Meet Taylor Aidan Amari | Actor, Writer and Director

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

Hi Taylor, how do you think about risk?
Take. Those. Risks! I’m 100% in the business of not letting fear win, living with courage, and having fun doing it. I do consider myself a thrill seeker, in most walks of life, except when it comes to my safety and money ok, and it has led me to some of my best memories. It feels me with energy to succeed at something I had so much anxiety about, and when I remember to not take life so seriously all the time, my failures are memorable too! They are a part of my story. Concerning my career, it’s no different. I know that what I do is all about trusting your gut and letting go, that’s what makes the best art. So, when I’m acting, directing, writing, I take those risks and believe that no matter what comes out the other end will be me represented in my bravest form.

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.
Being an artist has always been in me. Since I could remember I was so enthralled by movies, tv, artwork, music, anything to do with self-expression I was taking it all in. These shaped me and introduced me to a world of thinking that gave life meaning and made it more beautiful. I found my home in these creative spaces, so when it came time to decide what I was going to be to this world, there was only ever one answer. It just took me trusting in that passion burning inside me and realizing I truly would never be happy doing anything else. At one point, I was so crippled and reliant on the validation others gave me, that I began to lose confidence in my own ability to make sound decisions and my self-image suffered. I experienced burn-out at a young age because I lacked the ability to give myself grace in fear of how others would see me. These “others” weren’t just the people important to me either, I practically let the whole world hold me hostage, and if I hadn’t gained the courage and strength to let go, I surely wouldn’t be where I am today or happy in life.
I am a very happiness driven person and I cling to the things that have made me smile, wonder, and imagine. I know that I just want to create the same experiences for others, and I’m so hungry to contribute to the genres and types of stories I fell in love with. I want my legacy to be one of joy, bravery, and fun. I wish to leave behind art that my people and other underrepresented groups can see themselves in and come back to for an escape. My work is to be a safe space for these people, and those who wish to cause them harm should never be comfortable there. I build and grow my legacy everyday with every interaction, and if that is all some people experience of me, I make sure that will be a worthy legacy too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, I haven’t got to get out much since moving to Atlanta, but my favorites out of the places I have been so far are; Bear and Honey (candle making spot, super fun, dope vibe, and good music), Revery VR Bar (first time at a VR bar for me, but what stood out was the type of people there, it was a very artsy crowd and the music was a great change of pace for me), and The Escape Game (very immersive escape rooms, and it was a great time with friends).

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?
My love and appreciation will always first go to my family, not just in blood. They have seen me through my darkest days. My mother especially has been a pillar of encouragement and support. I love and thank you all. To my friends, thank you for always boosting me up, being there to breathe life into my dreams and aspirations, laughing through life with me, and never wavering in our bond. To my educators, who pushed me to be all that I can be, and who because they loved what they did, helped keep the passion for what I do alive within me, thank you. It is in part through them that I grew a greater admiration for my craft and those apart of it.

It is impossible to name everybody who has touched me bringing me that much closer to my dreams, but you are with me always, and I am forever grateful.

Website: https://www.tayloraidanamari.com

Instagram: @taylor_aidan_amari

Facebook: Taylor Williams