Author:sashani

Growing up in religious circles in Jamaica, this wasn’t a suggestion. It was the rule. Respect your elders, no matter what. Don’t ask questions. Don’t cause problems. And if something felt wrong? You stayed quiet, because speaking up would make you disrespectful, out of line. For a long time, I thought that’s what respect required of me. Then I started seeing the cost of always being “nice.” When niceness becomes a problem I started noticing that “being nice” often meant […]

In the span of a few months, I lost my aunt to cancer. Then I watched my dog, my companion, my comfort, die from the same disease. We discovered our home was full of toxic mold that had been making me sick for who knows how long, and we were told we had to leave. And then LA caught fire, and I couldn’t breathe. Literally. The smoke was choking my asthma, and I was already gasping from everything else. And […]

A Song of Support for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa When I was a child growing up in Jamaica, my family lost our home to a devastating hurricane. Right after the eye of the storm had passed, the roof collapsed while we were inside, flooding our home, leaving us homeless, and destroying most of our belongings. When Hurricane Melissa approached the island this year, those memories returned immediately. My family still lives in Jamaica, and they are safe. But many others […]

Life changes when you stop chasing love and start building community with people who truly value you. This post shares lessons on mutual relationships, healthy boundaries, and finding support that lifts you higher.

As children, imagination comes naturally. But as adults, it’s still one of our greatest gifts. Protecting our imagination helps us dream, create, and live with hope.

Acting as Truth: The Creative Power of Living Honestly The beauty of acting Creativity is one of the most powerful gifts we carry inside us. Whether it shows up in painting, writing, music, or performance, creativity gives us permission to explore, imagine, and bring to life the stories and emotions that make us human. For me, acting is one of the most rewarding creative outlets. It connects body, mind, and spirit in a way that few other art forms can. […]

I struggled with asthma and allergies for years. Then I had exposure to mold, which made things worse. Here, I share some of the tools and treatments that helped me repair my health and feel like myself again.

When I finally decided to bring my film training into practice, I knew I wanted to direct something meaningful — something that came from the heart. Seventy Times Seven became that project.

For artists and performers with sensitive systems, unexplained health symptoms can feel isolating. This post explores the connection between the nervous system, chronic inflammation, and creativity—offering insight into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), environmental triggers, and how healing can begin through grounding, boundaries, and artistic expression.

Turning 90 is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to resilience and grace. My grandmother Joan’s life is a living miracle — from being given weeks to live in hospice decades ago to celebrating her 90th surrounded by family across the globe. Her story is one of faith, survival, and the beauty of life lived fully.

For as long as I can remember, storytelling has been at the core of everything I do. Acting, dance, photography, and filmmaking have each given me unique ways to share pieces of my heart. But singing? That’s a vulnerability I never thought I’d explore. For years, if someone asked if I sang, I’d laugh and say, “No, but I can rap!” Yet, something shifted recently. After completing a script for a project, I started hearing melodies in my mind—melodies that […]

Honoring a Legend: The Life and Legacy of James Earl Jones Celebrating the incredible journey, voice, and enduring impact of one of film’s most iconic figures When I think back to why I wanted to become an actor and who inspired me, it’s hands down James Earl Jones. I never met him, but always dreamed of working with him. He reminded me of family. His performances and that incredible voice captivated me. I had to write a heartfelt tribute to […]

“Every actor’s journey to greatness is paved with guidance, resilience, and the ability to learn from those who’ve mastered the craft.”
Acting is much more than reciting lines—it’s about being fully present and living truthfully in the moment.

As a storyteller, both on and off the screen, certain films have had a profound impact on me. These movies not only shaped my approach to acting and directing but also shifted the way I view the world. Here are five films that have left an indelible mark on my journey, along with my favorite quotes from each:

My journey in the world of film and television has been filled with highs and lows, challenges and breakthroughs, and countless opportunities for growth. Here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Auditions are a key moment in any performer’s career, and how you prepare can make all the difference. Whether it’s your first big break or another chance to shine, the right mindset, energy, and preparation are crucial. Here are 10 essential tips to help you walk into your audition feeling your best—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

How Gut Health Boosts Wellness for Actors and Performers Did anyone catch the Netflix documentary Back Your Health? If you did, you probably walked away with a new appreciation for how vital gut health is to our overall well-being. For performers, maintaining energy, focus, and even appearance is essential—and all of that starts with the gut.

