Meet Taromi Lourdes Joseph | Award Winning Actress, Writer, Director and Producer

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

Hi Taromi Lourdes, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve always been a risk taker to some degree. As far back as I can remember, school days, I was engaging in some activity or having ideas about some activity that the ‘average’ person may not be interested in. As an adult, I’ve been called crazy for some things I have said or done, outside the norm, but I rather be crazy than be the ‘average’ person who stays in one place-mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, career wise. I have embraced risk. It gives me a rush every now and then. As an actor and creative I put myself, my work in public viewing. The scrutiny, the dislikes, amongst many others, are all possible risks that I have to endure. I have an open mind, thick skin and understanding that my work may not be for everyone. It’s a necessary part of life. As I said, if you’re not taking risks you’re stationary…or dead…neither sounds fun to me…..

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 started acting in school plays in my childhood in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). As I got older, I did TV commercials, movies, TV hosting, music videos and continued with theatre as well. I am most proud about ‘Hush-a-Bye’ (2019) which I wrote, starred in directed and produced when I was in T&T. I entered it into different film festivals and the film was accepted into some here in the U.S.A and won me my first set of awards for Best Actress and Best Short Film. The film touches on Postpartum Depression (PPD) and how it affects the family unit in a Caribbean setting. I was pleasantly surprised about the favorable reception for the film wherever it screened. Women and men from different countries would come up to me and have similar reactions to how PPD affected them and their families.

2022 has been great to me so far-I received an acting scholarship from The Debbie Reynolds Performing Arts Studio, I had my first appearance on network TV-ABC’s ‘American Funniest Home Videos’ and I appeared in Season 3 Episode 7 of the FX series ‘Atlanta’ directed by Donald Glover. That episode ‘Trini 2 de Bone’ looks at Trinidadian/Trinbagonian culture and how it exists within an American dynamic. The episode is loaded and layered. Even though I had no speaking roles in these productions, I’m thrilled that I got my face/screen time where people can recognize me and see and appreciate my efforts.

Emigrating from T&T to come to the U.S.A. was a challenge in itself. There were so many challenging factors I had to confront-the legal, financial, emotional, social factors I had juggle and make sense of all these constantly moving parts. Questioning my ‘why’s’, my motives, my skill sets, my preparedness-it was all a battle. Luckily, I found the calm within the madness and found solutions and answers.

Everyday there’s something new to learn about myself and the world around me. In this journey surrendering to the negative forces is not an option, whether it’s self doubt, sabotage, naysayers, fear. Keep going. The obstacles will always present themselves in different forms but pick up and keep moving forward. Planning is always a benefit. I didn’t wake up one morning and jump into this. It took planning and strategizing and of course accepting the risks involved. My brand and story are rooted in resilience, evolution and success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
hmmmmm… I haven’t been able to check out that many places yet in Atlanta so I can’t pinpoint specific places. I do love the outdoors though, so there would be hiking and nature in there somewhere. I am adventurous so anything with a good sweat, gets the heart rate up, has us screaming our lungs out, yup, on the ‘to-do’ list for certain! I also love different culinary delights and enjoy trying new foods. Different restaurants would definitely be on the itinerary-Caribbean (of course), African, South American, Asian-we would be eating them all!!!! We would also check out the historic and cultural sites to connect, think, socialize, stimulate, understand and immerse ourselves with the city and vibes around us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All my Ancestors, family members and friends have helped carry me to this point. Too many to name and I am thankful for all!! and of course much thanks to the ever abundant Universe and Creator for continued Blessings, Guidance and Protection.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taromilourdes/

Image Credits
Onika Edwards, Siobahn Millete, Elisha Baptiste, Jermaine Cruickshank, Dennis Allen, Willie Singh, Curtis Bachan, Ayinde Smith, Wayne John, Dion Glen