We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Gram. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.
Amanda , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my self-esteem and confidence by realizing that you need both to successfully achieve your goals. Understanding that confidence is key helps me rebuild it when I feel I’m lacking it. I also remind myself that confidence fuels improvement and performance, which motivates me to maintain and nurture my self-esteem as much as possible.
Another crucial part of developing my confidence has been through consistent practice and growth. I firmly believe that the more you do something, the better you get at it. In all of my hobbies and careers, the longer I’ve practiced and worked to strengthen my skills, the more confident I’ve become with them.
For example, I’ve been doing stand-up for almost two years, acting for four years, and roller skating for three. Gaining confidence in these areas has taken time and effort. Like anyone, there are days when my confidence falters, but I stay committed to consistency and make it a point to keep working toward regaining it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an actress, comedian, sketch performer, writer, and intermediate roller skater, my creative journey has been diverse and dynamic. I earned my degree in Film and Television Acting from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, where I not only honed my craft but also discovered my true self as both an artist and an individual. It was during this time that I met some of my closest friends, forming a strong creative community.
My acting roles are versatile, often ranging from aggressive, tough teenagers to street-smart, witty, and chaotic characters. Recent projects include playing a punk rock character, a quirky best friend, and a ditsy female cult member, among others. I also began my stand-up comedy career while in college, and today, I regularly perform at prominent venues across New York City, including Greenwich Village Comedy Club, St. Marks Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, Eastville Comedy Club, and many more.
In addition to stand-up, I am a co-founder of the sketch comedy group ‘This Might Make Sense’, where we write and perform live sketch shows and create engaging content for social media. Currently, I’m working on producing my own stand-up show at a local coffee shop I work at every Sunday. Where I make make amazing and several Carmel lattes.
Alongside my best friend, we started, Ak48 Films, a production company focused on creating and releasing original and female related films. Our upcoming project, ‘Winner Winner’, is set to be released soon. I occasionally like to do photoshoots and model for friends companies and other photographers. I spend most of my time working on projects and films of my own or others, performing stand-up across the five boroughs of New York and rollerskating through their vibrant streets, or eating a bacon egg and cheese quiet too often.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most important qualities is the ability to not be overly concerned with what others think. The crafts I have chosen are inherently vulnerable, and in order to fully engage in them, you must let go of any fear of judgment. While criticism can be difficult to hear, when offered with the right intent, it can be an invaluable tool for growth, helping you expand your skills and abilities. When you focus on the opinions of others, you risk diverting your attention away from your work, which can negatively impact your performance. The ability to not worry about others’ perceptions is a skill—yes, a skill—because it is not always easy. This has been one of the most impactful lessons on my journey, both professionally and personally.
Two other qualities that have had a profound influence on my journey are keeping an open mind and consistently showing up. Keeping an open mind allows you to remain positive and receptive to new opportunities and perspectives. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to continue learning and evolving, and I believe there is always more to learn. Showing up, in both a literal and figurative sense, has been crucial to my career. Simply being present—whether for a project, a meeting, or an opportunity—can leave a lasting impression and set the stage for success. Consistently showing up has opened doors for me in numerous projects and has played a significant role in advancing my career and personal growth. I also firmly believe you shouldn’t compare yourself to others, which has helped me through times of uncertainty, by focusing on my own growth and progress. And remember to trust and enjoy the process.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed—whether it’s before the camera starts rolling on set or just before I step on stage to perform my stand-up—I take a moment to acknowledge how I feel and use it to inform my performance. By accepting my emotions and recognizing where my mind is in those moments of overwhelm, I can channel that energy into my work. This approach not only helps me release those feelings but also brings emotion and authenticity to my performances. When feeling overwhelmed, I believe it’s important to accept the emotion, allow yourself to experience it, and then see how you can use it to enhance your performance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.c.gram/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmandaGram04
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thismightmakesense <
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