Meet Yvonne Williams | Actress/ Model/ Film & TV Set Designer

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

Hi Yvonne, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I was always told, “If you don’t jump, you can’t soar.” Life is always about taking risks, and when assuring a successful career everyone must take wise risks, effective risks and sometimes risks that are blind. I have taken various risks in my career and am nowhere near done. With acting, one thing I have learned is to audition, audition, audition! You never know what exactly they are looking for until they see what talents you bring to the table. I don’t have it all figured out but I can say that I have seen great things happen from taking a chance that isn’t always guaranteed. This past year was my first time sending in my work to be considered for a 2021 Daytime Emmy and to my surprise Dallas’ very own #Washed Original Series was nominated for an Emmy under my direction of set design!!! I did the work, paid my dues and it landed me up against popular Netflix and Hulu shows. An honor that couldn’t have come about if I didn’t take the risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an actress, model, film/tv set designer, all while teaching 7th grade reading. Some have called me a chameleon because I can wear many hats and not only blend in but succeed in executing any task/ project thrown my way. I have modeled since I was a young girl (maybe on and off 15+ years), but I fell in love with acting back in 2014. I met a director randomly at Office Depot of all places, and he told me about an open casting call for a local film. I went, not having acted a day in my life, and booked it! I was thrilled, but that wasn’t the limit to my excitement. Being in front of the camera, and having words come to life on screen is such a rewarding feeling. At that point I knew there was no turning back. I realized back in 2019 that I wanted to discover life behind the camera as well. #Washed TV Series has allowed me to show off my eye for design by booking me for Set Designer, Creative Direction for Season 2. I’m constantly looking for opportunities, constantly practicing/ perfecting my craft in hopes to grow even more and contribute to sharing monumental messages to not only Dallas but to the world. Challenges are inevitable, but I always strive to find a way rather than an excuse. This is certainly only the beginning of what I plan to do. Dallas, ready or not, here I come. Watch me work!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re ever in town, there is so much you can do depending on what you are in the mood for. My family has Louisiana roots, so I’m always down for Shells & Tails 2 Geaux, a Cajun Seafood truck . I’m also a sucker for good Mexican food, so I’d recommend going to Beto & Son in Trinity Groves. Need a late night pick me up after hitting the night life in Deep Ellum? You should definitely hit up Oni Ramen on Elm St. Nothing like a good bowl of noodles to ease the soul. Don’t forget to support a local black business by grabbing a latte at Soiree Coffee Bar in Trinity Groves.

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?
To God be the glory. I truly believe that the success that comes my way is ordered by God. I strive each day to make sure I give praise through my setbacks and my triumphs. I’m also incredibly grateful to my family for their unwavering support. I want to give a huge shout out to them because I have always had a lot of dreams, but they know that if I put my mind to it I’ll make it happen and have had my back every bit of the way.

Instagram: @yessvonnwill

Facebook: Yvonne Williams

Image Credits
Kory Williams photography