We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayana Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business wasn’t linear. Being a black female thespian, you learn the game pretty quickly and most of the time you find you aren’t meant to win.

After hearing stories from my Melanated sisters in the arts and adding some of my own, I found myself wishing there was a safe equitable space. A space where black women in the arts could exist in authenticity without being placed in boxes.

Then I decided that would create that space myself! Book Black Women Inc was born. After the warm reception from the community after my first event, -which featured all black female vocalists- I kept it going. The last 2 years have been filled with events that showcased actors, dancers, and poets!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, vocalist, producer, director, and costume director.

Some of my credits include: Dolly in Hello Dolly (actress), Mrs. Phelps in Matilda the Musical (actress), The Addams Family Musical (costume designer), In The Blood (director), 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America (writer and producer), and Broadway World’s 2020 Vocalist of the Decade.

What’s sets me apart as a creative is my willingness to learn all that I can and then pour that knowledge back into my business.

I am not quite where I want to be but I am a lot closer than I was two years ago. With every contract I am blessed with, I learn something new and while it gets hard sometimes, it is always rewarding! I got to this place in my career by networking and collaborating ACROSS. I learned early that networking and collaborating up is difficult but there is always someone ACROSS from you, hustling in the same way. If you can find a way to connect and progress together, both of your businesses can grow!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people and organizations I’d love to shout-out, as my business is growing because of community involvement! Cerina Johnson with No Longer Bound Ent is my partner when it comes to curating many of my events, Cape Fear Regional Theatre has been instrumental in helping me learn the performing arts business from offstage, and Fayetteville State University for allowing me to reach a larger audience with newly formed partnership!

Website: www.bookblackwomen.org

Instagram: Bookblackwomen.inc

Facebook: Book Black Women

Image Credits
Ferno Filmz

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