Conversations with Charay Vaughn

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Charay Vaughn.

Hi Charay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Hello, thanks for having me, I’m Charay Vaughn, a child of God first and foremost, and a mother to three beautiful talented girls, I’m very spiritually inclined and a comedian by heart. Born to the late Alfonzy and Pastor Rosa Vaughn, I’m one of ten siblings. Originally from Westbury long Island New York, currently residing in South Carolina, and that is where the magic began. To rewind a little, at the age of 16, I would write poetry as a way of releasing my feelings into the atmosphere, and from there I would write songs.

While meeting a few people who stated, “If you can write poetry/songs then you can write a play”. I’m the type of person who challenges myself to do something positive that I’ve never done before, which is what I did. I started researching, watching YouTube videos, praying to God for direction and it was a ride from there.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Oh where do I begin, there were many challenges, such as having to learn the ropes when it came to my craft. Learning how to edit videos, learning how to work the camera, funding, and finding the right talent. Being a single mother, having to balance work and home life, just having that support system. Sadly, my mother who was my greatest support, transitioned in 2017. I Wed in 2017, however, in 2020 before COVID hit, 5 months pregnant with my third child, I found myself moved out, separated, broke, hurt, but yet safe. Having to rebuild my life, with God and those with the heart of God, I was able to do just that. I’ve come out stronger and better than before, as where God is taking me everyone can’t come.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Yes, I’m an actress, a radio personality, a TV talk show host, singer, filmmaker, playwright, producer, director, photographer, and hopefully an author of a children’s book in the future. I do wear many hats, I had become a one-woman show, however, my passion is acting.

I’m known for my TV show called, The Charay Vaughn Show Let’s Talk About It, where I focus on issues affecting the communities as well as celebrity interviews. I’ve been interviewed on WPDE news channel 15 with Tonya Brown, and featured in 5 magazines. I’ve received my doctorate degree in the ministry of music, which was held in Washington DC, governed by the beautiful Rev. Dr. Jacqueline G. Stevens, D. Min. D.D. I’ve won an award for my writing in Atlanta Georgia that was held at the four seasons, the great-niece of Lena Horn, Kimmie Horne, graced us with a beautiful performance.

I have four films, one web series, which I’ve written, produced, directed, filmed, and edited called, Is This Love? The Movie, Not Now, You Stand We Stand Together, (soon to come) The Wake Up 666, and Zombie Obsession. I’m in a film written by Trey called, ‘Education In Love” as Professor Stoneham, and currently in a film on Amazon Prime called, “A Small Problem”, written by Tabitha, which they call me the cake lady. Lol, I’ve been featured in numerous films such as HBO’s Vice Principles, and currently working on being apart of a new short film called, “The Intruders”, by Christina.

I’m most proud of all my accomplishments, the good, bad, and ugly as they shaped me to be who I am today, a role model to my three daughters. I’m proud of my resilience, strength, my strong will, and determination, I’m so thankful to God that I’m in the right state of mind and health.

What sets me apart from others is I’m definitely a woman of my word, I don’t follow the crowd, I tell you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. Sadly, it has become a lot of crabs in the barrel mentality when it truly comes to us supporting one another, working together, and passing the baton. There’s no need for any jealousy as your talent will make room for you, and what’s for you is for you; can’t no one take that away from you but you.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

Oh boy, what was I like, two things, a clown and I loved to sleep, lol. I’ve always loved entertaining others, I used to dance. I would learn dance moves from the music videos back in the 90’s that would come on TV, create my own moves, go to school and perform in the classroom with my boom box. I was shy, not very vocal, but very loving and caring.

I would go to the corner store, buy candy, and give it out to my classmates. I wish I wasn’t shy as it prevented me from truly experiencing school life, I would try out for sports, etc. make the team, and then quit. My parents were strict, however, I’m forever grateful, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6.

Contact Info:

• Website: charayvaughn.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charayactressvaughn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharayV
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charayv
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CharayVaughn

Image Credits
JL Nick