Lets Just Talk About It Podcast with Chuck

(Ep.94) Whats For You Is For You with Guest Deja Williams

• Season 2 • Episode 94

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Have you ever stood at the edge of a dream, heart pounding with the thrill of the possible and the fear of the unknown? Chesapeake's own Deja Williams knows that precipice well, and she's here to recount her leap into the world of acting—a journey fraught with challenges but also rich with triumph. As she opens up about her early life, raised by grandparents and navigating the absence of parents struggling with addiction, Deja's story unfolds as a testament to resilience and the power of dreams. She shares the pivotal moments that compelled her to pursue acting with fierce determination, revealing that even without feeling entirely ready, she stepped into the spotlight with both caution against industry predators and a hunger for the craft that demands constant learning and evolution.

When it feels like the odds are stacked against you, where do you find the strength to press on? Deja speaks to that inner battle, illustrating how an introverted nature isn't a barrier to success but can be a wellspring of unique expressiveness within the acting profession. Her insights on maintaining authenticity in a competitive field are interwoven with personal anecdotes of family support and inspiration drawn from figures like Taraji P. Henson. Amid the candid revelations, Deja shares how her sister Brianna's influence and the enduring bond of family have been her bedrock through it all. Join us for an inspiring conversation that navigates the intersection of personal growth, artistic passion, and the unyielding courage to face life's trials head-on.

Chuck:

Hey, welcome back to another episode of let's Just Talk About it podcast. I'm your host, chuck, and if you're here for the first time, this platform was created to give genuine people just like you an opportunity to share a portion of your life's journey. So, with that being said, today I have actress Miss Deja Williams from Chesapeake, virginia, on with me today. Well, we have a great conversation about her career as an actress and what it takes to stay ready so that you won't have to get ready when those acting opportunities come. So, hey, you don't want to miss this amazing conversation today. As a matter of fact, do me a favor go and grab your husband, your wife, your children, or even call a friend and gather around to listen to my conversation with Deja on let's Just Talk About it podcast. Hey, let's jump right in. Thank you so much for tuning in to let's Just Talk About it podcast Today. I have Miss Deja Williams on with me today. How you doing today, deja?

Deja Williams:

I'm doing great. How about you?

Chuck:

Doing good. Thank you for being on.

Deja Williams:

Thank you for having me.

Chuck:

Absolutely, deja. I love to jump right into my interviews to have those genuine conversations with genuine people just like yourself, to share a portion of your life's journey. And I love to ask this first question when are you from?

Deja Williams:

I am from Norfolk Virginia, but I was born and raised in Chesapeake, but I'm back in Norfolk now.

Chuck:

Okay, shout out to Chesapeake and Norfolk yes, yeah, so how was it for you growing up?

Deja Williams:

I grew up. Well, me and my sister were raised by our grandparents, my mom and dad. They kind of were like in and out of jail and stuff.

Chuck:

Got you.

Deja Williams:

Behind drugs and stuff like that, but I don't feel like I missed a beat. Having my grandparents in my life, it's been awesome.

Chuck:

They stepped right on in.

Deja Williams:

Yep.

Chuck:

Shout out to them.

Deja Williams:

Yes.

Chuck:

Wow. So growing up in Chesapeake and Norfolk so what was that point in your life where you felt like it was time for you to leave the house? You know what I mean. How was that for you? Because we all get grown, you know, and it's like it's time to go. So how was that for you?

Deja Williams:

Honestly, I'm still in the house.

Chuck:

Okay, you're still in the house.

Deja Williams:

Yes, by the grace of God, I am still here.

Chuck:

Shout out to you. Take your time. Yes, take your time. Yes, I sure am Wow. So, you are an actress.

Deja Williams:

Mm-hmm. Yes, I'm an actress.

Chuck:

Yeah, how did you get started with that?

Deja Williams:

yes, I'm an actress. Yeah, how did you get?

Deja Williams:

started with that, so I learned recently that my aunt she put me in my first acting class because she thought I was very shy around like seven or eight. So I got in there and I just remember having so much fun and I also remember, like growing up watching tala peri house of pain, andyna the youngest granddaughter on the show. I feel like that was a huge example of representation for me. I just remember seeing her and being like I don't know what that is, but I want to do it Like I want to be her. And from then my grandparents they put me in addicts theater and we did like summer theater programs and probably in like 2020, I decided to, you know, actually put myself out there and do things on my own, Yup, and actually take it seriously.

