We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camille Kauer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camille below.
Camille, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
One possible source lies in my upbringing as an only child, my parents raised me to always give back and get involved in my community another circumstance that may have nurtured my innate sense of empathy and giving. Wrestling with the apprehension of conforming to societal stereotypes often associated with only children, I was determined to defy expectations through my acts of kindness. Moreover, being an only child seems to have woven a profound reliance with my friendships, they are my surrogates for familial bonds, my confidants, and my cheerleaders, and they tell me the truth. This reliance has not only underscored the importance of my relationships but also informed my beliefs that true generosity is a reciprocal exchange. As I like to say, “If I am not willing to be generous with them, how can I expect them to be generous to me?”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Having spent over 30 years in the entertainment industry as an actress and over 4 years self-producing and hosting my award-winning podcast, The E-Spot with Camille, I intimately understand the hurdles that women confront in both fields. Navigating through challenges like pay disparity, minimal opportunities, funding, and unconscious biases can be quite the journey. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that success is attainable for everyone. I originally wanted to use the name “The E-Spot” as my med spa, having worked for the top spas in LA as a spa director and esthetician but carpal tunnel had other plans for me. It took a lot of heartache and a chance opportunity to test my radio voice with an ESPN radio station and I was hooked. I won an award my first year on air and then the pandemic hit and I had to pivot again. Being flexible and wanting to live the life my inner child wanted but wasn’t able to have was all the drive I needed to find a new way to keep getting opportunities.
In every installment of “The E-Spot With Camille,” I get the privilege of getting enlightening advice from prominent figures in beauty, design, and entertainment, individuals who have carved their names in the industry’s history books. From actors and directors to writers and producers, we delve into their trials, victories, and the invaluable insights they’ve gained. On the beauty side, I have the best come in and share their tips and techniques for not only achieving their beauty goals but also for aspiring makeup artists, and hairstylists, on how to get into coveted opportunities with the “glam squad” in Hollywood or their own spa.
No matter if you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran of the industry, “The E-Spot With Camille” offers something enriching for all. So, I invite you to accompany me each week on a journey through the peaks and valleys of the entertainment and beauty world, as we collectively unearth ways to shatter barriers and realize our aspirations. My show is a labor of love and is scheduled around my shooting dates, my agents keep me pretty busy with commercial and print jobs.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Becoming a successful actress and award-winning podcaster requires a unique blend of qualities. Having the self-awareness to realize what is success to you, forms the foundation, allowing individuals to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact they create. Resilience is crucial, as the entertainment industry demands tenacity in the face of challenges and rejections. The ability to pivot and adapt ensures that one can navigate evolving trends and opportunities effectively. Equally important is a strong support system—family, friends, mentors, and collaborators—who encourage, constructive feedback, and a sense of community. These qualities collectively empower me to keep going, and to thrive in the dynamic world of entertainment, carving a path to success as both a skilled actress and a captivating podcaster. Just this week I learned I made the top 100 list for Beauty and Fashion podcasts of all time.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities, or knowledge you needed to be successful?
If I could get a dollar for the number of times when wonderful opportunities seemed to knock on my door, I’d likely have quite the fortune by now. It’s crucial to believe in your instincts; they’re your best guide on this journey. Every lesson learned along the way, although challenging, serves as a stepping stone toward growth. This philosophy has guided my decision not to seek sponsors. While there have been instances where I placed trust in seemingly accomplished individuals who could potentially elevate my career, some of those situations didn’t pan out as expected. However, this journey has taught me the incredible power of self-reliance and the support of my inner circle in turning aspirations into reality. Authentic assistance is readily available to aid your progress, without making demands beyond your grasp. Just have to figure out what works best for you and make your way. Thankfully I don’t have to rely on my podcast for my income and my wonderful husband is committed to helping me acquire my success without having to change the integrity of my show. I do make enough for it to be more than a hobby but it alone definitely won’t help make a dent in my daughter’s college fund. I’ll say this again not everything has to be MONETIZED! It’s important to do things in life because it brings you joy and helps others. For now, I am happy with that and the perks of a media pass are priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://camillekauer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcamillekauer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealCamilleKauer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealcamillekauer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/camillekauer
Image Credits
Professional photos courtesy of Terrence Jones Photography:https://www.terrencejonesphoto.com/
