A Conversation With Bryshan White
Bryshan White is a 22-year-old San Diego native who graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. His love for acting and performance started at an early age, however moving to Los Angeles gave an even deeper meaning to his artistry. Bryshan currently resides in Atlanta where he recently wrapped up production for the play, “ON THE THIRD DAY” with Vanguard Repertory Company. Brsyhan hopes that through his art (music, dance, acting) he can touch people and make his impact on this world a great one.
Recently, we chatted with Bryshan about his take on Generation Z.
What excites you about your Generation?
What is exciting about my generation is that we’ve been able to create opportunities for ourselves via the internet. The number of people I meet that not only work for themselves but have a network via social media. I appreciate the ambitious and optimistic way of thinking along with the hustle and bustle of many young entrepreneurs.
Who are some of your favorite accounts to follow on social media?
@strongblacklead, @kennyburns, @etthehiphoppreacher, @parrisgoebel, @the.root, @therealtrapkitchen, @robinthede, @nfrothwell, (she makes me LOL and she’s smart) @surfandsoulspot, @thegrapevinetv.
What is your biggest frustration you see in the marketing industry? How should marketers work to resolve that frustration?
Companies have always relied on trends for sales. My issue is when the company or brand shifts their message to appeal to the mass. Also, I hate when companies rely on only IG to market themselves. I think event hosting is just as important! I’d love to see more companies bring new & improved ways to market themselves vs what’s expected.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is seeing people of color cultivate successful businesses. Especially ones who are truly self-made and worked from the bottom or close to it. It lets me know that I can do anything I set out to do. Also, as an actor, my inspiration comes from writers like Lena Waithe because she gives hope that stories meant for people like me will continue to be told.
How has your mindset changed in the last several years?
I think I’ve realized that I’m allowed to sort of rebirth myself and that I no longer have to be who I thought I should be, or who society says I should be. All the validation I need is myself. Also, knowing that opportunities will follow you if you let them, but you have to work for them. I’m seeing that some things are simpler than I used to make them and that unless I’m going to act on my anxiety at the very moment I feel it, there’s no use in being hung up on it.
How has social media helped or hindered you in the progress of perfecting your craft?
SM is a blessing & a curse. It’s helpful for self-promotion and creating a network. However, there is the side to it that’s negative & toxic. Being in entertainment & the arts, it’s easy to get inspired just as easy as it is to be intimidated, envious of others, and create a spinning mental cycle of “why them?” Or “when is it my turn?” So taking time off IG helps me in that I’m not comparing where I am vs where others are. The truth is we’re all trying to show our best selves online.
What is your advice to kids who want to get to the position that you are in?
Love yourself, focus on what you want, don’t do what others think you should, & don’t be afraid to branch out into industries similar to what you like to do because you might be good at something unexpected.
Where do you want to be in a few years?
I want to write, produce and direct stories that are thought-provoking and change the way society sees Black and Brown bodies! If I could be remembered for one thing, it would be that I brought people from various walks of life together in the name of art.
You can follow Bryshan on Instagram.
