Meet Ning Liando

We were lucky to catch up with Ning Liando recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ning , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I think my resilience comes from the quiet moments — the ones where I had to figure things out on my own. Being adopted taught me early on how to adapt, how to observe, and how to find my own place in the world. I used to shut down a lot because I didn’t want confrontation or rejection, but I realized that holding everything in only made me lose my voice.

Art and acting helped me find that voice again. They became the space where I could let my emotions exist freely — all the pain, confusion, and hope. Every time I create or perform, I feel like I’m piecing myself back together.

For me, resilience isn’t about being strong all the time — it’s about continuing, even when things feel uncertain. I just keep showing up, even in the silence. That’s where I’ve found the strength to grow, little by little.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m an artist, actor, and model — for me, each is a form of storytelling. I’m fascinated by human behavior and emotion: why people are the way they are, what shapes them, and how they heal. That curiosity draws me to the psychological realm and archetypal characters — the wounded one, the nurturer, the rebel, the lover — because each role reflects a truth I’ve lived or learned about myself.

I recently trained in acting and modeling, and worked on feature films and commercials, which gave me the chance to bring those emotional layers to life visually. One of my most meaningful moments was walking in Austin Fashion Week’s “Resilience” showcase, supporting survivors of domestic violence. Resilience, to me, is rising even when things fall apart and finding strength in vulnerability.

I’m also creating a new series of figurative paintings. My art captures the story behind someone’s eyes, the quiet, raw part of being human. What excites me most is how acting, art, and fashion all connect through emotion and expression. My work is about transforming pain into purpose and reminding others that their stories matter.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, curiosity, and emotional awareness. Resilience has helped me keep moving forward even when opportunities were scarce or challenges felt overwhelming. Curiosity — about people, behavior, and emotion — has been the fuel for both my art and acting, allowing me to dig deeper into stories and characters. Emotional awareness has been crucial because understanding my own emotions and responses helps me connect authentically with the work I create and the people I collaborate with.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be:
1. Resilience: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or let rejection define your worth. Keep showing up and practicing your craft consistently. Every small step counts.
2. Curiosity: Stay curious about the world, people, and yourself. Read, observe, ask questions, and explore different mediums or approaches — this curiosity will deepen your work.
3. Emotional awareness: Learn to sit with your feelings and reflect on them. Journaling, meditation, or just observing your reactions can strengthen your ability to translate real emotion into your art or performance.

Developing these qualities isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency, self-reflection, and being brave enough to engage deeply with both your craft and yourself.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is self-doubt. Even with experience and training, it’s easy to question whether I’m good enough, whether my work resonates, or if I’m on the right path.

To overcome this, I focus on consistent practice, reflection, and small wins. I remind myself that growth is a process and that each project, whether a painting, a role, or a modeling shoot, is an opportunity to learn and improve. I also lean on trusted mentors and peers for perspective — their feedback helps me see progress that I might not notice myself.

I’ve found that acknowledging self-doubt without letting it dictate my choices allows me to channel that energy into preparation, creativity, and resilience. Over time, it becomes less of a roadblock and more of a guide, showing me where I need to focus and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ningliando.com
• Instagram: @the.art.of.ning @sass_and_friends