Meet Angela Ray | Actor/Poet/Speaker/Host

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

Hi Angela, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creativity is all that I have ever known, even when I was working in a non-creative field. My first job out of college was working as a supervisor in a call center. But while there, I created a newsletter, initiated Super Bowl parties (when we had to call people DURING the Super Bowl) and even created a small catering venture there.

I’m very fortunate that I have multiple outlets to express that creativity (actor, poet, speaker, host, author) that have led to a career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think people get into acting in a lot of different ways. As I mentioned earlier, my first time on stage was as a speaker. That led to theatre and eventually film and television.

For me, this career has been challenging. There are incredible highs and lows. Sometimes there’s lots of work and other times, it’s difficult to book work. But the thing that has helped me overcome challenges is my faith and my network.

One of the lessons I have learned is to use what I have. If the industry is slow for film and tv, I can always tap into another aspect of my creativity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I consider all of Metro Atlanta fair game in terms of hanging out. On my list to visit would be Acworth Beach for taking in some nature. We’d grab a to go meal from Fresh One Kitchen with sweet potato noodles.

Depending on the season, we’d either tailgate for the Falcons game or take in a Hawks game.

We would grab a meal at the historic Paschal’s for a great soul food experience.

I’m a cook, so we would have to have a few meals prepared at home. And for that, we’d take a visit to DeKalb Farmer’s Market for the best variety of fresh food, especially seafood.

The Mill at Roswell is another stop to check out for an experience in nature.

There are so many places to enjoy live entertainment, but if there was a show at the Fox, that would cap off our week of hanging out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have been my ride or die forever. I started as a speaker and that led to my acting career. It was my mom who really pushed me in speaking though. What began in the church as a little girl reciting Christmas and Easter speeches gradually grew to me entering contests in school.

My mom was my first coach. And my dad was also encouraging me to keep the faith. So, shout out to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Ray.

Website: https://www.angelaray.com

Instagram: @TheAngelaRay

Linkedin: @ThenAngelaRay

Twitter: @TheAngelaRay

Facebook: @TheAngelaRay

Youtube: @AngelaRayTV