Meet Aconda Williams | Model & Writer

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

Hi Aconda, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

A creative career path always kept me wanting more out of life. It forced me to see that life is bigger than me and the work that I do is beyond just me. At first, I pursued a creative career out of resourcefulness, out of a need for survival. At the age of 21 I dropped out of college and felt like my back was up against the wall. I heard voices of judgement, constant noise, and failure in my head, “Aconda what are you going to do with your life, what are you going to be, how will you provide for yourself”? I remember breaking every picture frame in my room because I was discouraged. I had no idea what my future would hold but I felt a lot of pressure being the oldest sibling. I was lost and honestly, I was still trying to find myself. I am a chronic migraine sufferer who struggled daily to get out of bed, to put a smile on my face and at times I’d lose my vision but despite it all, I pretended I was fine. However, I knew I was born with originality that I could never quite explain so I knew whatever I sought out to do, despite anyone doubting me I had to have my own back. Suffering from chronic migraines and seizures took a huge toll on my middle school and high school years which led to me leaving college. Somehow, after taking a medical leave in college, I mustered up the courage to take a leap of faith and create in front of the camera as a model despite hating the camera as a kid. For 6 years and counting, I learned to develop a strong voice through modeling and build an undeniable confidence.
Writing found me again and I’m currently working on my first Tv series drama, in hopes of having the creative work seen on the big screen. Writing was a tool I turned to because it never judged me, and the words flowed freely on paper. The real answer as to why I pursued a creative career is to tell stories, to inspire others to live out their purpose regardless of what initially stands in the way. It’s the risks, the lessons learned, the struggles and amazing growth that told me to keep going. Maybe I enjoyed the struggles because it built my character. I screamed a few times, had a lot of laughs and definitely made some sacrifices. Without the choice to pursue this career path of both modeling and writing I do not know where I would be, but I know for sure I was not born to do average. I have never felt so free, so in control of my life, so happy and it all started with me not being able to continue college. Of course, I had big dreams in college. I wanted to be a broadcaster on Espn or Good Morning America. But life has a funny way of working out. I still deal with chronic migraines, but I do not allow my struggles to hold back my future because a creative career is certainly my path. I am a dreamer who makes it happen. For me it began with an idea and a dream and I ran with both because I choose every day to live my best life.

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 got to where I am today by persisting regardless of the struggles and challenges that arise. There were many times where I wanted to quit but what kept me going was the voice in my head. “If you give up now, it will have all been for nothing, nobody will hear your story, you can’t inspire anyone if you stop now”. So many times, during my high school years teachers would say I’m reaching to high, I need to lower my standards. I attended a private high school to help better prepare me for college. However, I faced many elements of racism that I had to deal with. Since I suffered from migraines throughout my high school years I dealt with the symptoms of it such as loss of vision. I would be sitting in class and completely lose my sight. Everything around me was black and I was afraid. Afraid to get up, afraid to tell anyone, afraid that no one would believe me and what I was going through. I was right. A lot of the teachers thought I was lying. That my invisible disability was somehow fabricated. However not getting my diploma was not an option that was my ticket to show them I did it. I overcame all those challenges by being the positive voice in my head and with the help of a few teachers who did believe in me. The support I received from family got me through. I was told “No” many times by so many people. But I rarely did I take the word “No” at face value. I simply found another way to accomplish the task. If you want something bad enough, it will happen.

Nothing is easy. I got to where I am in my creative career as a model and beginner writer because I used every struggle, every challenge, every critique as fuel. I always found ways to keep educating myself. In some moments of defeat, you have no idea how that moment is supposed to help you grow until later. In the beginning of my career, I was lost I was upset things weren’t just taking off, but I had to start somewhere. I learn best through experience, and I was determined to get that experience. I was working with people who were more experienced than me but I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t competing with them I just wanted to open doors for others like me. The creative world saved me. It’s my vision and drive that sets me apart from others. My raw creativity and unique eye that allows me to work so well with a team such as photographers, directors, and producers.

Currently, I’m most excited about the Tv Series I’m working on because it’s beyond me. I’m telling a story that I believe will resonate with so many people. Developing characters that are raw and so true to who we are as humans.

Characters that we can see as are best friends who we become attached to and who have flaws but it’s the conflicts among these characters that somehow drive them closer. The human blindness among us divides us but we fail to realize we are more alike than different.

I’m most proud of where I am because I never would have dreamed of being where I am. I’m not living some extravagant life and I’m still growing. I want so much more for myself but I know I’m exactly where I need to be right now. I got to where I am through SELF-EDUCATION, reading books, being open-minded, experiencing life, and focusing on what goes in and out of my mind. Life is its own teacher I knew I was born to be a creative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m all for adventure! So we’d have to experience life. First things first, shopping. But not the typical mall shopping. I’d take my best friend to the top thrift stores to get the best unique pieces such as shoes, tops and bottoms that no one has. Next, we’d go to Sedona, AZ for the views and for a hike. Photos are always a most! We’d have to hit up Scottsdale AZ for a night out and bar hop.

Antelope Canyon is a must. We’d certainly go kayaking through the canyon. Most people don’t realize how much water Arizona actually has so that day alone would be a ball. We’d end that day with some home-made Alfredo pasta and hang out by the pool/hot tub. After some chill we’d play a game of pool with a couple of drinks.

The next day we’d have to go to the Odysea Aquarium. Next, grab some lunch at a food truck and then wrap up the night with a cool baseball game with the Diamondbacks!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I truly believe where I am in life has a lot to do with those who have supported me. I definitely want to give a shoutout to my family; my mom, grandma (mimi), sisters (anisa and ana), uncle (rocky & justyn), aunt (erika), cousins (jayden, tyris, brett), johnny, and of course my fiance’ Alec And I can’t forget about all the inspiration I have received from the books I have read some being; Think and Grow Rich, The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle, The Misadventures of an awkward black girl by Issa Rae, More than Enough by Elaine Welteroth and so many more because I’m a huge nerd inside!

Instagram: Instagram.com/acondawilliams

Image Credits
Stephanie Naru SyracuseLUX Photography Mars