Conversations with Supriya Jaya Bores

Today we’d like to introduce you to Supriya Jaya Bores.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in the Sunshine State, I have always had a great appreciation for all things light, fun, and wildly entertaining. From an early age, I have always craved the center of attention and I decided to seek out creative outlets to satisfy that spotlight search. I graduated from Florida Southern college in 2018 (a whole semester early because I was ready to get out of there) with a BFA in Musical Theatre. I moved to Raleigh, NC about a week after graduation with my boyfriend.

His family lives here in Raleigh so the adjustment of not knowing anyone in a new city wasn’t terrible. I started working at a gym as a front desk staff while looking for acting work. I was working the morning shift, so that means waking up at 3 am to get to the gym at 4 am and work until noon. I found my first paid acting job within the first month of moving here. I was honored to be cast in “The Wolves.” at Sonorous Road Theatre. However, this meant I was multitasking waking up at 3 am, working until noon, sleeping until 4 pm and attending rehearsal from 5 pm-10 pm. Repeat this for a month. I was exhausted but determined to make a little name for myself here in Raleigh.

Shortly after the opening of “The Wolves,” I was getting rave reviews from local theatre sources. This warmed my heart to the fullest. I finally applied to my first “real” job here in Raleigh as an in-house Graphic Designer at a pest control company. Working normal hours helped my overall mood and productivity. I then started auditioning for more shows, starting with shows at Theatre Raleigh. I met the beautiful and fantastic Lauren Kennedy and was honored that she cast me in “Bridges of Madison County” as Marion/Chiara. This was the first regional theatre show I have ever booked. I was so excited. the relationship I made with Theatre Raleigh really pushed me into the local theatre community.

I then went on the perform as the “Somewhere” soloist in Westside Story at NCT, and various other roles for Theatre Raleigh performances. I have been blessed to be a part of so many shows in my 2+ years in Raleigh. Not to mention, within that time I have been working professionally as a graphic designer. I have been able to develop my own graphic style and have even started my own freelancing business called SUJA.Designs. I have made logos for several businesses and now I own my own shop where I sell LGBTQ+ positive stickers and prints.

Recently, I have climbed up the graphic design food chain and I now work for Foundry Commercial, a commercial real estate company here in Raleigh. I feel as if Raleigh has made a huge impact on my career, personality, and joy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think some of the main challenges I have faced is a combination of time, meeting new people, and just figuring out what I want to do along the way. I always feel as if there isn’t enough time in the day to get what I want to get done, done.

Balancing a full-time job, a professional acting career, and a small business is tough… but I try to make the best of my time and prioritize activities day by day. As for meeting people, I struggle with this constantly. Especially since COVID, it’s been hard to network and find the right people I will bond with and create long-lasting relationships with. Then there is the struggle of not knowing which avenue to pursue. I have the awesome advantage of wearing many hats.

I’m a singer, actress, designer, and business owner but it’s hard to choose which one I really want to pursue. I still am having difficulty with this. For now, I’m just a jack of all trades and hope to never find a niche!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m always switching back and forth between my two artists’ loves: Graphic Design and Acting. As a professional actress and singer, I love what this skill can provide to the community. Showcasing theatre to locals and telling a story that someone can relate to is the reason I love theatre. In Raleigh, I would say I’m “known” for being versatile, kind, and ready for action!

If someone has a request, I will be there to follow through! As a designer, I’m more professional in the sense where I think really hard about all my outcomes. My clients trust me to provide them with a product not only they will love, but their customers will too. This ignites me to be at the top of my game at all times. Allowing me to be known for my tenacity, drive, and speed.

My most proud work for acting has been my performance in Theatre Raleigh’s “Bridges of Madison County.” I had the amazing chance to perform with Broadway Star Janine Divita, Patrick Oliver Jones, and was directed by Lauren Kennedy.

My most proud work as a graphic designer thus far has been joining the Foundry Commercial Design Team. I have always suffered from imposter syndrome, and being a designer for a large corporate company makes me feel like I’m doing something right. I’m not just an employee number here. They appreciate every ounce of work I put in and reward me for it as well.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Drive.

I constantly am thinking about my next move. I always feel uneasy in the stillness of life. Some may say that is a bad thing, and it could be. However, I enjoy planning and pushing myself to achieve success. No is never an answer. I want to feel like what I’m doing is important or impactful. That goal always keeps me driven.

Pricing:

• Logo Design – $400
• Branding Design – $800

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @supriya.jaya
• Other: https://www.foundrycommercial.com/people/raleigh/supriya-jaya.stml

Image Credits
Headshot photographed by Areon Mobasher