year later.
I ended up getting sick and having a procedure and I remember when I was in my recovery room a tornado was coming in and I felt this quiet rage in my soul, and I made a pact that when I was healed, I was not taking the passenger seat in my own life. Within that year afterward, I had changed my self-talk, my eating habits, and had begun freelancing myself out for tasks to help small business and entrepreneurs that I enjoyed doing in corporate America. As trust would have it, I very shortly after that, began writing for a magazine and landed a role in a stage play. It has been nonstop action ever since and I live in gratitude daily for deciding to fight the good fight for myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I write short stories, even custom poems and skits. I act, and I model. Because the power of focused growth can’t be lost on me, I created a non-profit in my hometown called Raising Anchors. It took me some time to understand my role, but I embrace that I am a catalyst, a driving force, a muse, and an all-around hard-working, good time! I come to make a change. I come to inspire. I come as a reminder and as a motivator. I aspire to be the biggest fan for the youth and an honest ally to adults.
If I were to specialize in anything, I would call it admirable service. Anytime someone wants me to be a part of their production I feel honored. In the world of artistry and being an artist, I know the weight it holds to be the visual within someone’s imagination and bringing that to life. I take it seriously. I strive to be a high performer and I want people to say, “we had a great time while she was on set.” I am proud of myself. I grew from a place where it is odd to say that and mean it, but I am truly delighted in my grind and what I have changed in my life to work towards my full circle. The things I do, and I am apart of speak for my existence and I want to make a good example as much as I want to create good memories to look back on.
If there was anything that sets me apart, I would say it is how although I took a very extended break, the universe provided the way for me to get back to where I should have been. The moment I decided, was the golden key. I am meeting people and we are having these conversations and I am saying yes to things I was once told I would never be able to do because they weren’t real jobs. Out of sheer determination, I took nothing and made everything.
What were you like growing up?
I was very outgoing, athletic and a class clown. I always stood up for what was right. I was remembered during HS graduation for beating up a boy for being a bully. I learned in 6th grade what premeditation was, in fact. It is still one of my personal moments of honorable mention. I performed in Show Choir, cheered and I was on the drill team.
Because I was as much a nerd then as I am now, I happily attended summer school for college credits with a program called Upward Bound. I still believe that program expanded my mind more than staying at home would have. Not much has changed, I am always busy, and I love it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DippedThenKissed.com
- Email: andrea@getobap.com
- Instagram: Miss.Atoka
- Other: Other IG pages – @Art.Frazier (writing) & Raising.Anchors.Atoka (non-profit)
Image Credit:
Chasing Angles Photography
D. Chris Portraits
Madison Hogan
Lens Zee Photography
Natural State Images
Dress: Antonio Wingfield
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