Adia's Double Life: From Doula to Film Star

From Dance Floor to Spotlight

When I first heard about Adia, I was intrigued not just by her film debut but by her unique path to stardom. Twenty-five-year-old Adia's journey began not in a Hollywood spotlight but on a dance floor. A hip injury sidelined her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but instead of giving up, she took a leap of faith and tried acting.

"I decided to take an acting class, just to try it out and see if that would be comparable or satiate that need to perform and to create," Adia told Variety.

The move turned out to be a pivotal one. Her performance in the Netflix series The Midnight Club, followed by her role in HBO Max's Full Circle, set the stage for her big-screen debut. But it's not just her talent that caught my attention—it's her passion for what she does off screen.

A Career in Two Worlds

Adia isn't just an actress; she's also a certified doula, someone who supports women through the birthing process. This duality has shaped her approach to life and work, giving her a depth that transcends typical screen portrayals.

"Birth work is something that fills my soul — spiritually and emotionally — but it fills my pockets financially, as well," she explained.

This isn't just about making ends meet; it's a calling. Adia's interest in birth work began when she witnessed her cousin give birth at age nine—a moment that changed her perspective on life and purpose.

Playing Fatiha: A Role That Resonates

In Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Adia plays Fatiha, a teenage girl caught in the storm of grief and responsibility. The character is complex, not just a hormonal teenager but someone navigating real-life trauma with remarkable authenticity.

"This girl has crushes, yeah, but that's the least of her. She is dealing with very deep grief... having to rise to the occasion to be in a maternal role to her siblings," Adia described.

Her connection to Fatiha goes beyond performance—it's about understanding the emotional weight of young adulthood and the responsibilities thrust upon teenagers when circumstances are out of their control.

The Magic of Working with Mahershala Ali

Adia's audition process for Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother was intense—Zoom meetings, a surprise in-person visit from director Bassam Tariq, and a chemistry read with Mahershala Ali. The latter, she admits, was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

"Inside, I was screaming. But I was like, 'Get the screams out now so that you can be a regular ass bitch on this call, Adia... You're going to work, so please act accordingly,'” she laughed.

But it was more than just nerves. Ali's mentorship helped her embrace her instincts as an artist and gave her the confidence to speak up during scenes. “Watching Mahershala model that, and then opening the space for me to do that as well, made me feel empowered to be able to show up,” she said.

Behind the Scenes: The Real Adia

What struck me most about Adia wasn't just her performance but how seamlessly she integrates her two worlds. While filming Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, she was also studying under acclaimed Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima, balancing classes with film sets. Her experience of being in class while on set, listening to conversations about conception through headphones, is a testament to her dedication.

"There were days when I would be on my phone in class, and I'd be on set. They're setting up for a scene, and I have my headphones in one ear, listening to them talking about conception," she shared.

This kind of dedication—being fully present in both worlds—is rare. It speaks to a generation that's not afraid to pursue multiple passions and to live authentically, even in Hollywood.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Adia

Adia is now certified as both a doula and an actress, but her journey doesn't stop there. She's not just looking for roles—she's looking for ways to bring her unique experiences into every character she portrays.

"I do birth work as my day job, and I've always thought I'll probably end up becoming a midwife," she said. "Life is constantly shifting and changing. These are my passions: I love film. I love birth work. I'll see where they meet, or don't."

Whether her paths converge in future projects or not, Adia's story serves as an inspiration for anyone trying to make sense of their purpose in a complex world. She's proof that authenticity and passion are the best acting tools of all.