Chuck:

Wow. So how was that experience for you? Like stepping out there, because sometimes we have self-doubt. You know what I mean was that hard. For you like taking that leap?

Deja Williams:

you know, actually it wasn't hard for me because I was very determined now I won't say that I was ready. I definitely look back and it's a lot of things that I wanted and you know, thought I needed at the time, but I look back and I was not ready at all and I'm so happy that you know God has decided to take me a different route. You know a different, a slower approach. Right, you know you didn't rest the process.

Chuck:

Yes, exactly, wow, wow. So you said you weren't ready. What does that look like? You never know who's listening. You never know who's expiring the beast, you know, show host, actress, whatever. So what do you mean when you say you're not, you wasn't ready?

Deja Williams:

yeah. So first of all I wasn't ready. You know, being an actress, you have to be ready when they call. You know you have to hop on flights alone a lot of the times and I was probably like 17 and even now I recently flew alone by myself for a job and I was like so nervous, full of anxiety. But you know, I got through it and I just looked back like man, I would not have been ready for that wow and then also, you know I still needed acting classes.

Deja Williams:

You know I wasn't in a lot of that. I did a lot of theater, but you know I wasn't in a lot of that. I did a lot of theater, but you know I wasn't specifically ready for on camera, which is what I really want at the time.

Chuck:

Wow.

Deja Williams:

So yeah, just you know I need to stay in classes and prepare a little more.

Chuck:

So what would you say to a young person who's aspiring to do something great like that, like a um performer or actress or whatever an actor?

Deja Williams:

yeah, I would say definitely, starting off here in virginia. Um, take as many classes as you can and really vet the things that you do. I got caught up earlier in my career with a lot of like scams and stuff and they just want your money and all that stuff. But really that, and you know, make sure the people that you're working under they have people working on TV or you know theater, whatever it is that you're deciding to do. And yeah, I would say yeah, just stay in classes. And you know, also, in this industry, you gotta have faith, you know, because, um, it's a lot of waiting, you know, waiting on opportunities and you can be the most prepared, but that doesn't mean that you're right for the part. Yeah, you know, sometimes it's like, um, what do they call it? Nepotism? Sometimes people are chosen just because of who they are and not really their ability. But you just got to have faith that God is going, you're going to get what's for you, it's coming to you.

Chuck:

A door's going to open yes. So you got to have patience.

Deja Williams:

Yes, exactly.

Chuck:

You could be ready all you want, but you still have it's a waiting game. Mm-hmm, yep, that's, that's. That's amazing that you say that, because sometimes when we do things and it doesn't come fast enough, we retreat, we give up and say this must not be God. It's not, this is not my assignment. But if you, you're saying, if you hold on, just wait a little longer and just keep pushing, the door opens soon the opportunity.

Deja Williams:

Yes, like he'll, um, I know, like, for me personally, god always sends me confirmations. You know little things that just you know. Keep you going.

Chuck:

Wow.

Deja Williams:

Because I will say, like, if you don't have patience, this is not the field for you. You know you'll hear successful actors talk about you, know you. You know you'll hear successful actors talk about you. Know you get one role and you do it. You film the movie but you're unemployed until the next role. Yeah, so you know you're always waiting.

Chuck:

Nothing's really guaranteed wow, it's not back to back. Yep, exactly, wow. So it's like once you get your first check, you got to be smart with it, because you never know when you're yeah, and that's why they pay a lot?

Deja Williams:

you know because you're like a self-contractor, you don never know when you're next. Yeah, and that's why they pay a lot. You know because you're like a self-contractor, you don't know when your next job is going to be. So they pay you a significant amount for your time and you know Wow. So how old are you?

Chuck:

Deja, how old are you?

Deja Williams:

I'll be 24 on April 30th Wow.

Chuck:

Wow. So what age did you start at? I mean, you know, when you got your first opportunity uh, I got my.

Deja Williams:

I booked my first role when I was 19, my first like actual um film and tv. I was 19. It was a commercial for Virginia Lottery. Actually, yep, that was my first ever in-person audition and I booked it, you booked it, yep, so you were your own agent.

Deja Williams:

Oh, yes, Yep, so yeah, and that's another thing Like being in Virginia. Of course it's not like a hotspot for film and TV. So it's really hard. And you know, I just did a lot of searching and research on like casting calls and what's cast in here and just tried to be in everything, tried to audition for everything that's here and yeah, so I found the audition, I went out and did it and I booked it.

