SONIA JACKSON

Sonia Jackson (Writer / Performer) is an actor, director and playwright and Founder & CEO of Visions of Possibilities, a nonprofit that focuses on edutainment and is committed to bringing to the public projects that challenge us to live life from what’s possible and works that celebrate the human spirit.

When put in ballet classes at age seven to help straighten her legs, Sonia Jackson discovered she loved performing. That same year, she wrote, directed and performed in her first Christmas pageant. In school, it was math and dance or dance and math.

​After graduating from Chapman College in Orange, California with a BA in Sociology, Sonia entered the corporate world in Human Resources in industries like banking and aerospace. Still, the performance world beckoned so she added stand-up to her list and hit the stage as a comedienne. Once bitten by the performance bug, Sonia jumped in. She put her house up for rent to be free to pursue acting full-time. This action also spawned another opportunity: real estate investing, a career where she continues to advance.

​Having entered the entertainment industry somewhat past the age of ingénue, Sonia felt a need to introduce herself in a memorable way, so she created a one-woman project called I’m Gonna Fly. Since then, she continues to expand in her acting and performance career creating projects like Conversations ‘Bout the Girls.

Sonia Jackson switched from the corporate world to the entertainment industry for the love of performing.  Since she had no credits, Sonia jumped in doing stand-up for fun. A friend suggested she do something memorable which resulted in her first solo show, I’m Gonna Fly, a critically acclaimed play on the world’s first licensed black aviatrix, Bessie Coleman.  Sonia wrote and has been directing her ensemble play, Conversations ‘Bout the Girls. Birthed 15 years ago and consistently performed, Sonia turned it into her second solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2017. Both shows earned her NAACP Theatre Award Nominations. Mamaisms is Sonia’s third and latest solo show.

Acting credits include This Is Us, Stray, POLY, Jurassic Park 3, Speed, Grey’s Anatomy, Villain, In Response Year of the Woman and more. Sonia is a Towne Street Theatre Company Member, has studied improv in LA and Shakespeare in England.

Sonia is expanding in so many ways, she has given herself the title of Creatist.

ELYSE JEWEL

It’s hard to believe Dallas based singer-songwriter, actress, and model Elyse Jewel is only 16 as she’s already won Pop Song of the Year in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her debut single “Thinking About You” and shared the stage with legends such as Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth. Now, Elyse is back with the release of her breathtaking new pop anthem, “Arms,” out February 5th.

​Elyse was surrounded by music growing up and was introduced to the likes of Eric Clapton and musical theater by her dad and listened to Taylor Swift religiously. Inspired by Taylor, Elyse decided she wanted to be a music artist. Now, she takes inspiration from not only her childhood favorites, but Julia Micheals and Olivia O’brien. Elyse has struggled with anxiety, but music enables her to live authentically and open up. She has had the opportunity to work with Grammy nominated and Top Billboard singers, songwriters, and producers including Nash Overstreet, Shane Stevens, and Kristin Chenoweth. Elyse has performed at venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area such as The House of Blues, Lava Cantina, The Gaylord Texas, Gilley’s, and the Plano Balloon Festival.

​It’s very apparent that Elyse has a strong, personal connection with her fans and that it is important to her that she can inspire others and create a safe space through her music and platform. Despite the fact that she has performed at prestigious venues and has collaborated with award-winning songwriters and producers, Elyse still maintains, “My number one success has definitely been the way I have been able to use my voice to speak on important subjects such as equality and mental health awareness. I struggle with anxiety, but songwriting has been a great outlet for me to grow as a person and work through my emotions. It’s amazing to be able to connect with different people all around the world and be a positive example for young women and girls.”

​Elyse Jewel is truly a rare gem of an artist and a person, just as her name suggests. We can’t wait to watch her follow in the footsteps of strong female role models such as her idol Taylor Swift and continue to glisten, while using her platform for good.