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@backbentbold-blog
#Pretty365 :: Makeda Abraham
Photo Credit:Â Konate Primus
What is your name?Â
Makeda Abraham www.makedasoul.com
What do you do?Â
I am an Actress, Dancer & Entrepreneur. As a professional artist, I hustle and bustle. You name it, I do it! I am also the founder of Carnival Virgin, a travel concierge company for people who want to experience 5 STAR FUN in Trinidad for Carnival while on a budget!!!
Read More
pretty.period
I'm blushing... Big shout out to Pretty.Period for featuring me as a part of their #pretty365 campaign!
Please go to their Blog  #PRETTYPERIOD365 & check them out on IG: @prettyperiod365
What is your name?Â
Makeda Abraham www.makedasoul.com
What do you do?Â
I am an Actress, Dancer & Entrepreneur. As a professional artist, I hustle and bustle. You name it, I do it! I am also the founder of Carnival Virgin, a travel concierge company for people who want to experience 5 STAR FUN in Trinidad for Carnival while on a budget!!!
Why do you do what you do?Â
It agrees with my spirit. I’ve learned to do what sits well with me. And for now being an artist & running my business is making perfect sense spiritually. Â
What advice would you give to Black women interested in doing what you do?Â
Perseverance is KEY! Times will get hard but you MUST move forward. Once you start something, there’s no turning back. The JOY that comes from seeing your ideas come to fruition is priceless. So unless spirit says to stop, you’ve got to keep moving forward! Â
What do you do to take care of yourself/rejuvenate/recharge (self-care practices)?Â
I leave the country at least once a year… Breathe fresh air, eat amazing non-gmo food & bask in the sun. On an everyday level I listen to music that makes me feel amazing & I pray!
What are your top five must have beauty products?Â
Shea butter
Coconut Oil
Shea Moisture’s Deep Treatment Mask
Baking Soda
Peroxide
Pretty IS as Pretty DOES and we SALUTE YOU Makeda. You ARE #Pretty365
mood: beauty in the dark
this is one of my absolute favorite tracks of all time… i truly feel like the most beautiful woman ever when i listen to this joint right here…Â
love YOU boo
Question: What do you do to embrace & love the physical attributes you cannot change unless you were to have plastic surgery?Â
I ask this because last night I saw pics of a girl I knew many years ago & Ms. Thing pulled the Renee Zellweger on us and got a whole new face. LIKE A WHOLE NEW FACE Y’ALL. And she’s at least 5 shades lighter. And I wondered how is she going to have the conversation with her  ”possible” children that they don’t look like her because “she doesn’t look like her.”Â
I know celebrities do it all the time, but it really hit home for me because I knew this girl. Trust me I understand wanting to change certain things about your physical appearance, but a whole new face though!?! Especially in the name of being more desirable in the entertainment industry, an industry that can decide in a split second whether or not they think you are relevant. It’s simply heartbreaking.
And then I thought about her ancestors and how they are probably having a conniption on the other side as a result of her changing physical qualities that exist solely because they existed. When one desires to change so drastically, it’s evident there’s so much spiritual work that needs to be done. And your spiritual guides now have to work extra hard on your behalf & they can’t even recognize you!!!Â
Moral of the story, love YOU boo. Love yourself, as yourself & be the best you at any given moment. Change & grow accordingly, with a focus on spiritual growth; it can truly change your outward appearance for the better. Find ways to love up on you & appreciate attributes that make you YOU! And if you can’t find ways to do just that, talk to some spiritually grounded individuals who can assist you on your journey.
P.S. With #tbt in full effect folks have got to be more careful about getting new faces, you never know when the real you will pop up. #ijs
my weeeerkout series!!!
