Meet Tahj A. Vaughans | Actor, Barber, Entrepreneur & much more

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tahj A. Vaughans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tahj A., what role has risk played in your life or career?
We take risks everyday when going out, trying new things, taking on daily challenges, etc. I see risk as part of everyday life. Some decisions to take certain risks weigh heavier than others, but they work all the same. “What do you want?” “How bad do yo want it?” “What are you willing to do to get it WITHOUT compromising your identity and/or integrity?” These are questions that I am often faced with, and I would assume we all are. Without taking necessary risks, I would not be where I am today. It is that necessary “leap of faith” that allowed me to cross over from a Nursing major to Theatre. That same leap of faith carried me to my first role as an extra and so on to speaking roles, recurring, etc. Betting on myself, my work ethic, my intelligence, my heart, etc, are risks that I have and will continue to take, because it will always be worth the outcome.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is an extension of my being. Its where my emotions come to play dress up and be there most authentic selves whether dressed in comedy, drama, action, etc. I think what sets me apart from others is just my own identity. We are all emotional beings yearning to be heard, seen, and understood, so I guess what makes me different is what I have to say, who I am at my core, and my personal experiences as a black man who grew up on the westside of Montgomery, AL, with a deceased father, and a complicated family dynamic thereafter. I am proud to say that against all odds, I stayed the course, and though my journey was everything except perfect, I have achieved many of my goals and am continuing to do so. I think Dad would be proud. This journey has not been easy. Despite internal struggles, rejection (the bane of every actor’s peace), finances, relationship issues, and other obstacles/growing pains, the show must always go on. You either suit up or you don’t get to fight, and I am a fighter to my core. The thing about being a fighter is that it comes with wins and losses. When you lose a battle, the hardest part of getting up is remembering the rest of the war to come that you must fight through, facing a much bigger obstacle when you are nearly depleted from the last. This is what makes a survivor a survivor. When it comes to my brands, either Tahj A. Vaughans or LO-V Entertainment, what I want people to understand most is that when you see the success transcending all limitations as we reach for the sun, its because we spent so much time below the soil waiting on our chance to grow.

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?
My best friend is definitely my lady. We love New Orleans so that’s always a go-to for us but to show her the best time ever, I’d probably take her to Africa and explore the hundreds of different cultures, cities, foods, ecosystems and faunas. We love a good Afro-centric adventure!

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?
Firstly, I have to give thanks to my transcendent creator, God. Secondly, I definitely am eternally indebted to my parents and grandparents, without them I would not be who or where I am today. I also have to s/o my coaches and mentors: Vandarian Dubose (my late cousin who was the first actor that I knew personally & who introduced me to acting as a child), Rep. Kenyatte Hassell (My first consistent mentor/Younglife Organization/Alabama State Representative), Brian Martin (Professor of Theatre and Interim Chair for the Department of Theatre and Dance at Alabama State University (ASU)), Fulton Burns (Director and Professor of Theatre Program for Florida State College at Jacksonville), Lance Nichols (Actor/Coach), Tasha Smith (Actress/Director/Coach), & Jossie Harris Thacker (Actress/Dancer/Coach). Lastly, I have to thank every soul that touched me in the past, shared a positive word or influence, said a prayer for me, and/or just showed me & my work love in general. You are ALL deeply appreciated.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8817521/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tahj_a_vaughans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tahj_A_Vaughans

Image Credits
Professional Headshots by Antonio “Uncle Boz” Boswell & Toni Riales TWISTED METAL Thumbnail provided to me by Peacock Network for advertisement