TV viewers were first graced with Africa Miranda’s dry wit and big gorgeous curls when she appeared on the Bravo TV show, The New Atlanta. Now Africa is building a multi-hyphenate career in entertainment as a performer, actress, commercial model and host; and using her girl-next-door relatable appeal to become a breakout user of the fairly new social media platform, Periscope, which has earned her a place at the inaugural Periscope Summit in NYC this fall.
Keep reading to learn how Africa uses social media to enhance her personal brand, the advice she would give to other young women pursuing careers in entertainment, and of course, what’s in her Ultimate Beauty Arsenal.
Tell us about a day in the life of a busy performer, actress, commercial model and host.
My typical day (if there is one!) usually involves the gym, tackling my inbox, prepping social media for the day, and now, live streaming on my Periscope channel. Depending on the day I could have auditions, meetings, interviews etc.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Being able to help fellow talents/creatives on their journey in the business by sharing my story.
How has the use of social media enhanced your personal brand?
Social media, specifically live streaming via Periscope and Blab, has widened my visibility in a way I could've never imagined. I'm able to connect with supporters directly and from a career standpoint it has given me so many opportunities. I'm able to create content for my audience and get feedback in real time. These new platforms have also given me a voice in the tech world as well. As a result of my presence on Periscope I've been asked to speak at the inaugural Periscope Community Summit in NYC in September.
What is some of the earliest advice you remember receiving about what it meant for a woman to be empowered?
I was told at a very young age how important it was for a woman to have her own money. My great-grandmother was my strongest childhood influence and she was a business and property owner. That always stuck with me.
Who were some of the women you looked up to as examples of success when you were growing up?
All of the women in my family are very strong, accomplished women; I've been heavily influenced by them.
What advice would you give to other young women who are pursuing careers in acting, modeling or hosting--something you wish someone had told you in advance?
It will take twice as long and be much harder than you ever imagined. Your talent is needed but not a guarantee.
How do you balance the demands of your career with those of your personal life?
Still working on that one :). I've made more of an effort in the past year to make more time for my family and friends. You can get so caught up in trying to "keep up" that you end up missing out on the parts of life that are truly important.
How do you incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your daily routine?
I've been pescatarian since January 1st. I try to be more mindful of what I put in my body, the entertainment I consume, who the people are around me... it is all connected. (As a result) I've found I’m much more focused and productive. I don't love working out but it's a necessity in my business so I just keep it on my weekly goal list as a must do. Eating and living better gives me some breathing room when it comes to the gym.
Do you have a 5-10 minute face that gets you out the door looking fabulous, but in minimal time? If so, please share it with us.
Yes! Under-eye concealer, black eyeliner, mascara, and red lipstick.
What three items are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail products you just can't live without?
Moisturizer w/ sunscreen
Nighttime retinoid cream
Coconut oil
Learn more about Africa Miranda at her website, and connect with her on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Keep reading to learn how Africa uses social media to enhance her personal brand, the advice she would give to other young women pursuing careers in entertainment, and of course, what’s in her Ultimate Beauty Arsenal.
Tell us about a day in the life of a busy performer, actress, commercial model and host.
My typical day (if there is one!) usually involves the gym, tackling my inbox, prepping social media for the day, and now, live streaming on my Periscope channel. Depending on the day I could have auditions, meetings, interviews etc.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Being able to help fellow talents/creatives on their journey in the business by sharing my story.
How has the use of social media enhanced your personal brand?
Social media, specifically live streaming via Periscope and Blab, has widened my visibility in a way I could've never imagined. I'm able to connect with supporters directly and from a career standpoint it has given me so many opportunities. I'm able to create content for my audience and get feedback in real time. These new platforms have also given me a voice in the tech world as well. As a result of my presence on Periscope I've been asked to speak at the inaugural Periscope Community Summit in NYC in September.
What is some of the earliest advice you remember receiving about what it meant for a woman to be empowered?
I was told at a very young age how important it was for a woman to have her own money. My great-grandmother was my strongest childhood influence and she was a business and property owner. That always stuck with me.
Who were some of the women you looked up to as examples of success when you were growing up?
All of the women in my family are very strong, accomplished women; I've been heavily influenced by them.
What advice would you give to other young women who are pursuing careers in acting, modeling or hosting--something you wish someone had told you in advance?
It will take twice as long and be much harder than you ever imagined. Your talent is needed but not a guarantee.
How do you balance the demands of your career with those of your personal life?
Still working on that one :). I've made more of an effort in the past year to make more time for my family and friends. You can get so caught up in trying to "keep up" that you end up missing out on the parts of life that are truly important.
How do you incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your daily routine?
I've been pescatarian since January 1st. I try to be more mindful of what I put in my body, the entertainment I consume, who the people are around me... it is all connected. (As a result) I've found I’m much more focused and productive. I don't love working out but it's a necessity in my business so I just keep it on my weekly goal list as a must do. Eating and living better gives me some breathing room when it comes to the gym.
Do you have a 5-10 minute face that gets you out the door looking fabulous, but in minimal time? If so, please share it with us.
Yes! Under-eye concealer, black eyeliner, mascara, and red lipstick.
What three items are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail products you just can't live without?
Moisturizer w/ sunscreen
Nighttime retinoid cream
Coconut oil
Learn more about Africa Miranda at her website, and connect with her on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More COCOBelle of the Month Features you might enjoy:
Lisa Nicole Cloud
Cynthia Bailey
Ericka Pittman
Lisa Nicole Cloud
Cynthia Bailey
Ericka Pittman