We had the good fortune of connecting with Rasheda Randle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rasheda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Whew…my whole life has been a risk! So, we all know the saying, “the greater the risk, the bigger the reward,” right? Well, I truly believe that; so I tend to think of risks as new challenges or leaps of faith. They are certainly something that I don’t shy away from. As an actor, risks ride shotgun with you along your journey. Every time you submit an audition, you’re taking a risk. Every time you step into a challenging character, you’re taking a risk. Networking is a risk. As an entrepreneur, you’re taking a huge risk just by deciding to start your business. But, all of these are risks worth taking. At least, for me, they were. When I decided to make my first movie, I had no idea how it would come together, or how it would be perceived. When I decided to start up the Circle City Film Festival, I thought I was crazy myself. But, all it took was for me to not think about what I could lose, and just do it. Risks can be scary, but they are nothing more than a possibility. My process is simple, acknowledge the risk, but don’t give it too much power.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wear many hats; so people call me a Jane-of-All-Trades. I am a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, producer, and director. I own a production company, Ivy League Productions, a book editing business, and an independent film festival, Circle City Film Festival. In addition to all of that, I do work a full-time job, and I’m a project manager for 13th & Joan Publishing House. I’m crazy busy. I literally work from the time I wake up, to the time I go to bed at night. As an actor, I am a member of SAG-AFTRA, I have a full acting resume and have worked with actors whom I’ve admired and studied over the years, such as, Sanaa Lathan and Patricia Arquette. While filmmaking isn’t my primary focus, my production company has content on Amazon (Things My Daddy Should’ve Told Me), Youtube (The Morning Of; Love and War; Heartless), and other films that are still on the festival circuit. And lastly, the Circle City Film Festival, which is now a 501c3 organization, is in its third year and making major strides in giving filmmakers and actors a platform to showcase their work and talents. I take great pride in providing a platform with CCFF for other creatives to gain access to knowledge and resources that they may not have had before, providing scholarships to pay for things like acting classes and headshots, and creating a space for iron to sharpen iron. Overall…Me, my businesses, my brand, it’s all still a work in progress; and it will forever be a work in progress because continued growth and longevity is the goal…not perfection.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I am such a homebody, but I do like to eat…some of my favorite places to eat are Forever Family Soul Food, Twisted Soul Cookhouse, Tassa Caribbean Restaurant, and Fork in the Road. When I do come out to play, I almost always go to BQE for the food, drinks, and live entertainment…or Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar for brunch. I enjoy what I call, “treasure hunting,” at the shops and boutiques in Little Five Points. And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out God is Dope, seeing as how I practically own every shirt in their inventory. At this point, it’s basically my uniform. I’m sure I’m missing plenty of places, but, again, I don’t get out much.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I simply want to shout out my village. That is all of those who have continuously shown their love and support for me and my endeavors throughout the years – whether it was through a conversation, a donation, an act of service, a like, share, stream, or tweet, whatever it may be. It has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I am forever grateful.
Website: www.circlecityfilmfestival.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/SimplySheda
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SimplySheda
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rashedaleatrice
Youtube: www.youtube.com/IVYLProductions
Image Credits
Jay Goldz