THE MOGUL MINUTE : FASHION AND ACTING MEET IN THE HAUS OF IYANA HALLEY ! ( INTERVIEW)

@THEMOGULGIRL

I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it
- Beyonce

  I bet you started singing the rest of the song right and dancing a little ? Yes, Formation! Recently,  I had the pleasure of interviewing actress and fashion designer Iyana Halley . The young entrepreneur and entertainer is locked in on her dream and working hard to accomplish her goals. 
  Iyana stars as Bria in the upcoming  movie "True To The Game".  The film is based on the urban fiction novel written by Teri Woods. Teri Woods is an incredible author and she's from my city of Philadelphia. I can't wait to see the movie . The feature film  also stars
Vivica. A. Fox, Columbus Short, Draya Michelle, Nafeesa Williams , Nelsan Ellis, and Erica Peeples. The "True To The Game" book trilogy takes tons of twist and turns. Visuals for the three part series have been highly anticipated since part one. A trailer for the film ran during this years BET Awards celebration. It was time for the world to get a first look at trailer . Iyana is excited about her role and her fashion design company , "Haus of Halley  (Haus is "house" in German) . So let's get into this interview with the beautiful Iyana.

1. If you could be president for a day, what holiday would you invent ?

I’d want to invent some kind of day where the hard workers can get a day to fully relax. Its so many people who work hard daily to support their families and never get to have time for themselves. I know a few. This day would be a fully compensated day without the work. Instead, they’d get to travel to a local beach or spa or whatever they want. 



2. Congratulations you're in the film "True To The Game" based off the book , how does it feel , what's your role ?

Thank you so much! I play Bria in the movie. If you’re familiar with the book, you’d know Bria was a twin. For movie purposes my twin doesn’t exist LOL! It was so fun playing Bria though. She’s pretty sassy but she’s also really smart at the same time. When I play different roles I always find our similarities and in a lot of ways, Bria is really like me. I’m excited for everyone to meet her. True to the Game is the first feature film I did and the cast is incredible. I got to do scenes with Vivica Fox, Columbus Short and Nelson Ellis who has been in the acting game for a while. Working alongside them was a great learning experience. The whole cast was amazing.


3. If you could change anything about the entertainment industry for females , what would it be and why?

Even in 2017, a lot of things aren’t equal with the women and men in the industry. If I could change something it would just be more about equality. I do see a lot more women producers, directors, etc getting the shine they deserve which is important.


4. Family is so important. What's two things have you've learned from your family that you cherish and will never forget ?

I’m very very close with my family and BOTH of my parents are very hardworking.  I’ve learned a lot about just being a hard worker from them. My dad literally talked about producing his OWN movie one day and fully did it on his own someway some how. My parents come up  with ideas and they actually fully execute it. My mom is always so supportive as well so not only do I work hard but I realize how important it is to just be a supportive person as well. They’ve taught me so much and honestly still teach me new stuff everyday. 


5. What is your all time favorite song of all time ?

My all time favorite song would have to be anything Beyonce! But as of RIGHT NOW… Wild Thoughts (DJ Khaled/Rihanna/Bryson) is bumping. I can’t get in my car without playing that song! I also love the song CREW by GoldLink! 


6. If you could've been in any movie from the past what would it be and why ?

I’ve always loved the movie the Wood. Malinda Williams did her thing as Alicia but I could definitely see myself playing that role as well! I'm actually really in love with time pieces (where the films are from the 80’s/90’s). I recently has a small scene in a Bounce TV show where I played a younger version of a character in the 90s. SO MUCH FUN! I love back in the day roles :-).


7. What are some other things besides acting that you love to do ?

I absolutely love designing! I love to go think of my own different designs in my head and go to my local fabric stores and pick the best fabrics to bring my visions to life. I’ve been designing on and off for a couple of years now. I also love shopping and I'm getting more into makeup now!


8. Social media has given thousands of opportunities to promote oneself , and inform others of their career , music , etc . How has social media impacted your life ?

Social media is so powerful and I love it. As I’ve stated, I design clothes. I have an Instagram page for my designs(@hausofhalley) and simply because of my IG , I’ve received several orders and inquiries. You truly can make so much money if you use social media in the right way.


9. A lot of young women and men need encouragement to go after their goals . What advice do you have for them ?

I really just have to say DON’T GIVE UP AND REMAIN CONSISTENT. That really sounds so cliche and I think everyone hears that all the time. But for those especially pursuing acting, I must say its HARD! You can go to a bunch of auditions and not hear anything for a while. Most people would give up and just think its not for them. With me, I remain consistent and keep training and simply remain patient. Timing is everything with any career choice and just because you may think its your time…God may have another time set for you. Relax. Train. And Keep going!

10. Is there anything else you'd want The Mogul Minute readers to know about you ?

I have a couple of projects I’ve been working on and I’m so excited for everyone to see them. I’m new and up and coming so I appreciate the support from everyone! I’m so happy to be featured on this site and I hope that I can inspire someone to keep going and to never give up. Thank you! 

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@IYANA93

 I'm so looking forward to seeing Iyana on the big screen and stay updated on her fashion designs. "True To The Game" is an Imani Motion Pictures film directed by Preston. A. Whitmore II , produced by her her parents Manny and Yolanda Halley along with  Columbus Short. The movie definitely looks interesting and you can see it at the movies this fall . For more on True To The Game  book  trilogy and the movie make sure you're following@TrueToTheGameMovie . Congratulations to Iyana , Manny and Yolanda Halley , and the whole entire cast and crew.