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

Hi Amira, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has always been something I’ve viewed as necessary for growth, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to Atlanta in 2023 at just 19 years old, still in college, and on my own. I left my hometown in Upstate New York, which was comfortable and familiar, to pursue acting in a city with more opportunities but a lot of uncertainty.

It was a huge leap and I didn’t have a guaranteed path to success. But something about it felt right. I trusted my intuition that it was the right move, even though it meant stepping out of my comfort zone and facing all the unknowns. Looking back now, I can honestly say that it’s paid off in ways I hadn’t even anticipated. The connections I’ve made, the opportunities I’ve had, and the growth I’ve experienced as a result have shown me that sometimes, the biggest risks bring about the biggest rewards.

Taking that risk has also taught me to be more comfortable with uncertainty and to trust that, if you keep your eyes open and work hard, things can work out in ways you might not have planned but can still be incredibly rewarding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as an actor is my deep passion for storytelling and my ability to fully immerse myself in the emotional complexities of each character I take on. For me, acting isn’t just about playing a role; it’s about understanding the heart and soul of the character, tapping into their emotional journey, and bringing that to life in a way that resonates with others. I’ve been driven by this passion since childhood when I was drawn to movies, particularly DiCaprio’s films. As an only child, I found solace in the stories and the depth of the characters he portrayed. It sparked a desire in me to one day tell my own stories, and that drive has only grown stronger over the years.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been a mix of passion, persistence, and a lot of growth. I got my start in acting at a young age in New York, taking lessons and diving into my first film, Upside Down, when I was just 11 years old. It was an experience that solidified my love for the craft, and I knew even then that acting was what I wanted to pursue. But like many, I took a step back to focus on school, which meant putting acting on pause for a while. Even though I wasn’t actively in the industry during that time, the drive to pursue acting never really went away. It was always there, quietly motivating me in the background.

Returning to acting was a leap, but a necessary one. I moved to Atlanta in 2023 to take my career seriously and to push myself as an actor, and while it’s been incredibly rewarding, it’s been far from easy. Acting is an industry where rejection is a constant companion, whether it’s submitting to a role and hearing nothing back, or facing no’s with auditions you felt great about. There are moments when it can feel discouraging, but I’ve learned to embrace it. Every rejection is a part of the process, and rather than letting it weigh me down, I’ve learned to love the journey the auditions, the growth, and the continuous honing of my craft.

What I’ve learned along the way is that success isn’t linear. It’s about persistence, learning from setbacks, and most importantly, staying true to why you started in the first place. For me, that’s always been the love of storytelling, the drive to connect with others through a character, and the passion for expressing emotions in ways that others can feel.

I want the world to know that my brand is built on authenticity and resilience. My story isn’t just about landing roles; it’s about continuously growing, learning from the highs and lows, and staying committed to my craft no matter what. I believe in the process, and I believe in myself. That’s what has brought me here today, and it’s what will continue to drive me forward. This is just the beginning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I haven’t been in Atlanta too long, I’d be excited to show my best friend around and hit all the spots I’ve come to love. We’d start with a cozy morning at Valor Coffee, as an avid coffee drinker, it’s hands down my favorite place for the best cup in the city. From there, we’d head to the Botanical Garden to soak in the beautiful plants and seasonal exhibits. It’s such a peaceful place, and I’m sure we’d end up spending hours just exploring.

In the afternoon, we’d check out the BeltLine, doing a little shopping and grabbing some food. If the weather’s nice, we could even grab a spot to picnic and enjoy the vibe. To wrap up the day, I’d take my friend to The Plaza, an old-school theater with such a cool atmosphere. Whether we catch a movie or just hang out, it’s the perfect spot to end the night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to thank God for guiding me every step of the way. Without that higher power and a sense of faith, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He’s been my anchor through the ups and downs, and I’m deeply grateful for the strength and clarity I’ve been given.

I also have to give a massive shoutout to my parents. From day one, they believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant stepping into the unknown, and I am beyond grateful for them.

A huge shoutout and thank you goes to my acting coach Lisina Stoneburner. She’s been more than just a teacher for me; she’s been a mentor who’s helped shape my path and push me to refine my craft. Her belief in me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself, has made all the difference.

And finally, the acting community in Atlanta deserves so much credit. The warmth and support I’ve received here has been incredible. It’s such a welcoming place to grow as an actor and collaborate with talented people. I am also incredibly thankful to the directors who’ve believed in me and given me the opportunity to bring their visions to life. Their confidence in me has meant the world.

Website: https://linktr.ee/amirakouidri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira.kouidri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Kouidri-100093958341566/

 

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