Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karina Andrea. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Karina , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I’ve been navigating the entertainment industry for over ten years now. Starting so young meant making endless mistakes, which slowly but surely taught me to not be so hard on myself for failing. When I was 14, I was told by a respected adult in the film/tv industry that I should quit singing. When I was 15, I’d read through negative comments on social media regarding my talent, face, body, etc. When I was 16, I had a New England based shark tell me I was a “boring” artist and didn’t deserve the support I had. The list continues, but nevertheless I couldn’t let it stop me.
Throughout this time of my life, I witnessed my mom overcome Trigeminal Neuraligia (TN), also known as “the suicide disease” because of the way it affects the quality of someone’s life. I will forever hold on to the memories of my mom being on the road with me and navigating this crazy industry, all while being unable to speak or eat due to the immense pain she’d become disabled by. I remember seeing my mom taking the lead on tour with taking care of the talent, but having to stop mid sentence to attempt easing the electric shock-like sensation that would take over an entire half of her face. Long story short, no self doubt or blows to the ego could take me down after that.
However, I’ll be transparent. I spent the first half of this year taking 10 steps back to figure out my place as a creative, emotionally driven, now 24 year old woman. It was hard to not compare my journey to my peers. In order to truly grow and discover myself to make the right career choices moving forward, I had to swallow any real pride I had left. My biggest influence on my resilience has to be my parents, my friends, and above all else, the recent dedication I put into my personal mental health. I can’t do it for anyone but myself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I feel like I’m 16 again! When I say this, I mean I feel like I have a fresh perspective toward my career and career goals. I couldn’t have gotten to this point without giving myself the proper time to rest and rediscover myself. Between therapy, family, friends and my cat… I can finally say I don’t hold myself to my past any longer. I’ve learned to bring the parts of my adolescent self that I love with me into this next chapter, while being able to safely depart from what doesn’t serve me or who I want to become as an adult. This long, rollercoaster of a process was 100% necessary in order for me to pursue my creative endeavors.
I’m now working on a debut artist project, letting my experience guide me through the whole process! I’m simultaneously becoming more and more involved within the film/tv industry, which I’ve grown to deeply love. Through this, I’ve fallen for the craft that is acting. Acting has played a major role in regaining my confidence and motivation. This has ALSO begun the process of writing my first screenplay!
I have brand new goals that I never would’ve imagined I’d take on before. This is both equally as exciting and terrifying… which I’m convinced is a green flag.
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?
I believe that my commitment to figuring out what makes me happy has set me forward into this era of my career. This is something I wish I knew sooner. It can be easy to jump to the release and marketing portion of your art, but I’ve learned first hand how that can be the downfall of your emotional satisfaction and overall drive. Is being the first one done the only reason you’re writing, recording or on set? I think it’s crucial to reflect on your goals and intention. At the end of the day, it’s all about the intention thats set out every day.
Secondly, the ability to trust my instinct has been the best way to never regret career based decisions. As a generally anxious person, it’s hard not to get paralyzed by even the smallest of crossroads. It’s a good practice to try and avoid the “what ifs”.
Prioritizing rest just as much as work, if possible is the last quality I’ll emphasize. For example, if I know I’m about to commit to two hours reviewing and submitting auditions on the casting boards, I’ll make sure it’s somewhere I’m able to ground myself immediately after (a park, my living room, anywhere without cool light, etc.), so that things that could easily feel “routine” are complimented with surroundings that make me feel in touch with right now.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’ve been so fortunate to be connecting with artists alike on both the east and west coasts and there’s nothing better than feeling like you’re on a team that reciprocates passion, belief and support. As I stay persistent with my work and considering I inevitably change something about my look every moon cycle, I’m always looking to collab with local photographers and cinematographers on portfolio building! Instagram has been one of the most resourceful tools for coming across amazing collaborators turned friends.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinerrrrrrr/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSa7cXbLSdCJAYPKsIFG6vQ
Image Credits
1st image @tommdewh 2nd image @val.ok 3rd image @val.ok
