Every year, as I celebrate my Los Angeles Anniversary on May 9th, I take the time to reflect on my career. I consider the ups and downs, the victories and challenges, and the journey that has brought me here.
What you may see on the surface - the bookings, auditions, callbacks, and self-promotions - is just the tip of the iceberg. There's so much more beneath the surface; 26 years of hard work, learning, and growth. My journey may seem blessed, and it is, but it's been far from an overnight success.
My career began in Orlando, where I took advantage of every opportunity that came my way. Theme parks, community theater, dinner theater, special event gigs, you name it. I even interned at a Renaissance festival for the sheer joy of performing. The road wasn’t easy and the competition fierce, even in a secondary market.
Over the years, I’ve trained and continue to train, reading every industry and marketing book I could find.
In 2012, I made the big move to Los Angeles. I had spent my time in Orlando wisely, honing my craft and understanding the market. I felt ready for the next step. L.A. welcomed me, and soon enough, I got a commercial agent, landed a few commercials, and booked my first co-star role in 2013 (How I Met Your Mother)
From 2014 to 2020, I saw a steady stream of work, booking a co-star role and a commercial each year. Times were tough, with peanut butter dinners becoming a norm at one point. I took on various jobs - from retail and driving for Uber to a parking lot attendant and an overnight janitorial role. I even went back to working for a theme park and spent a year without a car.
When the Covid pandemic hit in 2020, I had to live off my savings. But, as they say, the show must go on. From 2021 to 2023, things started looking up again. I embraced self-taping, found representation in other markets such as NYC, Atlanta, NM, and Chicago, and even started my own coaching business.
As I write this in 2024, I am still hustling, building my company, and maintaining a part-time job outside the industry, all while striving to build meaningful relationships.
So, what's the point of sharing all this?
Success in show business, takes time, patience, support, and understanding, both from oneself and others. It's a journey that I've wholeheartedly embraced because, at the end of the day, I wouldn't want to do anything else.
Remember, what you see on the surface is often just a glimpse of the reality. A career comes with hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of perseverance.
#Perseverance #Dedication #HustleHard