Chioma Umeala empowers aspiring actresses to chase their dreams

Actor Chioma Umeala in partnership with Starbucks, recently hosted an event for young women who aspire to become actors, and pursue careers in film and television. The event which was attended by aspiring actresses, some familiar faces in television, and media took place on Saturday, 9 April 2021 at Starbucks in Melrose Arch. 

With so many conversations on social media about opening up the industry, this initiative by Chioma Umeala and Starbucks South Africa was focused on empowering young women who have dreams of becoming actors with practical information on how they can maneuver into the industry.

The event opened with captivating poetry from Vaal The Poet, who delivered a dynamic poem celebrating the power of women. Guests then embarked on an informative coffee journey with Baristas Lebo and Cynthia from Starbucks Melrose Arch who walked them through the history of Starbucks and coffee, before treating them to a unique coffee pairing, and delicious tall beverages in the signature Starbucks cup with each guests’ name on it.

Chioma Umeala then went on to share her journey to becoming an actress and tips on how aspiring actresses can also kick start their careers in film and television, and how they can improve their skills in order to better improve their chances of being considered for roles.

Attendees then had the opportunity to ask questions. One lady asked Chioma what her experience in the industry has been like and her response was, “when it comes to this industry you will receive more no’s than yes’s so you need to always hold your opinion of yourself above everyone else’s. That self-worth and positive attitude will carry you to your best self. Sometimes the no is not even about you. You would have done the best you could in an audition but the character you auditioned for wasn’t the best fit for you. But if you did your best, the casting director will remember you for future roles.”

During the event the likes of Tendai Chitima, an award-winning actor from Netflix’s Cook Off film also shared her advice to the young aspiring women, adding that “It’s all about what value do you, as a person, want to put out to the world. You have your passions, gifts, and talents then packaging it in a way that aligns with what you value.”

The event was also attended by Chioma Umeala’s mother Elsie who also shared on how it is not always easy to support your child when they aspire to pursue careers in film and television because you want to protect them from all the disappointments that come with it, but once you see that it is their passion, you have to be there for them and support them all the way. Some of the aspiring actresses attended the event with their parents, so this then led to a conversation on how parents can support their children and help them to future-proof their talent and earning potential in an ever-changing industry.

About Chioma Umeala

Having stolen the hearts of many as Ayo on BET Africa’s Isono, Chioma Umeala is an actress and aspiring filmmaker, and producer who through her talents and work ethic, is working her way up to becoming a household name in the international film industry. 

Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chioma Umeala is South African-Nigerian, which has allowed her to bring a unique look and a fresh, intercontinental perspective to the industry. She began acting in her high school years and has since gone on to pursue a career in the film industry, featuring in multiple projects.  

“I’ve always been a creative. When I was in primary school I was always involved in events and programs, and I see acting as an extension of that. I enjoy exploring different characters, playing different people, and being able to step into different realities. But most importantly, what drives my passion for acting is storytelling,” she said.

Having trained at AFDA and the Indigo View Academy for Advanced Actors, Chioma made her film debut on a student film, Look Closer which was released in 2017, and her stage debut at Joburg Theatre with the production Scenes in 2018. She has also been in national & continental commercial campaigns for big brands such as MTC Namibia and Dark and Lovely. Chioma has also appeared on three episodes of the American produced discussion show, The Grapevine, and played a supporting role in the to-be-released film, The First Last Tour. She has also appeared in various music videos, including South African Rapper & Hit-maker AKA’s Caiphus Song music video. 

Moreover, Chioma has also had behind the scene experience having worked as an assistant to the Executive Producer on the hit show Real Housewives of Johannesburg (RHOJ). She has also worked on corporate productions under Megan Wilsons’ company, 360 Degrees. 

Chioma has been trained by notable industry professionals like Accent Coach and actress Louise Saint-Claire, Casting Director Christa Schamberger, Fiona Ramsey, Sylvaine Strike, Craig Morris, James Carnes and many more. 

Aside from acting, Chioma is a humanitarian at heart, passionate about social issues affecting women, children and people of colour. She also plays the piano, guitar, as well as percussion instruments. Chioma is also skilled in dance, martial arts and gymnastics.

Chioma Umeala currently lights up our screens every Monday to Thursday on BET Africa as she plays the character of Ayo on Isono. Ayo is a rebel who constantly challenges her parents, especially when it comes to father’s reliance on faith to heal all ills.