Today, we’d like to introduce you to Anissa Ocansey.
Hi Anissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
As I reflect on the volumes lived of my life, the more my childhood makes sense. I was born to do, to embody, and to express via different forms of communication. Everything I am and becoming is due to where I’ve been. My roots have stretched from my multi-ethnic Midwestern home in Columbus, Ohio, and transferred firmly to the sandy edges of San Diego’s beaches.
On the journey, I’ve brought many relics of inspiration, understanding, and wisdom. My mother told me during her pregnancy with me, she craved spicy foods. I’ve evolved to be a lover of hellishly spicy foods imprisoned in a mild to medium sanction of So-cal (North County San Diego, to be exact).
She told me that in my infancy, I had never crawled. I was carried by loved ones and then simply began walking at nine months old. I am currently pro ‘fuck the middle man.’ I always prefer to go to the source. I began reading at two years old. I began instructing my mother to allow me to dress myself before I started Kindergarten.
By the fifth grade, my favorite grade school teacher, and overall one of the kindest and most compassionate instructors, predicted the future of having my written work in magazines. Years prior in pre-K, and through my academic journey I had experienced how racist and -ism based the education system is. How-ism-based the world is. I’ve been infused with a discernment of injustice physically and spiritually, fueling anger with divine intentions.
Eternally curious and creative, my interests have always been colorful and varied, mirroring the revolving hats I don as an adult. My “wardrobe” consists of producing, writing, acting, broadcast journalism, music, dance, and comedy. My imagination is always Met Gala ready.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to the present has been multi-terrain. Multi-genre. I would say my formative years from childhood to seventeen would be if Disney produced a psychological thriller-comedy-magical girl anime. It’s colored by moments of invisibility, being unheard and unseen. Of feeling unsafe even in my own home. Of being misunderstood and degraded, and underrepresented.
Of finding muck in places you thought had been thoroughly cleaned and still rolling up my sleeves to do the work. Of knowing better and not doing better. From nineteen to the present day, it has been dedicated to mastering lessons of effective boundaries, recovering and reviving buried gifts, and self-recognition. I’ve also downloaded abundant experiences of being acknowledged and platformed in impactful ways. Of being tested and passed. Of enjoying the comfort that is received and given.
Of being the belle of the ball (even if it ends up being a party of one) who is respected and protected. I’ve experienced being able-bodied, and I’ve needed tailored assistance. I’ve gotten all A’s and know C’s get degrees. I’ve been in solitude and in the embrace of community. The edge of the storm and its peaceful eye have both welcomed me.
Allowing myself to evolve and trade in old mods for upgrades isn’t always easy, but it leads to alignment and satisfaction. Alignment can hurt! It helps you adapt to the eras of pressure and ease. Like eyebrow threading or braces. Tender muscles after an afternoon chiropractic appointment. The duality has given me depths I’m still getting to know. Some moments give RPG, some periods give first person shooter, or a game of chess. Each arc exposes a new side of me that will be needed for the next adventure!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In true Renaissance fashion, I do many things! I shape shift between being a writer, journalist, producer, videographer, model, actress, and poet. I run a small pre-venture skincare business, and operate as a freelance creative director guiding the execution of other visions in addition to actualizing my own work.
What I’m known for depends on who you ask!
Some know me from my profile pieces in the LA Times or from poetry performances. Others know me from being an Emmy award-winning producer from North County News, a student-led program syndicated by Cox Cable in San Diego. Many people know me as their friendly neighborhood budtender at one of the most poppin’ dispensaries in SoCal. I’ve made friends from being recognized for my written work featured in Impact magazine and from being a television and radio personality. I’m most proud of my ability to ethically collaborate with others as well as independently.
Being able to apply my skillset in front of and behind the camera, communicating verbally or in print, gives me versatility and a variety of communities to extend to and connect with. Additionally, my ability to receive and integrate criticism and flexibility while remaining authentic allows me to improve and refine my creative process more. I practice improving, yet resting in satisfaction with what I’ve done thus far. That makes me stand out not only as an artist but as an energy.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising people may not know about me is that I recorded a 420-friendly song called ZAZA. I also love to cook and can surf. I’m a slut for oysters and have cried watching anime.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://midasminds.onuniverse.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anissa.ocansey?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anissa-ocansey-218591208/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@experimentnine9
- Other: https://skynphonybathandbody.univer.se/
Image Credits
Terrance Smith, Riley Mettler, Stephen Davis, Danny Kareem, and John Le’Roy
