Get to know a Star on the Rise, Kiara Iman!

Please tell us about Kiara Iman and how you got into acting? 

I am an actress, singer, and content creator with a passion for innovative storytelling and community building. 

I started acting around the age of 8. I was always so intrigued by family-friendly sitcoms, teen dramas, and singing competitions. I often wished that one day I could be on one. As a result, I researched summer camps to participate in. I also was involved in artist development programs and local theatre. 

Where are you from and educational training/background? 

I am originally from Elyria, Ohio. At the age of 14, I was accepted into a performing arts school in Augusta, GA. It allowed me to take my craft further. 

During my time at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, I had the opportunity to travel and compete in one-act play competitions where I was blessed to win several awards locally and regionally. I also had the opportunity to train at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. 

Experiences, as such, encouraged me to continue my studies of acting in college. I studied theatre at Kennesaw State University for a year and a half before transferring to Augusta University to complete my bachelor’s in communication. 

In college, I received a wide scope of entertainment knowledge through my internship with Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company as well as AMC Networks ALLBLK. I grew tremendously in production coordination and program/script development. 

What are some of the things you love about being an actress? 

I love how acting allows me to grow in empathy and understanding as I explore characters from all types of backgrounds. Learning how to be someone I’m not is a great self discovery process and a valuable experience to see life outside of my own biases. 

I also love that acting gives me the room to authentically express myself. I love how childlike I get to be as acting is a craft about “playing” in a sense. Like, playfully creating imaginable worlds and people [or characters] that could exist in these spaces. It’s fun, and something I’ve done since I was a kid playing “house”, “doctor”, etc. It’s such a joy to know that I get to do this professionally now. 

How has the journey been for you so far? 

The journey has not been easy, but it definitely has been worth it. I know for a fact that my journey is a divine one. Even when I tried to give up on acting it still found its way back to me.

Even when I questioned my gifts and talent, I still had doors opened to use them. Acting is simply a part of my purpose. I cannot deny it, even if I tried. 

I recently shared some YouTube videos detailing my two year waiting period before booking my first movie. I would love it if you all checked them out as I think visually they capture my story very well. You’ll be able to get more inside scoop on what it’s truly been like. 

What is something you wish had known before going into? 

You can never know too much about the business aspect of acting. Some things just come with “on-the-job training”. In the industry, you have to be just as business savvy as you are artistic. I wish I would have known more people who knew more about the business side before I started. However, I’ve been extremely blessed to retrieve a lot of help along the way. I believe you learn 

lessons when you’re supposed to. Sometimes, you just won’t know things until it’s time for you to know. 

As an actress what do you want to be known for? 

I want to be known for using my gifts to uplift and inspire. When people see my work or learn more about my story, I pray the dreamer within them is ignited. I also pray their personal purposes are activated. 

I want to be known for my character just as much as my talent. People don’t always remember what you do but they do remember how you make them feel. I want to leave a long lasting impression of love and light in the entertainment industry while creating jaw-dropping art. 

Tell me about Praise This? (Give us the details on your role in the movie and what we can expect) 

Praise This is a Will Packer Productions and Universal Pictures movie that will be released in 2023 on Peacock. The film is a comedy about youth choirs in a music competition. My character, Jackie, is a member of the main praise team. I can’t wait to share more details closer to time of release. 

Be prepared to laugh your face off while being encouraged and uplifted. 

I definitely had a great time singing and challenging myself to dance. Also, I enjoyed acting alongside such an incredible group of castmates. Everyone is extremely talented. As a newcomer, I felt very supported. 

What’s next for Kiara Iman? 

We recently wrapped the movie, so in my time of transition I’ve been really focused on training and prepping. I am working toward writing new music while auditioning for new roles.

I’m really hoping to be casted as a series regular in a TV show. Having Praise This as my first breakout project set the bar high. I am so excited to see what is next on my journey. If anything, this opportunity proved to me that my dreams really are obtainable. 

What is a mantra you live by? 

1. “What God has for you is for you.” My steps are ordered and so are yours. Don’t stop believing that God can do extraordinary things in your life and that he has great plans for you. I am living proof. 

2. My dad used to tell me all the time, “Preparation + Opportunity = Success”. Be intentional about where you want to be in life and make strategic steps everyday toward it. Most of our days are a by-product of the choices that we made time before. Choose wisely. 

Tell us something interesting about yourself that those who know you might not know? When I’m really comfortable, I am extremely silly and spontaneous. So, whatever comes out at that moment is the interesting part. I receive responses like, “Omg, I did not know you were like that!” or “Wow, you’re in rare form!” I even surprise myself at times! Let’s just say, y’all the goofiness is real!