Issa Rae Reveals What Makes Her Feel 'Powerful'

Issa Rae knew that if she kept “her head down and keep working” she would eventually accomplish her dreams.

“...If it’s meant for you, it will come,” she told InStyle.

After working in Hollywood as a writer, executive producer, comedian, and actor, Rae has found her footing and created her own formula for success. The 35-year-old, who is known for executive producing and starring in HBO’s “Insecure,” said creating her own content is what makes her feel “powerful.”

“I think nothing makes me feel more powerful than creating something from start to finish,” she said. “I think that’s just — not to be hubristic — but you’re kind of playing God at that point. Creating something. Like that is power.”

In her interview, Rae admitted that it took her a while to understand that life doesn’t always happen according to plan. She said the original timeline she had set for herself was “just not realistic” but that knew where she wanted to end up. Rae shared that the older she’s gotten, the more she’s learned to ask for what she wants and make space for herself in an industry that often overlooks minorities, particularly minority women.

“Part of me felt like I could not compete with my male peers in that way, who were proudly proclaiming all the things that they were gonna do,” she said.

Now, she is expanding her horizons by challenging herself to work with people from all walks of life who “don’t share the same experiences” as her.

“I think once you start doing the work, it’s about finding equally passionate people to work and grow with,” she said. “Finding great people across mediums and in areas where I was weak to build with has been essential to my career growth.”

Rae has already dove into 2020 headfirst. She starred in “The Photograph,” which came out in theatres Feb. 14, and her newest film, “The Lovebirds,” along with the fourth season of “Insecure” both come out in April.