Hey Y'all,
I'm soooooo excited about my next venture. You know when you have a great idea, all of the pieces start coming together and then BAM the idea actually comes to fruition. Well this is exactly where I am right now. I started a business earlier this year, Carnival Virgin, and one of my goals was to create a FREE 8 week online workout series to get folks ready for Trinidad Carnival. I partnered with my homegirl & fellow Howard University alumna, Shola Roberts of The SholaBare Experience to bring the world PACE! We've even decided to have two live classes in the NYC area. Whether you're going to Trinidad Carnival or not, you can still benefit from PACE. I couldn't be happier with this project and want to share my joy with YOU!Â
To sign up for the free workouts or to attend our PACE LIVE classes in January go to www.carnivalvirgin.com. The workouts will be released weekly starting on December 14. We want this to keep getting better so we welcome feedback once you've gotten a feel for the workouts upon release.Â
faulty ankle & fancy footgear
Sooooo a few weeks ago I spoke about a car accident which left my ankle sprained among other injuries. Recently my doctor recommended that I undergo surgery on my ankle because it wasn't healing properly etc... I was skeptical. But I did it.Â
My concerns were rooted in the fear of being out of work for a substantial amount of time. It's bad enough that I can't dance and lost the gigs that I had lined up as a dancer;Â that I can't really go out on certain auditions due to my physical limitations. Not to mention I am in no financial position to call out of the small jobs that I was finally able to secure. But I'm forced to because of doctor's orders...Â
During the past few months I have been trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel and some days I actually see it. And it is SHINING BRIGHT!!! On those days it feels amazing until some obstacle pulls the plug and leaves me in pitch black darkness all over again. And I scream. LOUDLY. For me this seems never ending. I've spent more time on my couch in the past three months than a whole year of couch time combined. It's been THREE whole months of inconvenience, physical pain and emotional turmoil. I'm physically exhausted; mentally burnt out; emotionally drained. I'm tired.
I say all of this because I know I am not the first and won't be the last artist to be injured. So what have you done? Or what would you do during a time like this?Â
Signed,
Injured Artist Looking for a Realistic & Soul Satisfying Plan B/C/D/E...
because Oprah said so...
Oprah, who in my mind is my long lost godmother, has launched yet another 21 day meditation challenge with Deepak Chopra. I've been meaning to do one for a long long long while. This desire even led me to try Vipassana Meditation this past summer, which by the way was the MOST difficult thing I've ever done in my life but I will let y'all know about that another day.Â
So back to this 21 day challenge, a really good sista of mine sent me an email and I immediately signed up. The whole premise "The energy of attraction" is exactly what I've been needing to focus on.
So here goes... 21 days of being open to and actively working on an energy shift... I will be sure to post about this journey. Would love to hear back from those who signed up for it as well.
INFO REGARDING 21 DAY MEDITATION EXPERIENCE --------> HERE
Doubt is a bitch...
Yesterday I went to a Casting Director (CD) Workshop and it was pretty standard but really good for me as I haven't been to one in over a year. The CD had me read the commercial copy a few times and gave me feedback. It was really good feedback and I adjusted accordingly. Afterwards the CD spoke to me about a by-invite-only class that they facilitate where Boutique agents are brought in at the end of the course. I was really excited for two reasons:
1. This CD casts a range of work from indie film to commercials. Their IMDB page is current, relevant and always on fire!
2. Some of my immediate goals will require representation and I don't want to sign with an agent who may have a few of "my type" on their roster.Â
After leaving the workshop I immediately begin to crunch numbers in my brain. Trying to figure out how I plan on paying for that upcoming workshop as well as a session with a dope coach that I signed up to take in November. Lest we not forget my bills (i.e. rent, phone, internet etc...). So I'm walking towards the train station and when I look to my right I see a bunch of people standing around a stage door patiently waiting for some Superstar. Naturally I take my nosey behind over to the action and about 3 minutes later Tom Mison, Ichabod Crane from Sleepy Hollow, comes out. Everyone is screaming for Tom to come their way and the camera's are going off. And I think to myself "Oh em gee, this will be me soon... Right God!?!?"
Back to mission "take my behind home" and Doubt begins to creep in like a thief in the night.Â
"What if this entire acting thing doesn't work out?"Â
"What if you pay for this class and none of the agents call you in for a meeting?"Â
"What if the CD never calls you in to audition?"Â
"Makeda, let's be real here... You got one good ankle and ain't nobody fittin' to hire 'broke ankle girl'?"
"Where are you going to get the money to pay for all of this???"Â
Maaaaaan, Doubt came in... found a comfy couch... sprawled out and set up shop like it was Shonda Thursdays.
