We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Warren recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelly, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I used to be a very cautious person. I stayed in the lines and “followed the rules” because I was so afraid of failure. Took the 9-5 customer service job (more like 8-6) that I didn’t really like because that was the “safe” thing to do…it seemed. But I realize going against my intuition was not actually the safe thing to do. I was burning out all the time and miserable spending my life just focused on making a pay check. So I took a risk and went with my gut. And I think the key to developing the ability to take risks is to take small ones at first. When I did it this way, I built trust with myself. I proved to myself in time that taking risks was worth it. I left the customer service job for a job at my church that paid half of what I made before. This one move was the stepping stone to the future I was meant for. Not only was it a healthier atmosphere surrounded by the people and faith that I loved, but suddenly I had way more flexibility and free time to invest in what I adored: acting, singing and yoga.
From this place I was able to take the next risk, auditioning for paying acting gigs. I showed myself that I could make a living from acting and I succeeded. I was able to cut my hours at the church in half to pursue a career as a film and commercial actress. Because I took this risk, I also had time to find a band and get paid to sing. Because I took the risk, I had time to go through Yoga Teacher Training and I am now a certified instructor RYT 200. One small risk leads to another and another and suddenly, you’re right where you’re meant to be.
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?
I am currently a professional actor and model. I’ve appeared in local, regional and national commercials as well as a few new True Crime documentaries (Undercover:Caught on Tape on A&E and Crime Nation on The CW). I’ve also starred in several award winning short films!
I recently joined a new band as a vocalist, The Travelers Band, located in York,PA. We sing rock, blues, folk and country covers. Our next gig is May 18th at Moon Dance Winery located in Wrightsville, PA.
I graduated Yoga Teacher Training in February 2024 and am now a Yoga Alliance certified instructor RYT 200. I offering private lessons and am looking to join a few studios in York,PA very soon.
I am so excited about the path I am on because it is the first time I’ve felt aligned and authentic with my true self. And I think that is the most important thing any human can do in this world. When we’re aligned with our calling, only love can flow from that space. If we were all aligned, imagine how much more love could be in this world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Definitely learning to trust yourself when you want to take a risk. Showing yourself you can be trusted by keeping small promises to yourself daily really helps the process. And they can be the smallest things like “I’m going to take 10 minutes for myself to journal uninterrupted this morning” or “I’m going to eat a meal without looking at my phone” or “I’m going to take a bubble bath today!” Small builds.
Reading The Four Agreements was huge for my growth. I’ve read it several times and it’s eye opening:
“The Four Agreements are a self-help book by Don Miguel Ruiz, based on Toltec teachings.01 The book outlines a code of conduct that can transform one’s life to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. The four agreements are “Be impeccable with your word,” “Do not take anything personally,” “Do not make assumptions,” and “Always do your best.” These agreements determine how one sees themselves, what is possible for them, how they should behave, and their worth as a person. ”
Trust in something bigger than myself has gotten me through this journey. I catch myself “worst-case scenario-ing” A LOT. Because worst case scenario HAS happened to me and it WILL happen to everyone at some point in there life. But I have been reminded by God that BEST case scenario also happens. And something good is always on the way. There is rest in trust.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Gonna pull the answer from my last question:
“The Four Agreements are a self-help book by Don Miguel Ruiz, based on Toltec teachings.01 The book outlines a code of conduct that can transform one’s life to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. The four agreements are “Be impeccable with your word,” “Do not take anything personally,” “Do not make assumptions,” and “Always do your best.” These agreements determine how one sees themselves, what is possible for them, how they should behave, and their worth as a person. ”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backstage.com/u/kelly-warren/
- Instagram: kellywarren1231
- Facebook: kellywarren1231
Image Credits
Obscura Photography Austin Gingerich
Christopher Williams