Chuck:

Wow.

Deja Williams:

Yeah, that was in 2019.

Chuck:

2019. Wow, so in between time, do you, do you just wait for the next one, or do you work? How does that work? Because sometimes we, you know, we got this big dream and we leave our job and we yes, we go and so do you still work or do you just wait?

Deja Williams:

yes, okay so I have a day job. I have a job that is paying the bills consistently right now I. I work at Carvana. I drive a single bed hauler around delivering people. Cars, get out of here, yep.

Chuck:

I love that. Shout out to you, Deja.

Deja Williams:

Yes, thank you.

Chuck:

You're motivated.

Deja Williams:

Yes, I am.

Chuck:

Yes, at least I try to be yeah, that's more because you're not sitting around. You know you're waiting for the opportunity. You have a dream, you have, you know, a desire to go places, but at the same time you have that wisdom to say hey, I got to keep paying the bills, so let me work in between times until that big opportunity comes yes. Yeah.

Deja Williams:

Exactly Wow, yes, wow. Times until that big opportunity comes. Yes, yeah, exactly, wow, yes, wow, yes.

Chuck:

and then also in between, I'm taking classes you know, just staying sharp.

Deja Williams:

You know I try to find jobs like before this I was grooming dogs. You know I try to find jobs that aren't, you know, taking up all of my time and I'm able to get off when I need to yeah, yeah for um acting and stuff. But yep, yeah, it's not paying the bills completely yet.

Chuck:

Yeah, yeah, I love that, yeah yeah, yeah, but yes, you know, like I say, you never know who's listening, you know like I say we all, we all have big dreams. We want to do big things, you know. But sometimes you gotta have that patience and also you know you gotta pay the bills, so you might have to just stay with the job until that opportunity comes. Wow, amazing. So what are this? What are some of the things other than the lottery? Um, what was the commercial?

Deja Williams:

yeah, so that was the virginia lottery commercial. Um, after that I did a couple commercials here. Actually, I did, um, some for a couple of colleges around here. I did a commercial for espPN that was filmed in Richmond and then I went to New York and I filmed a Toyota commercial for the MTV VMAs. So that was probably my biggest commercial, wow and oh. And then recently, something is actually dear to my heart is I did a fentanyl awareness campaign for, like, teens in Virginia, yeah, and that was released this past Monday. So, yeah, y'all will be seeing that but, I'm really happy about that.

Chuck:

Say that again. What was that?

Deja Williams:

So it's fentanyl awareness for the teens in Virginia. So yeah, just to shine some light. They say that a lot of the number one killer in drugs is like fentanyl in virginia it is so yeah wow, wow yes, and then um, as far as tv, I've done um east new york, that was on cbs last year and then, truth be told, on apple TV. That was also last year. And right now, like two weeks ago, I just came back from LA I booked Bel-Air on Peacock. Have you heard of that?

Chuck:

You said Bel-Air. It's like the remake of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air I heard about it Produced by Will Smith.

Deja Williams:

Yes, and then, like last week, I got a call from my manager and he was like um, the producer said you did such a good job that they want to invite you back for another episode. So, yes, soon I'll be going back to film another one on that.

Chuck:

And yeah, that's amazing, taking it day by day, so you, you never know you might be a permanent cast Exactly. That is the hope and the thing is I love that you what you said you're staying sharp until the opportunity comes.

Deja Williams:

Yes, preparing, so you're going to get. Stay ready, so you don't got to get ready.

Chuck:

I love that. Stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. You don't have to get ready. Yeah, so let me ask you this are you an extrovert or introvert, being that you are an actress, but, you know, is that a struggle for you to be in the character and stuff yeah so, yeah, no, um, I think that's like the freedom in it.

Deja Williams:

You know, I don't have to be myself when I'm in front of the camera, right, um. And then also, like in classes, you learn that if you're nervous and your character isn't nervous, then you're not, you're not in it enough, you're not doing your job.

Chuck:

So yeah, luckily I don't have to be my introverted self on camera unless the world calls for it, then it's like it's cool right, but that's powerful, though, because some people feel like you have to have this certain personality, like an extra extrovert, outgoing person, to do something like that, but you can be an introvert and get into character and I used to think that too and that kind of like.

