We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nabila Hossain. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nabila below.
Nabila, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
In short: Experiences and Blessings.
I remember when I moved out to LA 5 years ago, I said to myself, “I’m here to build confidence!” It must have been a year in when I realized I assumed the definition of confidence was someone who seems so sure of themselves and their choices that no one could deny it. As if it were an outside-in quality. It turns out, that’s not what confidence means. Confidence, by an etymological standpoint or Middle English standards, comes from the root words “con”, which means “with”, and “fido” which means “trust”. With trust. That’s what confidence means. You can’t put that on! To build trust from within, you have to have relevant experiences. So, I went to work. I signed up for acting classes, took headshots, attended meetings all in the effort to give myself a “5-year degree” in my second career. It definitely put me on the road to build confidence with plenty of relevant experiences.
Speaking of roads, my first career however was in the Engineering world. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering and launched out of college as a Roadway Designer. Yes, it is a very cool field as part of the Transportation sector – we specifically work with AutoCAD design software to develop construction blueprints of roads and highways that contractors ultimately build for us to drive on. Some time within year 6 of working, I had an incredible opportunity to audition for a leading role in a web-series called “Brown Girls” written by poet & writer, Fatima Asghar and directed by Sam Bailey. I would get cast as Leila, the whole 7-episode series would shoot in 2 weeks, and within half a year be nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. Soon after, one of my best said, “Nabila, go to LA. Just be there and learn everything you can. But, go, or I’ll put you on the plane myself.” With her blessings, I flew to LA. Blessings from loved ones are also a huge factor for my self-esteem. It’s not approval from others per say – but more like a deep acknowledgement over a loud-speaker that screams, “I see you. I’VE BEEN SEEING YOU. I love and support you. NOW FLY!” That hits different. I have a lot of love for many of my friends and family.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I just finished my 5th year in LA and have worked with some amazing teachers including Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), Laura, Tim & Bonnie at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting, Lesly Kahn & Co. for scripted comedy, among others. I highly recommend this trio of resources if you’re looking for a well-rounded TV & Film Acting and Comedy training as an adult. And, Groundlings for Improv.
Through the experience of learning, practicing, and doing lots and lots of auditions, I am happy to share that this year another one of my professional dreams came true: to be in an ensemble sit-com. I was cast as DM in an ensemble scripted comedy series called, The Party, about a group of friends who play D&D and their interpersonal lives. The first season, which can be seen on YouTube, was beautifully written, produced and directed by the talented Margaret Borchert, Geneva Willis and Tori Chancellor. And get this, the show was shortlisted for this year’s Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. I can’t make this up.
My journey continues as I build my resume as an Actor and as a Roadway Designer. There are two special parts of life I have never been afraid of: humans and mathematics. I wouldn’t say I’m great with both or either, but I’m not afraid of them – dare I say, I may even love them both equally. It’s the ridiculous and diverse ways in which people respond to their unique circumstances that make me fall in love with people over and over again. It’s the truth in math that makes me stay in love with math. Lol. I’ve never said it like that before.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Skill 1: Schedule everything. Classes, auditions, meetings, including the prep before and celebration after. Skill 2: Take good care of that body of yours. Dance, do yoga, drink celery juice, water, eat hearty meals and sleep.
Skill 3: Embrace the truth – Be honest about where you are and what you want. Yes, even with your employers. If you have a stellar working relationship, I have a feeling they would be so happy for you that you’re following your callings. They may even support you along the way. 🙂
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Dance. Sleep. Cry. Oh, and I send voicenotes. Exchanging long voicenotes with friends to get it all out is healing.
You gotta get it out. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nabilahossain.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nabilahossainofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLMrE2Im9vw
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9540704/ https://gamingtrend.com/feature/interviews/bringing-the-psychology-of-tabletop-to-screen-with-dd-web-sitcom-the-party/ https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/interviews/a43062/brown-girls-fatimah-asghar-sam-bailey-interview/
Image Credits
MEGAN LEE MILLER THE PARTY WEB SERIES BOSTON BOLLYWOOD DAVID MULLER
