Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashida Costa.
Hi Rashida, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Entertainment has always been the essence of who I am since I was a little girl. I grew up performing. It was customary for me to partake in poetry recitals, my local plays at my church, school and within the community. As I grew up and got older, I ventured into other career paths. Once smitten with the world of fashion, I enjoyed the runway for a while.
I quickly found out that it is not all that it’s made out to be. There is another world behind the glitz and glamour that I didn’t find to be quite so charming. Let’s just say it wasn’t for me, I always had a knack for storytelling however, so without reservation, I wholeheartedly made my transition to acting and writing.
It is highly obligatory that an artist enacts stillness and discipline, this isn’t something that I find to be challenging, in college I had to take chemistry as part of my prerequisite, my chemistry class was met with much fear and apprehension, and thus I was very disciplined in order to ensure a successful outcome. That sense of discipline I taught myself and mastered so well still pays off to this day.
Fast forward a husband and the start of a new addition to our family, I took a break to focus on raising my little one and finished my college degree. As anyone who has been in entertainment will tell you, it is in your blood. Artistry centers the very core of our being, as the adage goes, “you may take a break from entertainment, but you never truly leave.”
During my hiatus, I did a lot of writing, blessed with several publications, my latest children’s book, “Who Lives in The Little Wooden House,” was recently published. I am constantly thriving for artistic development and improvement. Having done a lot of theatres, becoming a playwright was the latest credit to add to my resume.
On the acting side of things, I am currently filming a movie where I play the lead actress and couldn’t be happier. It is always a joy to be able to express myself creatively. When I’m not engrossed in the world of artistry, you can find me continuously tossed in my educational endeavors, the journey to finish my master’s degree.
To catch up with my human side, I enjoy throwing a line in the water and watching reruns of the old Bob Newhart episodes. My mantra that I live by: “Life is a tremendous gift that I look forward to unwrapping every day.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing in life really comes without its challenge. The important thing is to remain focus and remember the reason why you’re doing what you’re doing. I have chosen a career path that comes with a lot of rejection. I face this both as an author and as an actress. I refrain from personalizing anything and always look for a learning moment in any situation.
I don’t beat myself up for things that are out of my control. If I didn’t get the part, I don’t engage in self-criticism. There are enough critics out there, I am my own cheerleader. There could be a million and one reasons why an actor doesn’t get the part. As actors, sometimes we are too fat, too short, too skinny, not skinny enough, not tall enough, you get the gist. I lack direct influence over these things; to this point, worrying is counter-productive to my well-being. At the end of the day, hard work wins. “Words are from the lips, actions are from the heart.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Jamaican-American author, playwright and actress. I have published several articles and books. As an author, many associate me with my self-help book 365 Days Smarter. This book is a motivational tool and guide that serves as not only an inspirational tool but also as an aide to those struggling to find their way. It intentionally includes 365 daily quotes to get you through each day. I also write across the children’s genre, my latest children’s book, “Who Lives in The Little Wooden House,” is one of my favorite works.
As an actress, I am known for theatrical plays such as the RECLUSE and AT ALL COST among other credits. I am currently filming a project as aforementioned, I play the lead actress and I’m thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful production, working with so many talented actors and actresses. One of the many blessings and great things about working in this arena. When I’m not on set, you can also catch me live performing for the dinner detectives, a murder mystery show.
I am most proud of my two wonderful boys and my husband of 17 years. I think what sets me apart from others is the same thing that sets everyone else apart, and that is that I am uniquely myself. The best gift you can give to yourself is to be yourself, and the best gift you can give to others is an authentic you.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listened to Joel Osteen on a daily basis. I find his messages to be uplifting and help me get through my day. Additionally, Les Brown is another favorite of mine. We all go through those moments of doubt and fear, typically of the unknown as well as just change in general. Thus, for me these are my source of motivation and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Email: rashidacostaauthor@gmail.com
- Website: https://rashidacostaactor.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CostaRashida
- Other: https://linktr.ee/RashidaCosta
Image Credits
Eric Weber Rashida Costa
