Josiah Winston shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Josiah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Definitely writing. I find myself writing about sudden topics, ideas, and concepts that I get in my head, and as soon as I start, sometimes, it’s like I can’t stop. I truly do appreciate the hobby though, because it keeps my creative mind going and moving. I’m always doing something, so I’m thankful that my mind continues to make and produce new ideas everyday.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Josiah Winston. I am an actor, writer, and producer based in Nashville, TN. I currently take classes as a part of The 4th Wall Acting Studio, studying Acting for the Camera. I have been blessed to be apart of many different productions around the mediums of acting. I have done theatrical shows around Tennessee, such as White Christmas with Audience Of One, and The Sound Of Music with Stage Local Lebanon. On the not so opposite side of things, I’ve have had the blessing to participate in many Film and TV projects such as Fragments of Them with the GSFTA Film Program, and my own short film project, “dread.” a short film that tackles the feeling that us as high school students feel when pressed up against the issues of school shootings. I am truly thankful to be able to do what I am doing everyday, as I hope to make a difference with the work that I do.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Both of my parents have taught me so much about work. The both of them are active members of the medical field, (I know, I’m the odd one out) and they both worked, and are still working diligently to be where they are today. They continue to showcase to me what hard work truly looks like, as I have watched them during their best times ever, and during the times of transgression and hardship. They’ve taught me that true work is found in perseverance. Anyone can work hard, anyone can study for where they want to be, but can you work amidst the problems? They have shown me the truest of work ethics, and have presented me with a core foundation that I will take with me the rest of my life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It would be to not over criticize yourself. There’s so much that we deal with and stress about on a day to day basis, and there’s no reason to make yourself apart of that circle. That’s not to say that self-criticism is bad, however, it can get out of control quickly and dangerously. It’s a struggle that I deal with even now, and it’s something I would tell my younger self countless times again.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That I need everyone to like me for me to be successful. Back in middle school, I felt the need to be popular, because I saw no purpose for myself beyond that. The more I sought out popularity, the more I lost myself. Now I know that idea was naive and incorrect. I’ve learned my purpose, and I’ve learned that no one really should care about their popularity. It only leads to self doubt and self destruction. I have lost my “people-pleasing mentality” and have now focused on myself and my growth.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I most certainly am tap dancing to work! I find joy everyday in my acting career. I’m simply thankful and blessed to be able to participate in this work, and be able to just simply have fun. The most amount of excitement and joy that I felt came from the production of my short film, “dread.”. It’s a beautiful feeling for me to have seen the ideas that have been written and thought out to be expressed through the arts. For a medium to truly showcase what us as humans all think and feel, it’s a joy that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to part from.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiah.a.winston?igsh=MWF3a3VkMGpwNHpjNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@josiahawinston?si=sRe1JM9PHtIZqtXv
- Other: dread. Short Film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreadshortfilm?igsh=MXhwZTVmbDR2dGRuMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
