Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Sunflower.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a child who always enjoyed the performing arts, films, television, etc. My father was a Sound Engineer who worked at the James L. Knight Center in Downtown, Miami for over 25 years. Over the time I had with him before he passed in 2017 I saw 100s of performances from musicians, to live plays, comedians, etc. I knew very early that this was what I wanted to do.
I began performing in talent shows, joined my church choir, and eventually joined several creative groups once I entered high school. High school gave me the chance to really put this career into perspective. I was in drama, musical theatre, choir, show choir, and stagecraft, and still worked on projects outside of that realm pertaining to equality and leadership.
In my senior year (2013) I was awarded the Communication of Arts Award by the City of Pembroke Pines. That moment proved to me that I was on the right path to entering adulthood. I immediately began working professionally in local theatres in Pembroke Pines, Miami-Dade, and Fort Lauderdale. Acting has always been my heart spot.
The ability to tell a story and captivate the audience by portraying someone else has always been a rewarding process. I received my AA degree from Broward College before moving to SW FL. With the move, I began to explore the field much more. I became traveling to now my new home Tampa to attend acting classes at Inkwell Centre, work on film projects, and join forces with the collective of artists in this area.
Time travel to my life now as a full-time actress, director, teaching artist, crew member, published model, and brand ambassador I can say that I am blessed. “Ivy Sunflower” my stage name came from a game of improv with my partner, which is also my favorite artistry to teach. Ivy Sunflower was the manifestation of the person I wanted to become. The future me. She was a character that embodied everything I wanted to become. So I became her. Ivy Sunflower means happiness/ positivity and longevity. Positivity to others and myself and the longevity to continue the work even once I’m gone.
This year alone I was awarded the L.I.F.E Award (Ladies in Film and Entertainment) at the Sunshine City Film Festival, Best Actress Honorable Mention at the Black Art & Film Festival, and most recently the Teaching Artist of the Month through American Stage Theatre Company, who I have been honored to not only teach with but perform with this theatre company as well. I don’t plan on stopping. I am in love with this craft and every aspect of it.
My goal is to open my own black box theatre for the community that will create a safe hub for the performing arts and all of their expressions. I not only do this because I enjoy it so much but also to prove to others like me that this dream is possible! It may sound crazy, you may be told from every direction that you won’t make it but the only opinion that matters is your own. If you work hard enough and truly believe in yourself, you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that life will have in store for you.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to get to where I am has definitely not been an easy one. But neither is this profession. That’s why it’s always looked at as a dream. Each and every day my mindset is focused on auditions, rehearsing, networking, learning, etc. I DO NOT STOP. I have changed my entire life and my comfort to go after this dream.
Along the way I was told that this won’t happen for me, that I wasn’t talented enough, willing to work hard enough, not skinny enough, not the right “look”, and so much more. But I NEVER let that stop me or cloud my judgment over myself and my goals. I became MORE motivated! I researched, emailed, got agents, made my reels and resumes, got headshots done, joined classes, and filled my life with all things creative to where my path saw nothing else.
I spent 4-5 hours a day sending emails, auditioning, and researching this craft. My dedication has kept my spirits high in a world where others would rather see me fail.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Queen of many hats. I am a film/ tv, commercial, theatre, and voice actress. Recently I starred in the featured film “What Tha Hell” that is now streaming on Tubi, was a lead in the Award-Winning short film “The Decision”, a supporting actress in the Award-Winning feature film “I Need I Want”, and have also been featured background in the last 5 Lifetime movies shot in this area.
I also was last seen on stage earlier this year at American Stage Theatre Company in “School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play ” and at Florida Studio Theatre in ”Baton”. I also just completed the audiobook “Plain Jane V1 ” by Tamika Newhouse and played 6 voice-over characters in Terminal 52 Film’s audio series “Ravenwood Chronicles”.
I am also a director, assistant director, crew member, and teaching artist.
What I noticed immediately is that I enjoyed telling a story and being a part of the overall process. I enjoy directing in particular because I am able to artistically see the story through my lens and portray that. Directing came from me offering a few suggestions on a collaborative set and then being given an opportunity.
I recently directed a short play for the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival titled “Money Matters” by Outcast Theatre Collective and also just participated in the 24-hr Radio Play Festival by The Garden of Voices where I had to cast, rehearse, and direct a play in less than 24hrs! Being a crew member came from my wanting to learn as much as possible for a couple of reasons. One, to always have a job, and two, to have more of an appreciation for the work that goes into each role on set.
I have experience as a P. A (production assistant), casting director, locations manager, AC (assistant camera), and props master. However, being a teaching artist has to be the most fulfilling part of what I do creatively. Taking someone who may start on a clean slate or who may just need to spruce up a skill they already have and being able to help that individual towards bettering themselves in this craft brings this level of positive energy to me that is almost hard to explain but amazing to feel.
Teaching the youth especially, I can see the talent of tomorrow and be a part of their journey. I teach all ages in improv, on-camera acting for tv and commercial, playwriting, scene study, and even self-tape help for our new audition process system. I was acknowledged as July’s “Teaching Artist of the Month” by the American Stage Theatre Company.
I am most known for my ability to give my all to everything I am a part of. I am most proud of my accomplishments both for my career and for the community. I am proud that I have stayed true to myself, my goals, morals, and values. I am proud of myself for not letting criticism and negativity block my vision.
What sets me apart is the fact that I am very versatile. I am a helpful member of any creative team. Also, I tend to take on projects with a message, a story that may rile up the right traction to make a difference in some aspect. I’m gonna change the world one project or vision at a time.
What’s next?
I will become a household name. A name that’s thought of for artistry and philanthropy. I plan to open a black box theatre. There will be classes for all ages, live performances, showcases, etc. I’m manifesting the goal of landing a hit TV series that will go on for several seasons and be able to star in productions with role models of mine like Viola Davis and Denzell Washington.
Big changes can come from any of those things but I plan to make sure the community is always involved in my success. Whether that’s having the ability to have students who may not be able to afford classes be funded or starting an organization to bring the performing arts back into our schools and communities. My future looks very creative but on a broader scale. I want to inspire others to aspire to be anything they desire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/IvySunflower
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_IvySunflower
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stephanie.IvySunflower
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/_InspireDream
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnNRmItkvmaCrX-R8D1YPvNmR91j1zbiH
- Other: https://imdb.me/IvySunflower or https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11465142
Image Credits
Tyson of TyleyPhotography, Marcus Thompson, and Larissa Photography
