Meet Grace Ojionuka | Actor, Aerialist, Model, Mermaid, Neighborhood Goddess

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Ojionuka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Honestly, I can’t think of a specific moment where I knew it was time to give up because I’ve always been someone who keeps going, no matter the challenge. I don’t really believe in giving up, but I do believe in knowing when to pivot. Life has a way of guiding us towards new opportunities—sometimes it’s a door, sometimes it’s a window, or a hole in the wall—but it’s important to stay open to those possibilities. That openness can lead to experiences that shape the next steps in ways you never expected.

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’m a paralegal by day and an artist by passion. What sets me apart from others is that I’m constantly juggling these different roles—what I like to call being a multi-hyphenate. But no matter what I’m doing, I’m always unapologetically myself (even if it sometimes lands me in trouble). My experiences may not be unique, but my perspective is, and that shapes how I approach every project. Everything I work on matters to me. Right now, I’m not in any shows to promote—though I’m definitely open to it (directors, feel free to call me! 🤣).

What excites me the most at the moment is launching SkyGoddess Ent, a dream of mine to create an artist collective specifically for Black people and people of color. Aerial arts, in particular, have stolen my heart these past few years, but unfortunately, there aren’t many opportunities for Black artists in this space in the Houston area (grateful to all those who give the opportunity to perform). Additionally, sometimes, people just don’t know that we exist. It hasn’t been easy—I’m going through my own personal renaissance, so a lot of my lives have been put on the backburner. But with the support of people like Shaniqua from Heightened Experience, who help people me keep this dream alive, I’m determined to make it happen. My ultimate goal is to create a space where Black and POC artists can thrive in a form where we’re rarely seen.

It’s not easy breaking into an industry where you’re not only a minority but also competing with people who have more connections and experience (no hate or shade but that’s reality). It can feel cliquish and cutthroat at times.

As for branding myself? That’s a tough one. I’m Grace, 24/7, and what you see is what you get. I’m always coming from a place of authenticity, especially when it’s something I’m passionate about (which is pretty much everything). When I commit, I’m all in, and you can always count on that!

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.
All my best friends live in the city or are from the city for the most part and they know my haunts.

But let’s say they are visiting… If my best friends were visiting, we’d definitely start with karaoke because I’m obsessed! We’d hit my favorite spots: DJ Andi Pantz at Henderson’s on Tuesdays and Kings Eado (look for Saul as your bartender) on Fridays, Tikilaz on Wednesdays, and Violet at JRs Bar and grill (look for Elias on the patio as your bartender) on Thursdays. Whatever day they’re up for, we’re going!

Pearl Bar, is a must—great DJs and good vibes in general! Fun for the gays and theys 💕 and then hit Ninja Ramen up afterwards

For Sunday brunch, we’d mix it up—Chapman & Kirby for that ratchet brunch vibe (in the best way possible) and Taste Bar + Kitchen, Lucille’s, Grace’s for solid vibes and amazing food.

For food throughout the week, I’d take them to my favorite spots: Dish Society, Snooze AM Eatery, Black Walnut Café, another broken egg (I like breakfast, what can I say?) Caribbean Hot Pot (OXTAILS), Jinya Ramen, Truth BBQ off the top of my head. If we’re feeling fancy, Marmo is the spot—I recently went and loved it. Vic and Anthony’s, Steak 48, Xochi, and Perry’s (you can never go wrong there) for a couple of let’s get dressed and eat places in Houston. Thursdays, we’d definitely hit up Prauper Studios for R&B Night—it’s always a vibe.

We’d catch a community theatre show to support local artists (The Octarine Accord, Sankofa Collective, Cash Carpenter productions, ZSP, or creative movement practices to name a few.
For the weekend, the Houston Arboretum, Memorial Hermann Park and Miller Outdoor Theatre are perfect. The Museum of Natural Science is one of my favorites, so we’d spend time there, and the Contemporary Arts Museum is a must, too.

For something chill, Graffiti Park is fun for pics, and if we’re feeling hookah, Mary’s is always a good spot any day of the week. And honestly, just walking around downtown Houston is a good time—you never know what you’ll end up doing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
LOL, a book? No books but there are so many people I’m incredibly grateful for along my journey. A huge shoutout to Cash Carpenter for giving me the first stage I ever acted on as an adult, and to Houston Mermaids for bringing my childhood dreams of being a mermaid to life. I’m deeply thankful to Kinky Circus Houston and Axis Aerial Arts (special nod to Tori and Shaniqua) for fueling my passion for aerial performance. To all the incredible artists (local and non-local) and photographers I’ve worked with—your support and creativity continue to inspire me and keep my dreams alive. My baby sister who makes me proud and inspires me literally everyday(there’s a decade between us but she is one of the coolest bitches I know) But above all, my deepest appreciation goes to my amazing circles of friends who’ve stood by me through thick and thin. Their love and encouragement mean more to me than I can ever put into words, and they truly deserve the most recognition. I love them more than I could ever express.

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