Meet Chayna Douglas | Actor, Creative Director, Writer and Producer

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

Hi Chayna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk as my only option. I can plan for a plan B, but what is the point if I am not giving plan A a chance? As an actor, if you don’t go for it, the opportunity will feel almost impossible. They say opportunity is when luck meets preparation, so I always ry to stay ready! I’ve moved all around the east coast trying to position myself in a more productive way to achieve my dreams in my career. I moved from New York City to Atlanta with just a suitcase; no car, no legit support system, temporary housing, etc. While it was rough, I commend myself for figuring it out and executing what worked for me as an artist; specifically an actor in the film industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My acting journey was not easy for me at first; I didn’t go to school for acting so I was starting from the bottom – legitimately. I moved from Florida back to New York City (where I was born) to pursue acting; after binge watching Netflix during a toxic breakup in college. I just remember getting wrapped up in the stories and gaining a joy I’ve never felt, then saying- “I think I could do this.”

After graduating UCF with a communication degree, I began to audition with no experience in 2014. I got background gigs here and there, but it wasn’t until I landed a 2-year conservatory run in Off-Off broadway plays in a popular theatre in Times Square on 8th Avenue did I think I was actually good at this acting thing! The work load was a lot for a new actor: one play a month (minimum); 80+ pages long scripts. But I was determined to get to the same level as my peers. I would practice as much as I could, when I could. I appreciate how hard the theatre producers were on us because it gave me the skills and confidence to go after other avenues in acting.

I then got a talent agent and manager that specialized in Tv and film around 2016; and that’s where I realized, with TV and film, you’re playing the relationship and network game, as well as the long game! I would get amazing auditions, to the point where I would watch films and I can say “I auditioned for this” because I knew the words. But I wouldn’t get the part because… “Who am I,” type of thing. Took me years to realize that. Finally after years of auditioning, I land a TV role on CBS for a show called FBI; by one of the most prestigious showrunners/directors in New York City. I was so excited… then a week later, I moved to Atlanta. LOL

My decision to move to Atlanta came before the job on CBS. And something was telling me to continue to take the leap, so I did. I was able to accomplish what took me 4-5 years to build in New York City, 3 months in Atlanta. I got the representation, I was booking more frequently, the cost of living was less. Everything felt like it was finally working out smoother; then the pandemic hit.

The pandemic for some has been a very “trying time;” but for me and my film career, it just kept getting better. Casting Directors used to have contests and monologue challenges online that I would actively pursue because–well, we didn’t have anything better to do LOL but I also thought about continuing to make connections even if film sets are shut down temporarily. I ended up meeting a casting director that helped me pivot my career for the better- she gave my materials to the talent agencies of my DREAMS. Like, these names are on my vision board- and I remember saying “Idk how I’m going to get signed by them, but this is the one I want.” and it happened months later. I just remember being so excited landing LA representation without even setting foot in California yet! I also pursued content creation more seriously with all my free time during shut down; thus “ebonyassassin” becomes a thing- and people began to stop me at events or parties like “Hey, Ebony!” and sometimes… I forget that’s me. Very few followers turned into 96,000 followers within a span of a year and I’m honesty grateful that many people found me entertaining enough to follow. My videos are silly and quirky and just reminds me of the pure fun of being a creative. I think I would have quit acting if I didn’t find the little pocket of joy content creation gives me in the waiting period.

Now currently, I am still represented by the same agencies in both Georgia and LA; and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next. I’m leveling-up my content creation and can wait to see what that looks like for me as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting me in Atlanta, I would love to go to a rooftop – the New Yorker in me never dies, I suppose. But the cuisine would be seafood. I just feel so elegant sipping sparkling wine and eating oysters or something. I’ve always thought I had a rich lady pallet, and unfortunately for my wallet, I run with that. One of my favorite feel-good places to go is The Optimist. Everything is SO exquisite when I go, but I would LOVE to go to The Garden Room one day… if I could ever get a reservation.

The most fun and exciting things to do in Atlanta is not any of the tourist stuff. It’s events that your creative or industry friends curate and then invite you so you can have a blast! My favorite that I went to recently is a pop-up fashion show on Edgewood by ATL Honey; that I got invited to because of my NYC affiliation from the other co-host.

I also like spontaneous activities like rock-climbing and horseback riding, which I have done with one of my friends and that was a super fun experience, too! But most places are outside of Atlanta- totally worth the drive.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my long-distance support of my immediate family; mom, sister, grandmother, etc. Because they have an understanding that I am out here taking leaps, so I may not be able to attend every party, cookout, or gathering, but I still feel welcomed and at home when I do link up withy family when allotted. I would also like to thank my current partner for helping me understand collaboration is possible with the right people that have the right intentions by your side.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonyassassin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebonyassassin/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Jc3Y6UhMgUMzXVR3mvzfQ

Image Credits
Headshot – Slingshots ATL TV ONE – screenshots of TV show CBS – screenshots of TV show FBI Photo of me smiling with DSLR camera- Oluwaseyi Thomas Scene w/ Bob Greenberg laughing – Jono Freedrix