You might know her as Sheri Holland on 13 Reasons Why, but Ajiona Alexus has been keeping busy with a variety of other impressive projects. She recently starred in Lionsgate’s psychological thriller Acrimony, in addition to Blumhouse’s horror film Family Blood, and Universal Pictures’ thriller Breaking In, opposite Gabrielle Union. Besides appearing in many of the recent box office hits, Ajiona has been diligently working on her debut album that’s sure to soar to the top of the charts. You can find her new single, “Baggage,” here.
Her Campus spoke with Ajiona about season two of 13 Reasons Why, her passion for anti-bullying causes, how she likes to spend her free time (when she has it!) and more.
Her Campus: In 13 Reasons Why, you play Sheri Holland, a cheerleader with a dark secret. Before you began shooting, were you nervous at all about the heaviness of or controversy surrounding the show’s material?
Ajiona Alexus: No, I wasn’t too nervous about it. I was really excited to be able to be picked up for another season. Hopefully it’s for the better good that we got picked up. I’m sure every time the writers are writing, they’re doing it to help others who are going through the issues that Hannah Baker is going through. I’m just glad we got to show other parts of the story through season two. I think a season three would be pretty cool as well.
HC: Do you enjoy playing a character that’s perceived to be a “Little Miss Perfect” type?
AA: I think it can be a hit and a miss with that because it’s like nobody’s perfect, so it is really dynamic to see a character like Sheri. I think her character is important because there’s a lot of people out here who kind of pretend like everything’s perfect and everything is rainbows and smiles, which it’s not. In season two, you get to see that other side of people. I think it’s important to always remember that no matter how perfect somebody looks, they always have something else going on in their life.
HC: After working on set, we’d imagine you need a little TLC. What’s your self-care regimen like?
AA: It can be pretty bad sometimes, but I actually wear wigs a lot. I just started wearing wigs. I wasn’t a wig person. I usually did my natural hair, but being on so many sets at once and having all these people doing your hair can kind of be damaging sometimes. I’m just starting to get in the process of doing more wigs whenever I can to keep heat away from my hair. I actually make a lot of homemade stuff for myself when I take care of my hair. I actually use eggs, mayo and honey. I’ll let that sit in my hair for a deep conditioner. I’ve done that for the past year and realized it really helps my hair stay healthy. and maintain that oil and conditioning that it needs.
HC: What was it like working with Gabrielle Union in Breaking In?
AA: Gabrielle is amazing! She’s my favorite person to work with ever. She’s really down-to-earth, she’s smart, she’s strong, and she’s really someone who’s breaking barriers in the industry especially, for African-American women. I appreciate her for that. She did the producing and acting, and so many parts of the Breaking In movie. I really look up to her and am so glad I got to work with her.
HC: Besides acting, you’re currently working hard on you debut album. How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences?
AA: My sound is really edgy, but still really me in a whole new way. It has a pop side to it, and also very edgy. I’m not too pop of a person, so my project strategy is to show the two sides of me. One side is the savage girl who’s kind of tomboyish, and the other side a little softer and a girlishness to her. My influences are Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Janet Jackson. I think there are so many people who inspire me for different reasons.
HC: You’re a passionate advocate for anti-bullying causes—can you tell us about your time with Girls, Inc.?
AA: Girls, Inc. I did in Atlanta, Georgia when I was there. We did a tour type of thing, and I went around and spoke to young girls about the importance of having positive self-esteem and self-worth. I actually did some research when I found out most bullies come from the people who are most insecure about themselves. I went out to these schools, spoke to these girls and did little activities with them. I told them when you’re comfortable with yourself, you’re not really worried about anybody else. I think that’s taking a step toward anti-bullying.
HC: When you’re not working or volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?
AA: I actually like to write music a lot, so that’s usually what I do. It’s funny because when I’m not working I’m probably doing music stuff. However, I do like to go to the beach and workout when I can. I’m trying to get back into that, and it’s quite the mental challenge, and physical, also. I like to eat and try new restaurants and foods. There’s this new show I started watching on HBO called The Comeback, and I think it’s one of the funniest shows I’ve seen. American Horror Story, Bates Motel and Rick and Morty are my top shows right now.