Donalia Jones, also known as “Oh Dolly,” was born in the Bronx and raised in Jersey City. With a rich cultural heritage from her Ghanaian father and Antiguan mother, she has become a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, currently starring as Linda in the film “The Perfect Mother.” As the Founder and CEO of OhDollyNetworks, she is a media powerhouse, with versatile talents extending to television appearances on shows like “My True Crime Story” and as the writer and producer of “Intro to Adia.” Additionally, Donalia is a skilled freelance production coordinator. Her early achievements include being named Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen of New Jersey in 2008, and she gained invaluable global experience as a student ambassador traveling to China during high school. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to creative expression, Donalia Jones continues to make a significant impact in film and television, aiming to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
Q: Where did your interest in film come from?
A: When I was a kid, originally I wanted to be a doctor, and when I went to school people said, ‘You are so dramatic, you should be an actress.’ I’ve been dramatic since I was a little girl. I had never thought about that. I then went to acting school and it was up from there. I never thought about working in production until I moved to Atlanta in 2021. While I was working at the aquarium, one of my friends who’s also an actress told me the way to get into the industry is from behind the camera. I always wondered what it took because it always seemed like there were so many moving parts. I made my way in, and I’ve learned many different departments. I love it, it’s my world. So, if I’m not in front of the camera, I’m still in my element.
Q: Are there any actresses that you looked up to in childhood, or even today?
A: I absolutely love Viola Davis! People don’t understand that in this acting world, still to this day in 2024, colorism is a thing. I come from a large family and most of the time, I was the darkest one. When I was younger and in school, we didn’t realize that the world we live in, trains you to think that your color is bad. So growing up watching Viola Davis from her early ages to now, she’s paved the way for brown skin women to embrace what they look like and how they feel. That confidence draws people to you, no matter what they learned before. Viola made me feel comfortable knowing I’m not the only one. The decision of how you feel doesn’t come from what people may say to you, but how you feel about yourself. That stood out to me.
Q: What does it mean for you to be a Black woman in this industry?
A: It means challenge. It means perseverance. It means to be solid but to still be graceful. Sometimes women become so hard trying to prove to men that they’re able to do it all that they forget grace. While you become respected in one thing, you lose your feminine energy. Atlanta is more of a Black Hollywood than it is Hollywood. In Hollywood, they respect you a little bit more as a woman, but at the end of the day, you still have to prove more. They don’t give you as many chances as they would a man, but you do get chances. You have to block out what you think might hinder you from pushing yourself forward. Overall, it’s not easy for Black women. They always say in this industry that you have to be a little crazy to be here but to be a Black woman, is to be something to be intimidated by. We are powerful! That’s why it’s so hard for Black women to conquer because we’re intimidating without trying to be.
Q: You wear many different hats. Which one is your favorite and why?
A: My favorite was being a Director’s Assistant. I got to get into the mind of not only the director, but of the creator of the project. To see what the creator said verbally and on paper, then to see how that transformed to the director’s mind in front of me as it was happening live was a beautiful thing. Currently, I have stepped into the world of creative producing and I am part of that creative process and it is amazing. I love seeing people’s vision come to life and being a part of that.
Q: What would you say is the biggest dream you have for your career??
A: I think I’ve lived my biggest dream. My dream was not as big as God’s will. I wanted my own network, Oh Dolly Networks, I want it to be multitude of things. Before it becomes a streaming network, I want it to be a place where people can come and gather resources for production. I want it to be a place where they can show off their talents and even book other people and build community. Eventually, I want all Oh Dolly Networks to be an actual network where people can showcase their talents for real entrepreneurs and passion-driven creators. But for now, that’s it. Of course, I can’t let go of acting. Every time I think I’m letting it go I get a call with a request to audition so I always say ‘yes!’
Stay connected to Dolly Jones:
- Instagram: @Ohdollynetworks
- Access to Linktree: here
