Rising Star Amora Wilson On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
Theater classes are triple threats! When I started in theater at a tender age. I had no idea the kind of vigorous training it would entail. We learn not only acting but get dance training and you learn to sing! Theater is an amazing place to start when you’re questioning which direction to go in. I developed in so many ways and had the luxury of being trained by professionals. The takeaway: Theater gave me a jump start in my career and it was the best training I could have ever imagined.
As a part of my series about pop culture’s rising stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Amora Wilson.
Amora Wilson was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and began modeling at just six years old. Soon, the family made the move to California, and It wasn’t long before her talent was lighting up the runways on the west coast. Her unique look brought her multiple collaborations with Toddlewood, the brand known for its recreations of famous celebrity photos using young celebrity look-alikes. Amora’s work with creative director, Tricia Messeroux, can be seen in the recreation of the Ghostbusters movie poster as Leslie Jones which included a partnership with Sony LLC. Her next collaboration was for a coffee table book “Engineers of Equality” where she portrayed Mary McLeud Bethune and most recently as Stacy Abrams for the “TrailblazHER” project which is a partnership with CBS. Behind the scenes footage of this project will also be part of Tricia Messeroux’s web series launching in 2022. This Heart of Hollywood Cover Model knows the importance of giving back to her community. Amora works with Feed Sacramento Homeless doing bi-monthly meal distributions and fundraising events. When not modeling, dancing, or acting, this young micro-influencer enjoys cooking, drawing, writing, traveling, and cosplay.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was born In Annapolis Maryland and lived there until shortly after my first birthday. We moved to my mom’s home state Northern California. This move brought me closer to my support system, my loving Grandparents, who had a hand in raising me.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
When I was five years old, I attended one of many community events my mom often shuffled me to. This outdoor festival had small businesses, vendor booths, kids’ games, food, and entertainment for the whole family. They put in a fashion show that showcased clothing from a local children’s designer. A dear friend of mine modeled in the show and I absolutely loved it. My mom said she would make sure I modeled in their show next year. Sure enough, after arrangements were made with the event coordinator, I was cast in the next summer’s fashion show. My love of the business blossomed from there.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
My talent agent submitted me for a principal role on a tv series. I was well prepared for that 5-minute audition or so I thought. When my name was called for my turn to audition, I left my mom in the waiting room and was escorted to a room full of directors, producers, and stars of the show. I was not expecting so many people and became too nervous to perform my best I learned that you have to be prepared for the unexpected and always show confidence, even if you are not.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
I just finished a project called “TrailblazeHER” with Toddlewood, LLC. I re-enacted Stacy Abrams. She is a highly intelligent African American woman who is an activist, political leader, author, and lawyer. This Fair Fight founder has worked to register 800,000 new Georgia voters through her two anti-voter-suppression groups. She fights for the rights of the suppressed and promotes equality and that speaks directly to her passion of wanting to help others. I was proud to be hand-selected to represent her and share her message and legacy.
Most young people your age don’t have to balance work and school. Can you tell us how you manage to balance your schoolwork, auditions, and time on set?
Well, school is a priority and not just because my mom says so. I have always loved school and even more so now that I am in middle school. I was selected to serve on my school’s leadership committee, which I had to apply and interview for before the school year began. I was so happy! I have a lot of school responsibilities and I cannot let my school and peers down. I do not want to miss school, but Mom and I prioritize events and auditions to participate in and I make sure that my school assignments are caught up if I miss a day or two here and there. I never miss a beat and stay in contact with my teachers.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My mom actually started me out in this industry and is always looking out for me and opportunities to help me build upon my confidence and leadership skills. Everything is selectively chosen and is aligned with our short- and long-term goals. She keeps me busy and most times I love it (smile). I do like my sleep too, and sometimes wish I did not have to get up so early to do some things. Otherwise, it is fun.
Ok thank you for all that. Now let’s jump to the main part of our interview. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. (Please share a story or example for each.)
1.There were so many other experienced kids who are doing the same things I wanted to do. For example, when I began practicing for my very first big fashion show, there were kids and adults who were so good that I felt I was out of my league. But with regular practices, I got better and more confident with my walking and posing. I was only 6 or 7 years old at that time.
2. The fashion designers and runway trainers are on a tight schedule, so everyone has to be ready to go when they are needed. I learned that there really is no time to hang out with friends during rehearsals because everyone is working. I make time to hang out with my friends after rehearsals or on weekends!
3. There are so many directions you can go in modeling! When I started runway modeling, I was not aware of the different types of modeling that existed. For example, there are fitness models, glamour models, alt models, plus models, hand models, swimsuit models, commercial/editorial models and more! The takeaway: You have to do your research and find out what’s right for you. Seek a mentor!
4. The Model Bag! That’s means different things to everyone, and it depends on what job you’re going to! In the very beginning, I didn’t even carry a model bag. I was like, what’s that? What do I put in it?” Looking back, I don’t know how we did past shows without a bag filled with all the necessities. Always pack more than the items the designer requests including a makeup base for your skin and hair products that work for your hair type. I have natural and very coarse hair, (4c type), so just any product on hand will do. The takeaway: Be over-prepared and bring more than you need. Chances are you’ll be able to help another model out who forgot something!
5. Theater classes are triple threats! When I started in theater at a tender age. I had no idea the kind of vigorous training it would entail. We learn not only acting but get dance training and you learn to sing! Theater is an amazing place to start when you’re questioning which direction to go in. I developed in so many ways and had the luxury of being trained by professionals. The takeaway: Theater gave me a jump start in my career and it was the best training I could have ever imagined.
You are a person of enormous influence. How do you think you can use social media as a platform to be a positive influence to your fans, and for society at large?
I can use my Instagram stories more and post motivational messages to my supporters and friends that will uplift and inspire them. I want to help them achieve their dreams too.
I also volunteer for a local homeless non-profit and we participate in serving hot meals and planning events to help support that community. Hopefully, it will help others to help the homeless or select another cause to represent and give back.
If you had the ability to choose to work on any TV show or film, or work alongside any co-star, or with any director, what or who would that be, and why? You never know who might see this article, especially if we tag them. :-)
I would like to work with Raven Symone because she’s funny like me and she has a great personality. I have watched all her shows and her acting abilities are amazing!
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Instagram: amorawilson__
This was very meaningful, thank you so much!
