We recently connected with Alayna Licardi and have shared our conversation below.
Alayna, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my parents. Growing up, I watched them go through challenges but always come out on top. They also made sure that any challenge I faced, I would have to conquer it on my own first before I asked for help from them. It helped me find my independence and the installed this force inside me to never back down when things got tough.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Alayna, I’m a costumer apart of the Local 705 IATSE. I dress actors and models for commercials, movies, and print photoshoots. I’ve been in the entertainment industry for 10+ years. I started out as a model and worked my way into the wardrobe department. Never in a million years did I think I’d end up there but I’m enjoying every moment of it. Each day holds something different and every production set has a new learning experience. I also get to work with some of the most incredible and creative people. I love that my interests have turned into a career and feel so lucky I get to be surrounded by clothes everyday.
You can check out some of my work on my website www.alaynalicardi.com and follow me on instagram @alaynamlicardi.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that impacted my journey the most were relationships, determination, and willingness to learn. I am where I am today because of the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve built many relationships and made it a point to network every time I’m on set. You never know how or when you’re going to get your next job so you may as well increase your chances by increasing your network. Determination played a big role because this industry is intense. It’s extremely competitive and full of “no’s”, so you have to make sure you have your goals, stick to them and work hard. My willingness to learn helped me transition into the role I am now. I started out as a model and didn’t go to fashion school so in a way I was a little behind everyone else in my field. I didn’t let it stop me and made it my priority to learn everything and anything about fashion.
Some advice I would have for anyone starting in the entertainment industry is don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Try to build relationships and follow up with potential people that can hire you. There’s a ton of people that want that same position. This will help you stay fresh in their minds so when the opportunity arises, they think of you first.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My mentors have been the most helpful in overcoming challenges and educating me on essential skills. I’ve learned everything I know from the people I work with everyday and could never thank the enough. Each person has a different set of strengths that has taught me something new. Watching them succeed in their careers has served as an expanding point of view for what’s possible for my own self as I move up in the industry. They’re also always there for me if I have any questions or need advice because they’ve probably gone through a similar experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alaynalicardi.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alaynamlicardi
Image Credits
Matt Shouse
