Meet Ansley Joseph | Photographer and Actor

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

Hi Ansley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think taking risks is one of the most important parts of being an artist. Growth rarely happens when you’re comfortable. Every time I’ve taken a risk, whether it was putting myself out there, pursuing a new opportunity, or stepping into a space where I wasn’t sure of the outcome, I’ve learned something new about myself. Risk taking builds confidence because it shows you what you’re truly capable of, even when the results aren’t guaranteed.

Taking risks has played a huge role in both my personal life and career., I’ve been able to build meaningful relationships and connections that continue to support my journey today. As an entrepreneur and photographer, the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve cultivated have helped keep my business growing. Those same connections also led me to finding my first acting agent and eventually landing my first role on television.

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.
What sets me apart as an artist is my ability to adapt. Whether it’s a new environment, different types of people, or unexpected challenges, I’ve learned how to adjust, stay focused, and continue creating at a high level. I believe growth happens when you’re willing to embrace change, and that’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career.

I’m someone who gets excited by challenges because they teach me more about myself. I have a deep passion for personal growth and discovering what I’m capable of. No matter how much experience I gain, I always want to remain a student. I want to keep learning, improving, and finding new ways to evolve both creatively and personally. That mindset is a big part of what has brought me to where I am today.

My journey has definitely not been easy. Like many artists, I’ve faced rejection, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Early on, I viewed rejection as failure, but over time I learned to see it differently. Now, I look at “no” as meaning “new opportunities.” Every rejection taught me something valuable, redirected me toward a better path, or prepared me for an opportunity that was meant for me. That shift in perspective helped me stay motivated and continue moving forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success is a journey, not a destination. There will be highs and lows, wins and losses, but it’s important to find joy in the process.

When it comes to my brand and my story, I want people to know that everyone deserves to be seen. Whether it’s through my photography, acting, or the relationships I build, my goal is to create connections and make people feel valued. I’m passionate about community, supporting others, and using my work to bring people together.

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.
If one of my best friends was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d first want to know what they’re interested in because one of the things I love most about the city is that there’s something here for everyone. Personally, I’m drawn to creative spaces, community events, and places where people can connect, so a lot of our itinerary would revolve around those experiences.

One of my first stops would be Poetry on Peter Street. It’s one of my favorite creative spaces in the city because there’s always something happening, whether it’s live performances, spoken word, networking opportunities, or community events. If I had to pick a specific day, I’d choose Wednesday for the open mic night. I’d also make sure we spent time exploring the Atlanta BeltLine. It’s one of the best places in the city to walk, socialize, discover local art, and try a variety of food spots.For someone who enjoys nature, I’d definitely recommend Sweetwater Creek State Park. It’s a beautiful place to disconnect from the noise of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I had to dedicate my shoutout to anyone, it would be my mother. She has been one of the biggest influences in my life and someone who deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the person I am today.

Growing up, I watched her continue to believe in herself even during some of the most difficult times. No matter what challenges she faced, she always found a way to keep moving forward with faith, determination, and a positive mindset. One of the biggest lessons she taught me was to keep God first and trust that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Those values have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to guide me today.

There were times when I struggled with confidence and doubted myself, but my mother never did. She consistently encouraged me to believe in my abilities, pursue my goals, and step outside of my comfort zone. Even when I couldn’t see my own potential, she saw it for me. I wouldn’t be here without her.

Website: http://www.ajdjovanyart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajdjovany?igsh=MWN0bnY1Zm8zbmx1Zw==