Deja Williams:

It used to play in my mind, like is this for me? Like is this actually for me? You know, because I'm not like this over the top theater kid, you know, and you, you see a lot of that in the industry, but I watch a lot of podcasts and youtube and stuff, and it's plenty of actors out there that are terrified, you know, but it's just, you can't help what you love, you know right right, I think.

Chuck:

I think fear could be a good thing. Sometimes you know what I'm saying yeah, yeah, yep wow, it's amazing. So what would you say to your younger self if you had the chance to go back to talk to the younger Deja to prepare her for now?

Deja Williams:

I would say what's for you is for you. You know, and God has everything already worked out. You know you don't have to stress over auditioning for roles and never hearing back, because you know it's all preparation. I feel like everything that I went through up until now has been literal preparation for the next thing and the next thing you know, so just just having joy through it. You know being more happier and you know enjoying life outside of acting. Yeah, yeah.

Chuck:

Like enjoy the journey.

Deja Williams:

Yes, exactly, enjoy the journey, enjoy.

Chuck:

I love that. I love it. So who are the most influential people in your life? Like, who inspires you?

Deja Williams:

As far as family anybody my grandma and even my mom. You know she's been through a lot in her life but she still keeps going, getting up every day and trying. You know it's so easy to give up doing anything. You know when the going gets tough, but you know just being resilient and having hope. You know she inspires me in that way and then, as far as acting, I would say I I'm inspired by taraji.

Deja Williams:

I love how she yeah yes, I love taraji, yeah, taraji p henson um, just um her, just always being her unapologetic self and um, you know, owning every role that she gets and just killing it yeah, she does a good job.

Chuck:

Yes, so, taraji, you, you, you know, you kind of model her, or you know what I'm saying, like yeah yeah, yeah so, growing up, a lot of people would tell me that I look like her okay

Deja Williams:

and I think and I and I used to I loved her Like every movie that she would put out. I loved it. Just like I feel like we have the same expressiveness with our face as far as acting, and so many times like I'll be on set with directors and they'll either tell me to like tone it down a little bit with the eyes or they'll have people like I booked you because I love how you're so expressive with your eyes, but you know it's so weird, but I just I try to own that about me because you know it's about being your unique self.

Deja Williams:

It is, you know and not trying to be anyone else.

Chuck:

Right, wow, I like that because it's all right to find somebody to model after you know what I'm saying, to kind of mimic you, be your own self, but kind of you know, follow how they do yes, yeah, yeah, the blueprint.

Chuck:

Yeah, the blueprint and you'll. You'll be coming to blueprint for somebody else. Yeah, you're definitely you'll be coming to blueprint. I've heard your name a lot. I've heard your name a lot Deja Williams. So, yeah, your name speaks volumes, thank you. Yeah, absolutely so. I know you love your sister, brianna. What does that name mean to you?

Deja Williams:

Brianna means Just so kind, kind spirited, seriously, like she would give her last to anyone if they needed it. Um, I'm really happy to have her as a sister and to be able to look up to her yeah um, she keeps me grounded when sometimes I be going off or being extroverted, she's like you know, it's not that serious. She really pulls me down sometimes so I really love her.

Chuck:

She was on the show. Shout out to you. Uh, brianna, she was definitely up here and um, she's amazing, she's amazing. Can't wait to have her back. You hear that, don't you, brianna? I can't wait to have her back to share what she's up to now. So, um, I know I'm kind of moving around, so seeing you, seeing your, your mother and your father go through that journey of addiction right.

Deja Williams:

Yes.

Chuck:

How does that impact you? What? In what way does that impact? Because I had an addiction when I was younger, so I know how that whole thing goes. You know what I'm saying From day to day. So how does that? How does that impact you as a younger person?

Deja Williams:

It may, it makes me sad. It made me sad my mom is in rehab right now and my dad recently passed away, so I try to. I'm trying to keep that in the past, you know, like it used to, because there's hope, um. But yeah, it used to make me really sad because I feel like being um, like empathetic.

Deja Williams:

I'm really good at that and I never blamed her because I know people, you know they try their best and they work with the cards that they're dealt right and it just makes me sad that she felt like she had to, you know, go to drugs, to to feel good, to feel better and to deal with the circumstances. So, yeah, yeah, I'm very understanding.

