Hollywood’s Newest IT Girl, Iyana Halley

Iyana Halley is making her way to becoming Hollywood’s newest IT Girl. With movies under her belt like one of the most loved dramas True to The Game as Bria, Nineteen Summers as Porsha, an appearance in The Hate U Give and starring as one of the main characters in the new action movie, Beast, released in August of 2022. Iyana plays Meredith Samuels, the oldest daughter of Dr Nate Samuels (Idris Elba), whose fearlessness and tenacity are tested by the wildlife of South Africa. 

It is her charismatic personality, dedication to the craft, star power, and on air presence that makes her the IT Girl in this tough and competitive industry. She is letting the world know that she’s in this game to win. As long as the ball is in her court, she’s going to continue to play. 

Moving to L.A is believed to be one of the best routes for those chasing dreams bigger than themselves. It’s because the opportunities are unlimited and the city is a hotspot for actors, actresses, producers, directors, designers, models etc. L.A is an entire community of success of its own. 

“I feel like L.A is the hub for actors, in my opinion. I felt like it was the best move I could have made professionally. Even when I first came out here it was a little slow but it started picking up, and 99% of my acting jobs have been here in L.A. So I think moving here was a pretty solid move.”

As exciting as the Land of Milk and Honey is, and the plethora of experiences it offers for your career, there are a lot of stars and influencers residing there. But Iyana has scored her way to working with household-named actors and actresses such as Vivica A. Fox, Columbus Short, Megan Good, Lance Gross, Starletta DuPois, Bre-Z, Rotimi and more.   Well, as the greats say you are who you hang with, and being the It girl was recently added on to her resume. “OH my God! It’s super, super, super exciting. Everything just feels amazing. I’m still new and certain things make me nervous. But it’s a good nervous.” Iyana expresses the high life of her career. 

Iyana shares some of the things she wished she had learned before she made her way to Hollywood to help her further success in her career. 

“A lot of people like to use you, and sometimes because I’m so sweet and friendly people have tried to take advantage of me. So today, I’m asking questions like okay, are you trying to be my friend? Or are you trying to gain something that you shouldn’t be trying to gain? You always have to remain humble. I see people coming up and I’m like okay, they’re doing too much. Just seeing that from other people reminds me to be humble, solid and to be yourself.”

If you were to meet yourself, how would you describe Iyana? 

If I was to meet Iyana, I would describe HER as someone who is very, very focused and motivated. Very driven and talented, of course. Also, just very creative. Even when she’s not acting she does something that keeps her creativity flowing. Whether that’s sewing, making shea butter or whatever the case may be. 

How do you take care of your mental health now that you have so much going on? How do you stay tranquil within?

I try to meditate every night, and I mean try because sometimes I get a little busy. So, at least ten minutes to just zone out from the world. I’m very spiritual as well. So, I thank God every day for the blessings. In this industry, everything doesn’t go your way and that can take a toll on your mind. So, I thank God every day for what I do have. Understanding that everything is God’s timing and in God’s plan, and at the end of the night realise that everything will be okay. So, I have to meditate. 

Your role in the newest action movie “Beast” is very active, very intense. Even though the lion wasn’t real, did you ever become afraid of a potential lion that was chasing you? 

Girl, I was really scared. Let me tell you! South Africa is really like Africa. As I’m running, I’m like, oh my gosh what if I fall and hurt myself? Also there are wild animals out there. I was nervous. But it worked for the character too because she’s scared and she’s gone through a lot. So, a lot of the real emotions would translate on camera. I was like the lions are just going to have to eat me because I was really scared!  The character Mer is so fearless, that nothing can stop her. But Iyana is the total opposite. That was the funny part about it too. 

Digital Cover Shoot Credit

Photographer @curtisjmoore
MUA @kimpaigemua
Stylist @toshastyledit
Assisting Stylist @phill.up_
Hair @iiiam.lace

Blue Dress
Dress: RC Caylan Atelier
Jewelry: The Gabrielle New York
Shoes: Twelve AM

Yellow Dress
Dress: Bani Pasricha
Earrings: Anna Zuckerman luxury
Rings: The Gabrielle New York
Shoes: (not shown at all)

Orange Two Piece
Two piece: Harbison
Necklace: Pave the way Jewelry
Rings: Adore Adorn & The Gabrielle New York
Shoes: Jessica Rich