Meet Adtresa Edmundson | Mother,Actress,Wardrobe Stylist,Business Woman,Philanthropist

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

Hi Adtresa, how do you think about risk?
I became a risk taker early in life, wether it was making bold fashion choices in school, speaking up for my classmates when I felt we weren’t being treated fairly, Studying abroad in Africa at the age of 12, or leaving college to pursue a career in Wardrobe Styling.

“No risk, no reward” is a phrase I’ve heard often. When I think about risk I think about taking chances. Taking chances use to activate fear in me, but I realized that Risk taking is Faith in action and Acting in Faith is not a Risk but a guarantee. No matter the outcome if I take INSPIRED action in Faith the results are always beneficial for me and others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up singing in church & acting,dancing and singing at Sallie B.Howard school of the Arts. I’ve always been an eclectic individual in my personal style, and in Highschool I became obsessed with Fashion.
I attended ECU majoring in Fashion Merchandising ,I decided to move to NewYork where my Fashion Career as a Wardrobe Stylist took off. Aligning with various clients from Lawyers,Designers,Models, Actors,singers and some E-commerce styling. Most of my opportunities came from clients recommending me to others and then it became a domino effect.
I knew nothing about the “Business Side of Fashion” and that affected my career heavily.
I advise anyone who is pursuing the entertainment industry in any form to learn the business and count up the cost!!!

Along the way life happened and I spent two years adjusting and regrouping in my hometown of Wilson NC, Before moving to Atlanta to pursue Acting. This journey as an actress has been an unpredictable ride but rewarding. Training has allowed me to learn more about myself and dive deeper into my art. Shout out to my coaches Chantal Maurice of @Costar_Coaching and Charmin Lee @CharminNoelle

We are always evolving and growing and I’ve learned that my job as an actor is NOT to act but to be present and responsive to the circumstances.. to find a connection and breathe life into my characters.
There has been many challenges on this journey and more No’s than YES’s..BUT one thing I’ve learned is to not QUIT..KEEP GOING.
Often times I feel like I’m in a “slow cooker” it’s taking me a little longer to “cook” but I’m finding joy in the journey.
I live each day with gratitude, I pray and practice meditation to keep me grounded and clear. A mantra I say to myself is “Everything Always works out for me” and it does. When saying mantras or affirmations it’s important to feel what you say, believe what you say and KNOW what you’re saying is true.. because everything really does always work out for you!

One thing I’m in the process of overcoming is procrastination. Me and “her” have had an on again off again relationship since Highschool and we were long over due for a break up. Procrastination has allowed me to self sabotage myself in the past. Sometimes it would feel like some form of paralysis to me. I would allow myself to get so in my head about where to start or what to do, that I’d end up stagnant, depressed and not getting much done. Everyday I am determined to overcome any doubts & fears that may arise and be the Creative that God has called me to be.

I’m also launching a Beauty Company, that I’m very proud of
“Innotime Beauty”
We provide “Protective styles that’ll last a while” specializing in custom Afro Wigs! @InnotimeBeauty

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve become more of an “homebody” this year however all of my friends know I love a good all you eat crab leg outing , specifically at Cirque Blu on Mondays. The Bookstore Gallery near the Mercedes Benz stadium is another spot me and my girls like fellowshipping at from time to time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout series to my ANCESTORS, my ENTIRE Family . My Mom Demita, Dad James , my Brothers Bo.J and Najee ,My grandma’s Addrine Barnes & Gerldine Robinson and my Sun,Future NBA player Zephaniah Markel!

The unconditional support of my family has given me strength on this journey when I felt like giving up. Whenever life seems a little difficult I turn my attention towards being grateful for the abundance of love my family gives me.I know no matter what, they’ve got my back.

Website: https://InnotimeBeauty.com

Instagram: @adtresa

Other: @adtresa

Image Credits
De’Andre