Meet Elisha “Eli” Davis | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisha “Eli” Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisha “Eli”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking has opened a lot of doors for me. My advice for anyone looking to move up is to not be afraid to take risks: ask for things, be confident in your ability, have conversations with people, know what you’re
selling, make bold choices, and love what ever it is that sets you apart from everyone else. Market your brand.
Surround yourself with other risk takers and pay attention to the company you have with you on your journey. Educate yourself, learn something. Know when
to speak and when to listen, clap for other people too. Write your goals down and make them plain. Build a strong team around you and invest in yourself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a tv, movie, and commercial actress. This year I made an appearance on the movie: George Forman as a girlfriend. It is currently on Netflix. At the Essence Festival of Culture, I performed as Luna in the live stage reading of “Girl of the House” by Candice Mitchell, which won an award for best script. I was Betty Ann in the film “Burnt Roux” directed by Keisha Johnella Davis which won best narrative short by special jury mention, an Oscar Qualifing award, at the New Orleans Film Festival. I worked on commercials for CMC Hospital, Hancock Whitney, Infinity Scrubs, and had a regional billboard and commercial campaign for Hope Bank. I worked on Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” directed by Justin Semen as apart of second team which came out on Disney + earlier this year as well. I just wrapped on another movie for Amazon Prime earlier this month as well. My brand / what I am selling is this: “I am what is possible …look at all these positive things a black girl can be.” I look up to Viola Davis. I love being apart of a story with a positive message. The biggest challenge this year was keeping faith through the strike. I had to trust that God’s plan is greater than my own. During that time, I stood by my tv and film family at rallies; we all had to show up for each other. Importantly, I also used that time to stay in acting coaching, go to the gym, and plan ahead. The lesson here was not to lose hope and stand on business even when I felt down. To me it’s also important to honor and show reverence to the Trail Blazers who came before you. For me this year that was helping put together the Iris Award Gala as Executive Associate for Women in Film and Television Louisiana. We had the privilege to honor many amazing women such as Amelia Chen Miley, Stacey Muhammad, and Eva Contis. Much like these women, hope to be a Trail blazer. I want to inspire. I hope that when people look at my story they will say “I am what is possible.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Story telling is important to me. Currently, I spend a lot of time in between Houston and New Orleans. Outside of acting, I am a field journalist for Lede New Orleans and my focus is on equitable media and restorative justice. I spend a lot of time with people, non profits and businesses in New Orleans. A few awesome organizations I recommend people checking out in the city are “Black Men Rising” and “Black Girls Rising”. Also, be sure to visit “826” a bookstore with books written by children, for children which also serves as the home to the kids radio podcast “Be Loud”. If you are interested in tv & film check out Women in Film & Television Louisiana, NOVAC, and Cool Cooperative. If you are an actor check out Jim Gleason’s the Working Actor’s Studio and the Actors Apothecary. Also, my favorite place to eat poke is Lemon Shark on Magazine.

For deserts, be sure to visit Haydel’s Bakery. My favorite place to shop sustainably in New Orleans is Buffalo Exchange. For volunteering I would recommend ARNO (Animal Rescue New Orleans). One beautiful place to go jogging and out door yoga is City Park and for Pilates I enjoy Romney. For adventure I would visit Zip Nola, for speed Nola Motor Sports and for entertainment I would visit Frenchman street. For a family fun day I recommend the Children’s Discovery Center. New Orleans has fun festivals year round as well. A few of my favorite are the beignet festival and Essence Fest. For performances check out Le Petit Theater. For inspiration visit Studio Be.

My favorite snow cone spot is Sno La. For macaroons and Instagram photos Sucre is a nice place. For a unique luxury dining experience I would visit Le Petit Chef. My favorite Brazilian Steakhouse I would recommend is Fogo De Chao. For a trendy healthy lunch, try Cava. The best spot for tacos is Velvet Taco. For a fun night on the town, go to Poor Boys.

Houston has a lot of trendy spots. My favorite Brazilian steakhouse in HOU is Chama Guacha. For crepes, Sweet Paris is great. For sustainable shopping, Plato’s Closet. To enjoy Christmas Lights visit River Oaks. For a day of family fun visit Katy, Tx. An upbeat church I like is Hope City. For a fun photo shoot check out TIFTI.

If you are interested in film in Houston check out Cinematic Affair Day. Also check out the Houston Film Commission.

Also for fun visit the Color Factory, the underground, and AMC. The breakfast club has good brunch food. For a healthy lunch visit Salad & go. Outdoor Cinema is also a vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out Action Talent Agency. Angie Moncrief is an absolutely wonderful agent and a lovely person. I would like to shout out On the Hunt Casting, shoutout to Hunter McHugh for being awesome. Thank you to all of those who have taught me a thing or two: Billy Slaughter, Lance Nichols, Jim Gleason. Shout out to Sallay Gray for introducing me to Women in Film & Television Louisiana. I would like to take Yvonne Jones for giving me career advice. I would also like to shout out all my friends who have showed up and supported me in my career. I would like to shout out my amazing parents for investing in me, my family for being there for me and thank God for every opportunity I have had in this industry.

Instagram: @EliTheCreative

Other: For bookings contact my agent: Action Talent Agency MoncriefAgent@gmail.com

Image Credits
Mrs. Dee, Elephant Quilt, Justin Milton, Jeremy Omoike