Chuck:

Got you. That's amazing. I've been there, been down that road and dealt with that myself. And every day, getting up in the morning looking for that. You know what I'm saying yeah To handle life, so yeah. So we're praying for her, hoping that she comes out of it. Yes, and yeah, wow, you're an amazing her hoping that she comes out of it. Yes, and yeah, wow, you're an amazing person, deja. Yeah, thank you.

Chuck:

Very, very, very unique that's my little name Unique, see Very unique, very unique individual. Thank you, in this conversation, is there anything you would like like to share yourself, to share with the listening audience?

Deja Williams:

Yes, specifically for for everyone. But for people that are aspiring to, you know, be actors wherever you are, you know. If it's not a state that is, you know, catering to the, to the film industry and everything like Virginia is, I would say it doesn't matter where you are. You know, if you have a gift, if God's given you the gift to be an actor or a performer, it doesn't matter where you are. Just let God do it. You know, do what you can where you are. You know, take up space where you are, audition and do all the things where you are and eventually God will branch you out. But don't let that be the thing that stops you. You know, like your circumstances anyways, you know.

Chuck:

Wow, wow.

Deja Williams:

Do what you can, and he'll do the rest.

Chuck:

Absolutely, I agree. Do you think social media plays a big part where children are becoming depressed? You know and don't want to do things like becoming an actor or actress you know what I'm saying Pursuing their dreams or goals or whatever that they yeah Like that's a hindrance for them.

Deja Williams:

Social media, yeah, I think social media is a hindrance. Anyways, I mean, it could definitely be a good thing. I'm up there 24 7, but the yeah and like it, it really. Um, it has a lot of like comparison that's the thing.

Chuck:

That's what I'm getting you know.

Deja Williams:

You get to compare your life to other people's lives, and most of the time what you see on social media is false. So it's like you're trying to live up to a false narrative yeah you know, a thing that you can never, never do like yeah. So I think it's terrible in that aspect. I think it can be very depressing and, you know, cause people to shy away from a lot of things. Yeah, but yeah because I just I try to stay off of it wow, it's hard.

Chuck:

It's hard, but I read the other day where young children are committing suicide more, they're becoming more depressed more, and they said it has something to do with the social media, you know compare like you said, comparing their sales to what they see, and they can't do it, so they feel like they're less than they don't have what it takes yeah, yeah.

Deja Williams:

And then like even the way that it you could just scroll for hours on end locked into a device, the blue light, like the whole thing is just yep. Yes, I can definitely definitely see that.

Chuck:

Wow, wow. Well, as we close, it's a great conversation. I really appreciate you being on let's Just Talk About it podcast. If there's anybody who's aspiring to be where you are today, do you have any social media? Because one day you're going to be a person that searches for talent. You know what I mean.

Chuck:

So, yes, if there's any, you know way people can get in contact with you yes, so my instagram is dejaunique uh that's d-e-j-a dot u-n-i-q-u-e, and you can reach me on there wow, is that something you want to do one day, like you know.

Deja Williams:

Yes, so it's the time to have your own agency. Not agency, but I'm definitely into like producing and directing. I haven't had the opportunity yet, but I can definitely see that in my future the more I'm around directors and learning. Yeah, I would love to do that.

Chuck:

Wow. So what can we look for from deja williams that's coming around the corner?

Deja Williams:

well, you can look for me on bel-air on peacock. They don't have a release date yet, so just stay tuned. Season three and, uh yeah, the fentanyl awareness campaigns um, there should be billboards up soon in the area and commercials and stuff about it, so yeah.

Chuck:

Wow, that's what's up. Appreciate it. I appreciate it. Thank you so much for being a part of let's Just Talk About it Deja Williams, y'all. Thank you so much, deja.

Deja Williams:

Thank you.

Chuck:

Absolutely Wow. What an amazing conversation. Shout out to Deja for having this dialogue with me. You know Deja said so many amazing things in our conversation, like staying ready so that you won't have to get ready when opportunities come, and also being patient and enjoying the journey while you wait for those opportunities to come. But most of all, I heard her talk about her faith in God, which makes everything she does possible. So shout out to you, deja, for being such an inspiration. Again, thank you so much for tuning in to let's Just Talk About it podcast, and please check out my website. Just Google let's Just Talk About it podcast dot com and then hit that subscribe button to receive all the new episodes every Friday. You can also find me on Facebook. Just type in Chuck L-J-T-A-I, which means let's just talk about it. So, as always, until next time, don't hold it in, but let's just talk about it. Talk to you soon you.