Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Felix.
Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, the road less traveled is always the hardest journey to take yet the most rewarding. I have been through the countless ups and downs, the doubts, the emotional roller coaster, and tears! But God never said it would be easy or full of glitz and glam, however, He did say He will help you get through. I come from a small little country town in Joplin Mo and danced all through high school and onto a dance scholarship in college at Northeastern State where I was awarded a Bachelor of Liberal Arts.
I then applied to law school, worked at a law firm & continued my dance career as an Arena Football cheerleader. There, I danced until 2012 when I lost my dad.
Rewind in my past before that I was placed in foster care for a year, in a couple of abusive relationships and so forth. Life was one big roller coaster, but all I ever did through it all was sing and dance my way through it.
Singing became my safety. I sang as a child in church but as the tears and pain in life kept piling on, I sang to keep myself sane, pretty much lol! When I lost my dad, I decided I was going to relocate to Miami Florida and see what happens. I found an agent and began working in the acting and modeling industry filming countless commercials, print ads, voiceover work, and even a couple of tv shows. And no matter what I couldn’t stop singing, I would sing anywhere and everywhere. I would be in full conversation with my mom or best friend and sing a hook and put my all into it. I would be like who was like? They loved it, I was off-pitch at times but I didn’t care. The music flowed through me. And not but 5 minutes later, we would be talking and I would do it again. And again, lol. (This happens often still). It’s like me and the Holy Spirit, can’t stop praising our God!
I then began writing music since I had a background of writing on my college newspaper. Writing came naturally to me. I teamed up with a few great writers and wrote some awesome songs (all available on all music platforms) and realized all that I’ve been through and still do is lying in these lyrics. Not a day goes by, I don’t think God for using the broken piece of me- my broken wing- because without that I couldn’t tell my story. I prayed “God please let me just sing for the broken” and now, I currently sing at a mission center and rehab senior centers… while still working on the music and testimonies God put inside me. I still have a lot to do and God is still preparing me every day. But to be used by God in multiple ways daily is what I’ve prayed for. But it wasn’t easy, I’ve always worked two to three jobs while tackling school, and my passions if it was dance then or music.
Currently, I am staying consistent with acting/bookings, writing a book, writing a script, writing new music and singing my heart to the core!
Let me Lord be that light and whether I fail or rise, let me always know my guide. Thank you, God, that I can stand on your word when all else feels shaky.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Never smooth for me. I think that’s what makes me so strong and learning to not throw in the towel; to not give up because through the stumbling blocks I was still breathing.
I was isolated from my family and taking to a different state far away in a very violent physical, verbal, emotional and mentally abusive relationship. I lost me, no clue of who I was anymore nor the hope to even try! Only way out was God’s open arms! I can’t explain how but God got me out!
I was put in foster care the end of my junior year and senior year of high school until almost the end. I was put there because mom got a bf at the time who wanted us to go. Mind you, I will never take away the beautiful woman of God my mom was and still is- she’s my saving grace- but there was a moment she lost her way too and it left a scar on my heart. Dad was older and disabled so the state wouldn’t let him take me, unfortunately.
Then, in 2012, I lost my dad. No words can express. I can’t even try. Although I know he’s in heaven walking the beautiful streets of Gold, he was the only one who got me… we were just alike. After that, I knew God had to be the center of my life because I was too lost, in too much pain and resorting to drinking to cope. I lost my way… and God found me right where I was… broken, a flippen mess!!!
I had to work several jobs (not 1 but 2) at the same time dancing for the University and going to school. Then, when I went for my Master’s degree, I worked three jobs, school, agencies, and adulting ugh! No-one handed me anything, God pushed me through because there is no way one person can do all that I would do in one day. Many more up and down moments have happened and still do (we all have those moments) but they have not defined me. I know who I am in Christ and I am still healing. That’s why I sing!
God says, come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 and God is close to the brokenhearted Psalm 34:18.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am an actress, model, and Christian singer. I also help coach students who want to train their vocals in preparation for a school play or audition.
I am most known for the wish me commerical, the “you’ll find your way” music video (my song), the voice of all Aaron’s furniture commercials and radio ads, national print ad for Hardrock Casino (currently in every Hardrock Cafe window worldwide) and a tv series playing Vanessa called Found.
I am the proudest of earning a Bachelor and Masters degree, releasing 4 inspirational songs this last year and performing at the Stoneman Douglas tribute for the Mayor and Guests. I was chosen to write a song for the Stoneman Douglas tribute (this is the school shooting) and dance film for students at Broward College. I went deep into the writing process of this and wrote from the eyes of the student and shooter, causing me to have some scary shooting dreams. It shaped me though; it showed me how deep I can really go.
My personal pain sets me apart, and my past where I can relate to all people who need someone to actually “see them”. We are all broken in some way, I just want to help heal, encourage & show love through my lyrics. The way I needed someone for me when I was at my darkest.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oh so many, umm, probably playing church in the living room. My brother was the pastor and I was the singer.
Also, the Rambo special meal mom prepared when she had no more money to feed us. She mixed cream of chicken soup, bread, and rice and called it the “RAMBO SPECIAL”. This was so she could get my brother to eat but later in life, I also realized it was because she was barely getting by.
She was a God-fearing strong woman, I tell ya!
Umm… one more… would be seeing dad sitting on the front porch stairs waving at us as our school bus drove by to the stop! We were so excited because that meant dad was watching us for the night!! And boy, did he know how to cook and we got to stay up late, lol! But mostly because we missed him so much!
Contact Info:
- Website: amandafelix.com
- Email: amandafelixmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @itsamandafelix
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsamandafelix/
Image Credit:
All rights to all photos belong to Amanda Felix
Photographer:
Martin Framez (lifestyle), Chris Headshots (Headshots), Fleitas Photos (first pic with coca-cola)
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