Pope John Paul II once said, “Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.” When it comes to someone developing their talent, Tamala Baldwin is the perfect person that comes to mind. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Tamala is a singer, actress, writer, producer, and director. Her resume includes Curvy Girls Rock, Amazon Prime’s Asunder, and Bubbly Brown Sugar, a web series she writes, directs, and stars in.
Check out our interview with Tamala Baldwin where she discusses what viewers can expect from Bubbly Brown Sugar, what her dream project is, and much more below.
1-When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?
I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts when I was a child. Writing my own episodes to The Cosby Show in a 5-subject notebook was one way that I spent my free time. I loved writing and everything that had to deal with the arts. My mom nurtured my passion and I began training at a young age. It was always going to be a career in the arts or a doctor. Before I entered junior high, I knew it was going to be the arts – one way or another.
2-What artist are you most inspired by?
I really admire artists like Queen Latifah who consistently break barriers and innovate at every stage of their career. The Queen has touched every area of the entertainment industry and that is something I aspire for myself. She has packaged all of her God-given talents and used them to create a wonderful life. It’s a dream.
3-Out of all the projects you’ve been in, which are you most proud of?
I am so grateful to every single soul that has said yes and given me an opportunity to do what I love. Be that as it may, I am most proud of Bubbly Brown Sugar. I wrote something and even though I didn’t know how it was all going to come together, I moved forward in faith and now it is done. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I am so pleased with how I used what God gave me to create something so wonderful. It feels so good to my spirit and I can’t stop speaking about it. It brings me joy and my hope is that others feel the same way once they experience Bubbly.
4-How did you come up with the concept for Bubbly Brown Sugar?
After my mom passed, I felt incredibly lost and as if the world was not as bright. I prayed for months for purpose, direction and excitement because nothing really seemed to matter anymore. Then one day, while driving to work, the entire story downloaded into my brain from beginning to end. I wrote the story in 11 days and if I didn’t have to work that week, I’m sure I would have finished it sooner – all of the pieces were given and I just had to put it on paper. It was so exciting. It gave me such new life and I’ve been running with it ever since. I also believe the idea was able to download because I wanted to write about something I knew – soulmates, twin flames and the Law of Attraction are concepts I live and breathe.
5-Are there any similarities between you and your character, Jewel?
There are definite similarities between me and Jewel. We are both in love with God and how to use energy or Spiritual Law to attract the things we want in life. We are both entrepreneurs, caregivers and love getting hot oil massages from beautiful men.
6-What can viewers expect from Bubbly Brown Sugar?
Bubbly Brown Sugar is a story where beautiful black and brown people get to live their happily ever after, so they can expect to feel good most of the time. We live in a world of such flux and chaos, Bubbly Brown Sugar has so many moments of lightness. Yet even in the midst of all the lightness Bubbly Brown Sugar brings to the table, it deals with forgiveness, heartache, domestic violence and the family dynamics that arise when children become the caregivers.
7-On top of acting and creating, you’ve also dropped some music in the past. Are there any plans to release more music in the near future?
Yes! I love to sing and write music. The goal is to release a bunch of original songs to be a part of the Bubbly Brown Sugar soundtrack. We have already created three songs and hopefully we can complete at least three more for the show!
8-What is your dream project/role?
This is such an amazing question that I’ve never really thought about before. I would LOVE to play a magical character like Maleficent or something to that effect. SYFY is one of my favorite genres and it would be incredibly awesome to play a mythical character that has supernatural powers.
9-What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue an acting and/or singing career?
I remember when I was nonunion and arrived to an Equity audition at 7AM. There were tons of other actors that at the butt crack of dawn and I felt so frustrated. I remember venting to a fellow nonunion theater buddy of mine and she said something to the effect of, “you snooze you lose” or “the early bird gets the worm.” It stung to hear her say that to me – I mean, I was there at 7AM, so what was she trying to say? She was there at 5AM. She was always there at 5AM. What I am trying to say is that, if you want to pursue acting, singing or any artistic endeavor, especially if you are pursuing this as a second career, if it requires extreme discipline and motivation. There is no time for sleeping in. If other people arrive at 7AM to an open call, you should be there at 5AM until you are able to have a luxury of coming in later in the day. You have to sacrifice and work hard, all while maintaining a sense of faith. When you do not book a gig or when you are not seeing the results you desire, you must still continue with the same high energy, and belief, which is not easy. Audition, audition, audition and practice, practice, practice. Also, while you are waiting for your next gig, create your own opportunity. Someone else once told me, “while you wait, create.”
10-What is NEXT for Tamala Baldwin?
I look forward to producing more of my original work, helping others breathe life into their work and continue to open my heart to more love, happiness and abundance.
VISIT Tamala Baldwin’s official website and VISIT the Bubbly Brown Sugar official website.
Photo Credit: TamalaBaldwin.com
