Meet Janelle Odom | Performer/Admission Director

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

Hi Janelle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued and am pursuing a creative career because it’s always been my destiny. From the day I was born, art spewed out of my life. It was in my dreams, my goals, and in my blood. I performed in my first show when I was 5 years old and since then, I can’t remember my life without it. I get to wake up each day and choose to be happy. I do it because I don’t have to do it, I GET to.

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.
I consider myself a singer/actor. I am a storyteller and I have the ability to bring life to characters on the page and allow them breathe on stage. I also love using my voice to touch others and impact their prospective on life in a positive way. People describe me as a powerhouse vocalist and it’s certainly something I consider one of my superpowers. I have performed in musicals, concerts, plays, and recently a tv show all over. My most proud moments of my career have been performing in the annual BAM! concert. It is a black history month concert where we are able to celebrate black music and a new and exciting way in both Savannah/ATL. I’ve never felt a cast with more love, unity, and passion for their craft and it was so inspiring to work alongside American Idol winner, Candice Glover and the BET’s Kingdom business actor/singer, Kiandra Richardson. Both of them are like mentors to me and have been such a bright guiding light in this next chapter of my journey. Recently, I was invited alongside SCAD’s executive vocal ensemble to perform in Lacoste, France which was a life changing experience. To think about my journey to get where I am, it’s never been easy. It’s always been a marathon of mastering skills and learning to continue to push boundaries. As a black woman specifically, it means being better than the best in the room and holding yourself to a standard that no one can alter. Moving past the challenges is always difficult but I find my determination in remembering why I do what I do. Remembering that my purpose to be in artist is bigger than me and that someone’s ability to be inspired or even changed is my responsibility. Taking the spotlight off of myself and pointing it to those who need to hear my story or song is the best way to persevere. I want to leave the world with three words to remember me by, gifted, kind, and selfless.

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?
Ooh well considering I just moved to ATL, my options are limited but I do have some solid choices. I’d certainly start the day with brunch at Ms, Icy T’s if they wanted to get lit and Snooze if they were on a chill vibe. I’d then probably take them shopping at Perimeter Mall and then to The 3rd Spot for some fun arcade games and fun! We would then go to Tastee Spoon for dinner for some amazing Jamaican food and then go out for some drinks at 5Church in Midtown because have the best view on the rooftop and then we’d go to a random concert or ball game and end the night at Vision if they wanted to go out to dance.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout must belong first to God. I am not religious but I am spiritual and I believe that my relationship with God has allowed me to soar mountains and enter rooms I wouldn’t have touched on my own. However, my earthly recognition belongs to my training at both Howard & SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design. Both universities gave me the connections, family, experience, and drive that allowed me to book my first professional show and many more after that. It taught me to never cease being a student. I know that as long as I hang on and hold myself to that truth, I’ll continue to grow.

Website: Janelleodom.com

Instagram: Janellereneeo

Facebook: Janelle Odom