I finally get home and of course I feel like shit. I proceed to order some good food, make a peach bellini and it hits me "Doubt is a bitch and I shall deal with it as such." So how do I deal with a Bitch or bitch ass behavior!?!?! First I ignore it. If that doesn't work, I deal with as diplomatically as I possibly can. Still not working, welp my final resort is to cuss and carry on like a mad woman.Â
Luckily for Doubt, a good talking to was all it needed. "Listen here my dear, I need you to have several seats. No, no, no... not on this comfy couch. This couch is reserved for CONFIDENCE, CERTAINTY, TRUST & FAITH! I'm on my make this shit happen flow and I cannot and will not allow you to take up space or energy. Begone ho! And in the future please don't come for me unless I send for you!!"Â
And just like that, Doubt disappeared. Who knew it would be that easy??? Because it's never been that easy. I guess when you're at the bottom and you're feeling like there's no where to go but UP your tolerance level for bullshit is really low.
Feeling good right now... and signing off to continue to make some things happen.Â
Asé
mailings n' good music!
I don't know about you but I can't do anything without good music! Not just any kind of good music either. MUSIC that has me moving and excited about putting in the work so I can celebrate later! My goal is to book a SAG commercial by the end of November and when I do, I'm definitely celebrating with a good ole' party! So when I do my mailings n' emails n' submissions n' thangs I make sure I play the best music!
DJ Private Ryan has been my go to man for all the tunes and good vibes!!!Â
Today my mailings were sent with the love and vibes of his Africa Vol. 2 mix!
Enjoy and if you're not following this brother check out all of his mixes!!!!Â
Not another WEBINAR or #fixmyactinglife video!! P L E A S E
Disclaimer: Everything that I am about to vent to you about is totally controllable and I know it. Don't judge me.Â
Re-joining the acting community this time around has consumed a lot of my brain space. I'm very excited to make it happen and start BOOKING JOBS! With that excitement, naturally I'm on my A-game; doing my mailings and research and submissions and auditioning and workshops and all that good stuff... And in between it all, I am literally signing up for every webinar and watching every #fixmyactinglife video on YouTube that catches my eye. Like for real y'all, every single one. My calendar is filled with WEBINARS. Webinars ranging from how to book a job, to how to market yourself as an actor, how to act, how to not act, how to use Facebook for business, how to make money while acting, how to live in the moment... the list is endless. And when I'm not doing a webinar but I have free time, I am watching every single #fixmyactinglife video on YouTube.Â
As a part of my resurgence into this world of acting I had to assess what my needs were and there were so many! I'm trying to work smarter without being overwhelmed. But I can't help but feel like this ish is overwhelming. Right now I'm just frustrated. Don't get me wrong I am learning LOTS! But I think that I've reached my limit. I'm Webinared/YouTubed out. I don't think I could learn another thing from another guru of acting even if they held my hand and did the work for me. I still am doing all I can to make it happen but I need some help. I know I'm not alone in this part of my journey...
How many of you are experiencing webinar/video overload? How many of my acting people have had this problem and how did you get over this hump?Â
to enhance or nah?
So would YOU enhance or nah? Comment below and share!
In lieu of all the chat about Renée Zellweger and her new face I was curious to know how many of  us are open to cosmetic change…
I’ve made some personal enhancements… I got my teeth fixed and I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to people who said, there’s not nothing wrong with your teeth, because they LIED. Invisalign really works y’all, like for real! And I believe that everyone should have the grill of their dreams. If you are not happy with your smile, save your money and get it fixed. Don’t listen to the folks who ever so politely say to you “your teeth are fine. you look perfect.” Because these are the same folks who upon you showing them a before/after pic of your costly grill will say “daaaaaammmmmnnnnnnn, your teeth were fucked up. but they look GREAT now. glad you got it fixed. woooooow. damn. how did i not notice that before.”
Personally I believe that people should fix what they want to fix, especially if they have the money. That change though, should not drastically affect the good looks and quirks that your parents blessed you with! You should still be recognizable. CNN posted an article about Renée’s transformation and other celebrity transformations and called it, “Is that you, Renée Zellweger?” If you’re no longer recognizable you’ve gone too far. I think the enhancement of my teeth made my mother’s eyes and father’s smile even more beautiful :-)
Shame & Vulnerability
In a conversation with one of my besties two days ago, she mentioned BrenĂ© Brown's Ted Talk on shame as the two of us discussed another mutual friend. Then I finally watched the videos myself and realized this was for ME. I needed this. Funny how our solutions for others is exactly what we are in need of. BrenĂ© Brown with these Ted Talks was EVERYTHING to me this morning! Thank You Universe for sending this my way!Â
SHAME
VULNERABILITY
success/failure syndrome
Re-reading Margie Haber's "How to Get the Part without Falling Apart" and something hits hard! I had to let it marinate for a few days in order to accept it...Â
I, Makeda Abraham, have suffered from Success/Failure Syndrome.
