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

Hi IdaLease, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’m not sure I chose the path. Everyday it reaffirms itself in my life. Even when gigs are slow or seem to be going nowhere and I start to think, “maybe acting isn’t for me”. I have tried other careers from administrative work to childcare. I was also employed by Emory Health right before the pandemic. Had I stuck with that I may have easily paved an easy breezy path into healthcare. But none of these jobs were at home to me. They were just jobs.

And I am one of those people who likes to give 100% to what they do. However, I found myself giving 100 and being left with nothing. Or showing to the job up but being mentally checked out. I had lost time to a zombie-like trance. Previous jobs put me in survival mode, just going through the motions, and I don’t like that. That is not living.

So I didn’t choose the creative career path. That seems to be the cloth that I was cut from.

I wouldn’t recommend it for people without patience. It’s really frustrating when you’re doubting if it’s your path and nothing else seems to be fitting either. But nothing else is as rewarding than when you get booked on an awesome project.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
An actress is always excited about learning a new character and bringing any given script to life. Funny thing about the industry, it’s not really about talent. It’s more about connections. I’m excited to connect with more like minded individuals and create exciting new projects.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is awkward to ask during a pandemic. How much we’d like to forget lol. But what I love the most about Atlanta is its rich cultural cuisine because I love to eat. Brazilian, Greek, Ehtiopian, Indian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Jamaican, Nigerian, Soul Food, BBQ, Mexican, Italian… Metro Atlanta has so much food to choose from. So if you’re hanging with me be ready to eat and try something new.

In truth, I am a homebody who likes to think she’s adventurous. I’m most content watching a good movie and eating a new recipe I found on the internet. I’m a struggling vegan so friend you can help me jazz up some vegan recipes while I explain to you how you can live a full and healthy plantbased life. And alkaline if you’re really disciplined.

When I am down for adventure I like to race. Legally fo course lol. If you’re a big kid like me well then friend we’re going to Andrettis to hop on the go karts. I haven’t been yet, but I’d love to go to the Atlanta motor Speedway and check out their race experience. It’s not in my budget right now but hey friend if you got it like that let me know and I’ll book it! Really though if this acting thing doesn’t work out I wonder if I have what it takes to race professionally.

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?
Sharenika Lashay: a mompreneur who does it all. She is creator of All in One Creations which has services that range from event planning to logo design and print making.

Links: https://www.instagram.com/sharenika_lashay/?hl=en, https://www.sharenikalashay.com/

Website: Idafinds.com

Instagram: Adventuresofa_gp and blackr0yalz

Facebook: Facebook.com/idalease

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.