Meet Andromeda Jones | Laugh Inducer & Beauty Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andromeda Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andromeda, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

I chose a creative career because I love to share my joy with others. Creating art is soothing for me, but the most important aspect is the joy my art and creativity provides others. I have been told for a very long time that I needed to get into some form of comedy. I’ve always loved how people respond to my thoughts. I’m never intentionally funny. In fact, often times I’m wondering why people are laughing at what I say.

I love telling stories. Stories about my life. Stories about my joy. Stories about my pain. It all created who I am today. It all created the love I have found for life. It all created the laughs I am able to share today.

I got into acting at a young age and I have been blessed to appear in several films, a couple of commercials and countless stage plays. I’ve even been blessed to work with several celebrities and I made my directorial debut directing the late Tommy Ford (R.I.P) for a scene in a short film.

Being a creative allows me to put out a product, via my imagination, and for others to go along the journey with me. I even crossed my humor over into my t-shirt brand, Gumbheaux. It’s a line of shirts with catchy phrases that make me laugh and sometimes shock others. They are all talking points.

Covid has taken away the joy many of us once had because it caused us to isolate. Laughter brings us together. There is nothing like a group of people making the ultimate sound of joy…..laughter. I’ll even take a giggle. I like to think of a giggle as an intro to a full grown laugh.

By profession, I am a hairstylist….Yet another creative outlet, that serves others, more than myself. I get to enhance the beauty of women and create a style on the outside, that brings out the beauty they have on the inside. The conversations I have with my clients always brighten my day. Being able to transform them from the time they sit down and the time they leave is a feeling I can’t explain. They know when they sit in my chair they are going to get more than they pay for. A good time and a great look, with a few laughs sprinkled in, for a little razzle dazzle.

Creativity is where I thrive. It’s where I live……It’s where I find love. A creative/artistic life is a life of freedom. Who wouldn’t want to be free?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art and favorite outlet is comedy. I’m new to the professional aspect of the game, but I’ve been making people laugh for years. I’m excited about how far this can take me. Not for the money, though I love that part of it too, but for the joy and the opportunity to see faces all over the world, laughing with me.

My favorite job is being a hairstylist. I’ve been blessed to get my hands on the tresses of some dope celebrities and to work on stage plays and films. I have to thank Vernon “Snoop” Robinson for opening those doors for me. He always mentions my name when he is in the room. We all need friends like that. If there is a celebrity in town and he can put them in my chair or have me on set as the lead of hair and makeup, he will.

Being a creative isn’t easy. Your livelihood depends on how others feel about YOU and your product. There is no guarantee. You have to sell yourself and also make sure you don’t sell yourself short. There are no instructions. There are people who can be used as guides, but your product and what you are selling is a reflection of you. The key is making sure you enjoy YOU. Make sure you love YOU. When you have joy and love yourself and its genuine, people know. It shows up in your work.

If there is anything I want the world to know about my story, is that I lived it. It took me a while to appreciate it, because some of it isn’t pretty, but its my story. It’s authentic. It’s sad. It’s ugly, at times, but its real. I wouldn’t change it. I’m still adding to my story. I’m still adding characters. I’m still living and I’m still laughing. I’m evolving. I’m getting better. I’m selling me and whether you buy “me” or not, I’m still out here. There is no one size fits all, but somehow, it all fits.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend came to visit, my first spot would be Deep Ellum. It’s a whole vibe and literally everything and every type of person is there. The variety of restaurants and businesses is the best in all of Dallas. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Deep Ellum. A close second is the Bishop Arts district……For desert though, I’m taking you to Absolutely Edible Cakes and Catering. That “Sweet Potato thang” will make your toes curl. Hold me Holy Ghost!!!!

And of course we have to hit the inproImprov for some laughs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to give a shoutout to a few people, when it comes to my creativity. First, my Mom. She had to put up with my need to be “free” more than anyone. From ballet, to tap, to jazz, to violin lessons, to dance teams, to sports, to acting and whatever else I wanted to do, she made sure I was able to participate. She always found a way. Then to my friends who have always shown up and been at my shows. My push into comedy came from my friend, who is now my Angel, Cortosha Scott. She came to my very first show and I lost her a few months later to cancer. She has told me for years that comedy is my calling and said she would be at my first show and she was right there. She even brought her Mom. I know she is smiling as I continue my journey.

I have to thank God for my kids. They keep me grounded and they are always watching. Always inspiring me to make them proud. Being a Mom is hard, at times, but the love your kids give you is life changing and mood altering. They encourage me with every hug.

I would also like to thank my Mentor, comedian D’Lai. He is always a phone call away for punch ups, rewrites, sharing his platform or just being my listening ear. His career is thriving, but he always finds a way to include me and build me. His mentorship is invaluable, but even more valuable is his friendship. He’s my favorite Virgo.

Honorable mention to Ronnie Jordan and Reemo Rod for sharing their platforms and stage time. Also, to Sommore, whom I’ve never met, but I have loved as a comedian since I was in middle school. Seeing a Beautiful Black Woman, with style, class and charisma be funny and witty and cuss like a sailor has always been comedy goals for me. Her longevity is insane. I can’t wait for the opportunity to meet her.

Lucy Craft Laney High school…..Thank you. I was a little different in high school. I came from a performing arts school to an all black public school. I wanted to be there because of the history. My parents went there. My siblings went there. History was made there. History IS there. I wanted to be a part of that history. My teachers at my high school encouraged my different. Lori Myles, one of my teachers, included me in every single stage play, school program, school trip, talent show and anything else that showcased my gifts. She always made sure I knew I was talented and that my talent mattered.

As far as hair styling, shout out to my forever stylist, Monic Davis. She styled my hair from 9th grade, into my 30’s. When I moved out of state, I still traveled to her to get my hair done. She has always been the ultimate professional. Always on time and cared about the health of my hair. She taught me, without knowing, all about the business of hair and how to treat people that are paying you for a service.

An all around thanks to TaKiyah Wallace. She is the founder of Brown Girls Do Ballet, but even more, she is my best friend. She is who I admire most in life. She hustles hard. Her heart and love for others (as much as she doesn’t want to admit it. LOL) is admirable. She makes me proud and she makes me want more. She also is a shining example that you can have more. She is Black history in action and I love to see it. She cheers me on, even when its for foolishess. LOL

Website: www.gumbheaux.com

Instagram: @1actdrama

Twitter: @gumbheaux

Facebook: @gumbheaux

Youtube: Gumbheaux Podcast

Image Credits
Professional photos by Some Sweet Photography