Meet Elijah Everett | Actor & Entertainer

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

Hi Elijah, how do you think about risk?
I think any role in entertainment/entrepreneurship is a risk. You’re crossing the imaginary line of stability that society has conditioned us too leading to a mountain of unknown trails and “if ‘s”. Everything rides on you and your decision making in the environment your in to get to your goal. You have to make the best of everything. After Learning to be an associate producer for BET network’s the show I worked on which brought me here from Philadelphia was cancelled and I had a choice like many other who moved from LA to go home or stay. The life I wanted was not in philly Entertainment was in Atlanta so I stayed. I endured going down in professional titles and pay. Barely making rent every month and working multiple odd jobs for years to get where I am now. But everytime I stepped in front of that camera I was happy. I was fulfilling a need to inspire through my character and in my personal life. I’ve met people I dreamed of and knew I could reach. That’s fulfilling to me. My cup would not feel full without it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a human being you are unique. As a creative you are unique yet you truly have to know, believe and live that. My height sets me a part, my smile, attitude. My talents of singing and more but what truly separates anyone apart from anybody else is there mindset. Humbly you truly have to believe you are different and can bring life wherever you land. That’s the mind set of the champion over the 30 competitors before him. I’m most proud of succeeding professionally in a decision where the victory and results weren’t right away at all. At times I’d question myself id ask what am I doing? It can feel like life is kicking your butt. But every little victory gets you closer to the bigger picture if you move strategically and practice. I got through where I am now off pure faith and diligence. I trained myself to think more positive with my perseverance which I think was just in my DNA learning from my mother who raised 5 kids by herself after a nasty divorce. Buying a house that’s 3 times bigger then hers and 5 times then the apartment I grew up in was a stepping stone. Once I give it to her I’ll be even happier.

Getting where I am now wasn’t easy and I’ve yet to reach the professional goal or even life goals I want yet, however I feel I’m close. Sacrifices and balance are a part of this journey . Biggest thing I learned was learning self and learning how to interact with different people. Communication and exerting extra energy can be key to maintaining relationships which is a major part in the industry. On this journey I learned so much about myself I’ve encountered so many people I’ve heard so many stories and respected different opinions. I would like people to be more open minded, accept creativity and understand perspective. I want to help people know the absolute crucial validity of choice. Have a vision and mentality in making the choice wise/timely choices. The ones that go for what you actually want My story is one of learning, implementing and perseverance to reach my vision

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?
If my friends were visiting me in Atlanta in the summer we would hit the waters, rivers and streams the area has to offer especially nature trails. The restaurants would be some of the top quality choices serving from steak to vegan. Rooftops too. Also anything athletic or sports related activities are always welcome

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?
Everyone in every chapter of my life played a role. Even negative energy I used to prove them wrong. My mother wanted something more stable for me and didn’t want me to act after going through so much as a kid and at that time reflective as an adult. But I used that energy not to quit but to go extra hard to let her realize plan A is plan B,C…D. That it can work and it has. There are other friends who encouraged me, even going back to the neighborhood people knew of me and said I inspired them. I had no idea of this so when they told me this, it pushed me even harder. Other people like the great Shaq has inspired me because he is ALWAYS pushing himself. He wants quality and perfection in everything he does. When he has a goal he attacks it like a lion to it’s pray. This attitude was contagious. His focus was contagious and it helped me to be more well put together-as a human being raidinge better all around attributes

Instagram: @Theelieverett

Twitter: @skoolatharula

Youtube: ElijahEverett

Image Credits
@jimagraphy – Underground Railroad – the hate you give