Ayesha Harris | Advocate Now

Harris also recently made her feature film debut with Tell It Like a Woman, which tells the stories of seven different women around the world and is directed by seven female directors. Harris worked with Jennifer Hudson and Taraji P. Henson on the project, which she says was "such a valuable experience."

"The way that Jennifer can just drop in and tap in, I was just in awe," she explains. "Sometimes when I'm not in the scene, [I'm] just taking notes and watching Taraji, how she moves, how she commands her respect, and her vision is laser focused."

Harris says the biggest takeaway she's gotten from both women: "Stay in the moment."

Though she's an actor now, Harris formerly ran a successful barbershop in California prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. She shares that she created the business to provide an inclusive space for women and LGBTQ+ people.

"I really realized that the gay community was really marginalized... I felt like it was time to create a safe space for my community," she says. "So, I branched out from the barbershop that I started at and opened up an all-female run barbershop in West Hollywood catering to the gay community. And it was just a beautiful experience."

Though pursuing dreams may seem daunting at times, Harris encourages everyone to take their shot, as you never know where it may lead.

"I feel that we have convinced ourselves that we don't have enough time for the things that we love," she says. "And I know for a fact that there is plenty of time in the day if you put some time aside for yourself, which is really the only thing that matters... to do the things that you love, and it will pay dividends."

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