You might recognize Ajiona Alexus from her role as Sherri Holland on Netflix’s hit 13 Reasons Why, but she’s got a lot more going on these days. Most recently she was in Tyler Perry’s Acrimony and Breaking In with Gabrielle Union, both movies with strong female leads—something that Ajiona says she’s extremely passionate about. Even more exciting, though, is her upcoming role in Light as a Feather, premiering on Hulu on October 12.
Following the insidious aftermath of a sleepover game gone wrong, the show isn’t for the faint of heart. Ajiona sat down with Her Campus to talk about her love for horror movies and all things “weird and creepy,” the importance of celebrating who you are and following your vision, and her goals for the future.
HC: Your new show on Hulu is called Light as a Feather and I have to say, the trailer is absolutely terrifying. What drew you to this project and what was it liking filming something like that?
Ajiona Alexus: I’m such a weirdo because I love weird and creepy things. But I was so excited about this show because it had five strong female lead characters of all different races that are carrying the full show.
HC: You said you like things that are creepy and weird, so assuming you’re a fan of horror movies?
AA: I’m a big fan. I’m such a weird person actually, I love diversity. I love everything from American Horror Story to Rick and Morty to Spongebob, so I’m just so happy that I’ve been able to do a different variety of projects right now in my career.
HC: Was there ever a moment where on set you were actually scared, or a scene that was terrifying for you to shoot?
AA: Yes, actually there was. The scene were we play the game Light as a Feather, we actually went to a real life graveyard. So we were filming in a real graveyard late at night doing crazy chants and spells and I was just like, “Well…this is a little weird.”
HC: Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever had any supernatural encounters?
AA: I absolutely, 100 percent, believe in ghosts. I try to keep all the bad spirits out of my life. But I definitely believe in ghosts.
HC: Back in June you did an interview with Essence magazine where you talked about your relationship with Gabrielle Union. You talked about how she taught you to create opportunities for yourself, not to limit yourself in your career and not to “wait until you’re older” to do something you want to do. Are there any goals that you’re working towards right now?
AA: I think just in general doing what I want to do and doing it at a high level—as far as doing music as well, and being able to be multi-talented and being able to do all these things is what I’m interested in right now. Breaking into the fashion world more, and just celebrating all of my real talents at such a high level.
HC: Do you have any other actors or actresses you’d love to work with?
AA: I definitely love Zoe Saldana—she’s amazing. Angelina Jolie and Rachel McAdams, I would definitely love to work with. And Cameron Diaz as well.
HC: So aside from acting, you’re also a singer. You used to post a lot of covers on YouTube and just recently you released the lyric video for your song “Baggage.” Are you working on anything new now?
AA: Yeah! I have a full project coming, it’s going to be a little of the “Baggage” style for sure. I’m so happy for people to see a full project that I’ve been working on, I think they’ll really enjoy it.
HC: Has music always been something you’ve wanted to pursue, or is it more of a new interest?
AA: No, actually I grew up around a family of musicians and singers so something we’d always do when we got together was sing—and we still do it to this day. So music has always been something very dear to my heart ever since I was young. At six years old I would try to write music, and I’ve just gotten better and grown over the years.
HC: So it must feel amazing to finally reach that goal of releasing an album.
AA: Absolutely.
HC: You said before that you really want to break into the fashion industry, can you talk a little bit about that?
AA: Yeah, for sure. I feel like, with clothes, everything you do is an expression of you. So I always feel like everyone has something different to bring into the world and different industries. That’s why I’m someone who loves to celebrate doing all of those things and everything that represents you, and doing it at a high level—because everything is art. To me, fashion is art, what I do is art and music is an art as well.
HC: In what aspect do you want to get into fashion? Do you want to design?
AA: I definitely want to get onto the business side for sure, as far as having my own line and being invested in the creative sides of things.
HC: How would you describe your personal style?
AA: I’m a very big tomboy. I grew up playing basketball so I’ve always been really rough. I’m not a “wear heels and put on this tight dress” person, I’m more into baggy pants with some zippers on it, some chains, but then a sexy top—something to balance it out. And possibly with heels. I love the tomboy/sexy/swag all in one.
HC: What advice do you have for someone that has a lot of different passions, like you?
AA: I think my best advice would be to always have a clear vision of what you want to do. When you have a clear vision of it that’s when you can execute the plan better. And not only that, but get real people around you that really support your vision and understand you, and aren’t trying to misguide you or steer you in a different direction because they don’t think [your dream] is possible. It’s always [about] being secure in who you are, your ideas and what you’ve got planned. And if someone can’t get with it, let ‘em go.
Make sure to catch the premiere of Light as a Feather on Hulu October 12!
Ready to play? ?? #LightAsAFeather is now streaming. pic.twitter.com/vpnZOjARXO
— hulu (@hulu) October 12, 2018