Today we’d like to introduce you to Aeiress Jones.
Hi Aeiress , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I loved taking pictures as a kid and modeling my new outfits and my mom had a friend who encouraged her to get me in the industry so my mom got me started with a local photographer who I worked with for years called Tal’s kids. Mr. Tal worked with me and trained me on taking directions and working behind the camera. While working with him monthly I also got noticed by local designer named Rashida Brown who was doing a runway fashion show and my mom submitted me. I was chosen to model for her show and from there I worked with several photographers and did several shows where I walked the runway (even NYFW) and I fell in love with modeling. One day I told my mom that I was going to be on tv and have my own show. My mom and dad saw that I had a big personality and was never afraid of anything so she decided to find me a talent agency. She submitted me to a local boutique agency named The Linicolm Agency. The week we submitted I attended a women’s conference with my mom and the speaker spoke about unlocking your dreams. After her message she pulled out a padlock and said how we need to it into action. She asked whoever wanted to unlock their dreams to get in line and come unlock the padlock. My mom and I got in line. My mom told me that she would unlock the lock for our family and I immediately said “BUT WHY CAN’T I UNLOCK MY OWN DREAM?” My mom then agreed and told the speaker “She wants to unlock her own dream.” It may sound funny but the next day after that conference we got an email from the agency inviting me in for an interview. We interviewed that Friday and she signed me on the spot. She said I normally tell people I would email you and let you know but she told my mom I’m signing her on the spot and from there things took off in my life. I signed with my first agency at 3 years old. Now I’m signed to a local agency called The Clutts Agency in Dallas, TX. I’m also signed with Coast to Coast LA agency and am managed by MC Talent LA. These 3 make the best team ever! I am believer so I tell everyone that it’s all God.
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?
It has been pretty smooth but like everyone I have had challenging days. This industry has it up’s and downs. You get a gazillion auditions and most of the time you may book 5 of them but my acting coach told me that if I’m auditioning then I’m working so I have gotten into the mind of complete the audition and keep it moving. I don’t worry about if I booked it or not because what God has for me is for me
Just when it seemed like things were picking up for me and starting to flow covid started, and it was a scary time for many and many other people in the industry. We had to learn how to self tape at home but my acting coach Mrs. Marlene was there for me every step of the way to continue to make sure I never missed any opportunities. It was hard but having her and her professional advice saved me during that time. She sent amazon links for the best lighting, backdrops, etc. She was my go to and the best ever but during that time she was working while also waiting for a kidney. Because of her health issues at the time she got covid and passed away and that hit me and was very hard for me and my family because we had developed a very close relationship with her. She was like family. It took a while but we finally another coach. Mrs. Marlene can’t be replaced but thankfully there are other great coaches in this industry!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a kid actress and model. I am known for my role as Shaiona on HBO’s Rap Shit and my role as CC the newest member of the garden goofballs on Abbott Elementary.
What I’m most proud of is
1.) being awarded a scholarship to Casa Manana Theater schools summer camp where I booked a role as Medda Larkin in newsies jr.
2.) Being recognized for all my hard work by my community for my role on Abbott Elementary and receiving a resolution from State Representative Chris Turner. As a kid having the support of my community means a lot. Seeing all these people recognize my accomplishments and cheering me on just encourages me to never give up and work harder to pursue all my dreams.
3.) I recently had an assignment at school to write a childrens play. The student who won that assignment got to cast and direct it and they also got to perform it at MISD Fine Arts Elementary School. My play won so I was able to fulfill one of my dreams of writing a play & being a casting director! That was a major accomplishment for me and who would have thought that this dream would have been unlocked at my age of 12 years old.
What sets me apart from others is
1.) I believe in training. When I’m not working I stay in classes working on my art. I take classes at DTV studios in Lewisville, Tx. I also do private coaching with Kia Riddick-Taylor and star catching acting studio. Practice makes progress!
2.) I’ve learned to not put any limitations on myself. I don’t limit myself to one thing. I want to try it all. For example- I act, model, dance, do voiceover, write, and am a huge theatre girl (humbly speaking) My parents teach me and encourage me that I can do whatever it is that I want to do if I first believe it and then do the hard work to achieve it. I believe it and I am not scared to go for it. I don’t mind taking the risks! My grandmother always makes sure that she tells me this every time I talk to her too. My bonus mom, teachers, Aunts and uncles all push me to work hard, have a positive attitude, a good heart, remain humble and have good character everyday.
They say it takes a village and I think what also sets me apart from others is that I literally have a village. Community really does matter. I know I’m still young but I understand that I need people and I am so Thankful and grateful for all these amazing opportunities and all the wonderful people that God is placing in my life to make it all happen. I wouldn’t be here without others opening doors for me. My dream is to one day be that same village for someone else and help open doors for them!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book of all time is “The Winter Soldier: by Mackenzi Lee” I absolutely love this book and I started reading it the day I got it on Christmas. I am a BIG marvel fan and I love anything related to marvel, so I feel like it was really easy for me to read this book and I had a great experience reading it. I feel like this book has helped me in life, because it shows what some people had to go through before getting in the place that there in currently. I feel like knowing that helps me realize that I do have it easy at times and that’s why I appreciate what I have all the time because I know there are less fortunate people. I know that the book is fictional and most of the parts in the book aren’t real but it shows how you can’t let anyone take who you are away because in the end what you think of yourself and who you really are will always show and represent you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @aeiressjones
