We had the good fortune of connecting with Oscar Haney, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oscar, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
The end goal for me is to be in a position where I am changing the lives of others on a consistent basis. Making a difference in this world is all I have ever wanted to do. By aligning myself with my passion for the creative arts, I will be able to do the things that I love while gaining the platform needed to execute my plans in order to help make the world a better place. Philanthropy is huge to me. There is so much talent that is trapped by poverty and I want to make it to where that does not have to be the case for some people. So many people deserve to have their voices heard and their talents expressed without having to worry about the economics of it. I know it is ideal to think that I would be able to change the lives of every aspiring creative or someone who just needs help however, I want to be able to help as many people as I can.

In terms of what I want for myself, I want to be known internationally as a print model and actor. I dream of landing a marketing campaign with big brands. That is what I got my degree in from Clemson University so I’ve always wanted to BE the brand while also implementing my creative ideas to build more brand awareness and just an overall more cohesive and distinguished product that I’d be advertising. Additionally, I want to have been a series regular in a TV show and also have a lead role in a major film. Lastly, I would love to do Broadway at some point honestly. Of course, I also want the accolades for what I have done as well however, that is not what I am doing it for, that would just be the icing on the cake. Ultimately, I want to have dabbled in all the arts from TV/Film to making music and other forms of creative expression – being recognized as a full on entertainer is my ultimate goal.

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.
Honestly, I am still trying to find myself throughout navigating this creative realm. What sets me apart from others is that no matter what, I will keep going. I rarely quit and if I do, it is for a very good reason, usually if what I am doing is negatively impacting me and my quality of life, other than that I am fiercely determined to achieve and I am not afraid to take risks. I am just excited but also anxious about my future, I know that God has a plan for me despite of what I have been through and I have learned that life is happening FOR me and not TO me. I am proud of how much I have accomplished in just a year of pursuing my entertainment journey so I know that if I can achieve what I have in just one year, I know that five years from now, I will be living out my wildest dreams and that is the motivation that keeps me going.

It has not been easy at all. It is constantly overcoming the fear of being perceived and just putting yourself out there. I have always considered myself to be very private and reserved however, when tapping into creativity, I had to allow myself to become more vulnerable and rip off some the veils that I had over myself. in essence I had to just “get over myself” which I am still doing because it is a process! I have learned so many lessons in such a short amount of time, I am grateful that God allowed me to experience the hardships early on so that I know what to look out for moving forward. A couple of lessons that I learned are: NOBODY can be you and that is your superpower!

Additionally, never let anyone else determine your worth. Avoid seeking outside validation and learn to become secure in yourself and your abilities. A lot of humans are self-serving and will ultimately do what is best for them at the end of the day so it is imperative to you & your career to not become so dependent on others. Also, always use your DISCERNMENT and take CALCULATED risks. If something does not feel in alignment with your values then do not sacrifice that in order to accommodate others, people pleasing in this industry will only cause you to lose yourself and you will allow others to influence your career more than needed.

Lastly, I would say a valuable lesson is to just give yourself grace and that is with anything in life, it is easier said than done but you have to treat yourself as you would a best friend or someone you love deep because what you say to yourself can manifest; the mind and the tongue are so powerful and I want more people to realize that.

I want the world to know that my story is very unique and complex. A lot of my story has not been shared but I will be able to share more as time goes on and I hope it touches a multitude of people who have stories similar to me. I am a black man in the creative realm who is compassionate, diligent, intelligent and truly wants to dedicate his craft to making the world a better place in any way possible. I want the world to know that I am a good person who wants to genuinely see everyone succeed and support one another.

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, in Atlanta there are a myriad of things to do and I am still learning more myself. Hmmm, I would definitely take them to some of my favorite spots to eat such as Ki No Tori, Pappadeaux, STK, etc. I would also take them to Piedmont and Centinneal Olympic Park, the Cocoa Cola Factory, the Civil Rights Museum, The Botanical Gardens, etc. There are a ton of places to shop such as Lennox and Perimeter Mall and other places to hang out. To me those are the some of the coolest spots thus far and I would anticipate that we explore and find more things and hidden gems to go to; I’ll update you all once I get some more experience haha!

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?
There are a few people that I would like to shout out. My family of course (dad, mom, and my two sisters) these are my best friends in this life that I love deep. No matter what, they have always been willing to help with ANYTHING and just be there to provide the support that I need and without them, I would not have made it through the difficult times. Some other honorable groups and organizations that have left an impact on me include: The WHOA Agency, The Creator’s Brand, NOIR Fashion Week, Work with Working Actors, The Actor Advisor and the people who recommended certain classes for me to take, I thank you as well. Also, shoutout to Tre for recommending me for this interview!

Instagram: _obhaney

Image Credits
Jeremiah Drummond Ira Carmichael Homebase Photography & Film Elvis Piedra

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