I really want everyone to get the book but for now I will give you a brief excerpt from it regarding this syndrome...
Oddly enough, actors are as afraid to succeed as they are to fail. I call this "The Success/Failure Syndrome." ...an actor would rather lose the part than risk being rejected. - Margie HaberÂ
I definitely cut some areas out of the passage but this really spoke to me. To know that you are just as afraid of your success as you are your failure is eye opening. Especially because I spend a lot of time telling folks how badly I want a successful acting career! But while telling them how badly I want something I engage in activities that promote the exact opposite. There have been so many times that I wouldn't submit for work because I thought I wouldn't be what they were looking for. There were times that I chose not to audition because I knew other people who were going out for the same role and convinced myself that their performance would probably be better than mine. There have been times when I refused to meet industry professionals because I didn't have "the perfect headshot" or a business card or website. I've had some crazy bullshit ass excuses.
At the root of my fears, have been some very real childhood/early adulthood traumas. I've always known that my past stuff affected my present state but I've only begun to intentionally do the necessary work to fix this within the past year. The journey has not been easy. When you tell the Universe that you are ready to deal with your shit, the Universe isn't always tactful with the presentation of it all, trust me! But in a short period of time, I see the difference.Â
At this given moment I am not afraid of my success, I'm ready for it and taking the necessary steps to propel me forward. But although I am moving my feet and taking bold action now, I think it's important to acknowledge my past. When these fears decide to rear their ugly heads again, and I know they will, I will know how to address them properly. So many times we try to dismiss a feeling which doesn't address the root of the problem; and inevitably dismissal makes everything worse.
Margie Haber says at the end of her Success/Failure section that "it's up to you. You can choose to make excuses for yourself or you can knock down that wall of fear and take a risk. Let the fear motivate you to action. Use your fear."
I couldn't agree with her more... So with that being said, I AM READY FOR SUCCESS!!! I know there will be bumps on the road and some failures but I'm not afraid of the failure, I embrace them as they are aiding in my success. Be gone Success/Failure Syndrome! I rebuke you! Welcome Risk Taking/Bold Actions! I receive you with open arms!
#actorsbelike
Caffeine and a good read... Â Â
How to Get the Part without Falling Apart by Margie Haber is a MUST READ for all actors!
I'm back... slightly bent but taking bold action!
Earlier this year I decided to dip out of NYC and take a personal sabbatical for 6 months. Life was getting the best of me in the worst way and I desperately needed to breathe... away from it all. I needed warm weather, a beach, good food and lots of fun. Naturally I went to Trinidad, the birthplace of my parents. I prayed a lot, partied often and partook in the serenity of the island. I learned to cook some good Trini food, spent time with my hilarious 75 year old great aunt and enjoyed family that I haven't seen in years. I even started a business. I had the time of my life and can honestly say that while there I was truly the Happiest Woman Alive.Â
So fast forward to 6 months later and I'm finally BACK in Brooklyn. I had my entire plan laid out and was super duper excited about my next steps. Welp, the Universe and I weren't on the same page. The night of me finally moving back into my space I got hit by a car. Go figure (deep sigh). There goes my elaborate plans. Everything I worked so hard for. The gigs that I had lined up were no more and my budding business, with all of its grandiose potential was now at a standstill.
During the first 2 weeks of my recovery I was sad, frustrated and pretty angry. After 6 months of pure bliss, I returned to Brooklyn in what seemed to be a much worse predicament than when I left. Here I was with no job, a sprained ankle the size of a very large grapefruit & very little saved funds. My physical, spiritual and emotional being was completely BENT out of shape.Â
However there is a silver lining... Prior to me leaving for my sabbatical, I said that upon my return I wanted to give my Acting career a real chance. I didn't want to work full time and I didn't want to fill up my entire schedule with teaching. Right before the accident, all of the gigs/interviews I had lined up did just that. Take up all of my time and require a lot of my energy. In the midst of me healing and feeling sorry for myself I was quickly reminded of my true desires. My purpose.
I started to listen to all of the life gurus and watch many inspirational interviews and was quickly inspired to just say "fck it, go for the gold girl. go for your true desires."Â No need in being timid and shy, at this point all I can do is go up from here. It's time to take BOLD action.
So yeah I'm back, slightly bent but taking bold action! See you at the top!
