Hi Ingrid. Tell us about your background. 

I was born and currently live in downtown Toronto, Canada. My parents are both Jamaican. I recently filmed a short documentary called, My Father, Winston. I'm proud of both my parents.

Who influenced you as an actor growing up?

I grew up watching Tonya Lee Williams play the role of Dr. Olivia Barber on the popular soap, The Young & the Restless.  She began her career as a fashion model like I did. I always saw myself in her.

Kim Roberts is a multi-talented actress who was also born and raised in Toronto. Kim's career in both film and television is unmatched. She's a diva in the best sense of the word and I'm always inspired by her. 

Multi award-winning actor, Yanna McIntosh played the role of my sister on a television show I was on called, Train 48 . It was an honour and a privilege to work with her.  I see myself in these talented actors and it helps to know that we're all born to Jamaican parents. I'd like to think that I'm cut from the same cloth.

Special mention to Karlene Nation, Andrea Chase, Nathan Downer (all CTV News anchors) and Dwight Drummond (CBC News anchor). Seeing these smart and charming personalities (all born to Jamaican parents) deliver the news every night into Canadian households normalized the representation of faces like mine on television.  

Why did you become an acting coach?

Coaching is sustainable work for me plus it suits my lifestyle. Besides, I get to be the coach that I needed when I was starting out in the entertainment business. I see actors I work with everywhere on stage, in films and on television and it's gratifying to know that I helped them to accomplish that. It's how I can best give back. I also work with a charity facilitating community talent showcases for folks who want to perform for an audience and shine in the spotlight. 

What are you reading right now?

John. C. Maxwell’s Developing the Leaders Around You and Robert Greene's The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy and Human Nature. 

What have you binge watched?

I love the smart humour of Hacks, the wit and style of The Morning Show, the pomp and ceremony of The Crown and the grit and power of The Godfather of Harlem.  I like fast pace and precise accuracy of The Pitt too . Educational and emotional entertainment is my favourite kind.

What would you like to do that you haven't accomplished yet?

I'd like to showcase my singing voice. I'm actually quite good! I love to belly dance too. I see a stage performance in my future. We'll see.

What are some words of advice you would give to any actor?

Define your success and have a plan for your career. Plans change but the feelings of success, satisfaction and fulfillment is the same no matter where you go or what you make of your life.

Enjoy yourself along the way. 

Finally, do you have any tips for new actors starting out?

Yes, I have ten:

1. Exercise. Stretch and strengthen your body EVERY DAY.

2. Eat properly. Eat foods that are right for your body. A healthy body is a beautiful one. 

3. Act. Don't wait for roles to come to you. Take classes, develop your craft and film yourself.

4. Study. Learn about the lives and careers of your favourite actors. Watch their work!

5. Say yes to life. Try different experiences. Learn a variety of skills. Be present.

6. Let life affect you. Explore your emotions in a healthy way. You'll need to access them at will.

7. Cultivate empathy. Villains have stories too. 

8. Be in good company. Surround yourself with people who are focused and growing in their life.

9. Remember this formula: SUCCESS = FOCUS + DISCIPLINE + PERSEVERANCE

10. Read this list again.